Dangerous & Careless Driving Solicitors

Careless driving and dangerous driving are serious motoring offences that carry strict and severe penalties. The consequences following a conviction of either of these offences can be life changing.

As specialists in this area, we understand that every case is unique and as a result we closely examine the circumstances of the offence and Police procedures in order to establish whether any errors occurred during the initial stages of their investigation, all with our commitment in providing our clients with the strongest defence possible.

Although careless driving and dangerous driving offences can sometimes seem open and shut cases, typically they are not and the Court will scrutinise the individual circumstances of each case to establish objectively whether your driving was careless or dangerous.

Careless Driving

As leading motoring solicitors, the Motor Law team can advise on the prospects of your case and gather key information that can be utilised as part of your defence.

Careless driving is when:

• Your driving falls below the standard which would be expected of a competent and careful driver;
• Where it would be obvious to a competent and careful driver that driving in that way would be deemed careless.

Examples of careless driving include:

• Driving too close to another vehicle
• Pulling out in front of another vehicle
• Tuning in the radio/changing a CD causing the driver to swerve

If found guilty of careless driving the penalties imposed can vary dramatically depending on the severity of the offence.

Penalties can include;

• Discretionary disqualification;
• Between three and nine points;
• A fine of up to £5000;
• If you are a new driver and are sentenced so that you accumulate at least six penalty points, then your licence would be revoked and you would have to retake your test;
• Your job may be at risk if you are banned from driving;
• Your insurance premiums would increase following a period of disqualification;
• You will have a criminal record that will only become spent after the time scales set out in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. Consequently, if required you will have to inform your employers or future employers of this conviction during those time scales.

The Police can offer a fixed penalty for the offence of careless driving. However, if you disagree with this penalty you can respond and challenge it through the courts.

The Motor Law team represent clients across the UK in such cases and are on hand to guide and advise you through the legal processes. We will ensure any issues or complexities are expertly handled, providing you with peace of mind when you need it most.

Dangerous Driving

Dangerous driving is a very serious motoring offence and if found guilty of this offence you could face a prison sentence.

It is crucial that you seek the guidance of a solicitor at the earliest opportunity if you are alleged to have committed this offence.  You can request specialist representation from Just Motor Law from the outset of the  Police interview. Seeking the right advice and guidance at the initial stages could result in the avoidance of a prosecution.

Dangerous driving is when:

• Your driving falls far below the standard which would be expected of a competent and careful driver;
• Where it would be obvious to a competent and careful driver that driving in that way would be deemed dangerous.

Examples of dangerous driving include:

• Driving on the wrong side of the road
• Excessive speeding
• Aggressive driving

Dangerous driving offences can be heard in either the Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court and depending upon where your case is heard sentencing powers can vary. It is the expertise of motoring law specialists that can significantly assist in the presentation of your case before the Court and make the difference to the severity of any imposed penalties.

Penalties for dangerous driving can have life changing consequences. They can include;

• A prison sentence of up to two years.
• Mandatory disqualification for a minimum of 12 months, unless Special Reasons apply;
• A fine of up to £5,000;
• Unpaid community work; an electronically monitored curfew,most serious offences;
• You will have a criminal record that will only become spent after the time scales set out in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. Consequently, if required you will have to inform your employers or future employers of this conviction during those time scales;
• Your job may be at risk if you are banned from driving;
• Your insurance premiums would increase following a period of disqualification;

With our Motor Law team you also have access to Higher Court Advocates with vast experience in representing clients accused of dangerous driving.

Please be aware that if you have been accused of a separate offence of, ‘causing death by dangerous driving’, it is crucial that you seek advice from a qualified and experienced defence solicitor urgently. This offence carries severe penalties and is one of the most serious motoring offences. Cases of this nature are particularly distressing and with Just Motor Law you have access to leading motor law litigators who can advise and guide you throughout your legal journey.

It is important to remember that by seeking legal advice from the outset you can help to ensure that any complexities and potential implications are effectively managed. Having access to expert advice can bring peace of mind at a time when you face uncertainty and concerns for what lies ahead.