Dangerous driving offences are among the most serious a driver can commit, which is reflected in the severe penalties associated. Possible punishments include a lengthy ban with mandatory extended re-test, community service, a fine and a possible custodial sentence – all of which could lead to the loss of your job or livelihood.At Burton Copeland, our motoring offence team is highly experienced in helping motorists accused of driving dangerously. Our team have defended cases successfully in arguing that the required standards had not been met by the prosecution. if you are accused of such an offence, Burton Copeland will devise the best strategy to secure and acquittal. We provide representation from the first police station interview, to the final Court hearing.
Where a guilty plea is to be entered, the highest level mitigation will be advanced on your behalf. We will ensure the best possible penalty for your circumstances.
If you have been accused of reckless driving, contact Burton Copeland who are dangerous driving solicitors specialists, to discuss your case. Getting in touch is simple – either call us on 0161 827 9500 or complete our online enquiry form and let us know a convenient time to contact you.
About dangerous driving offences
A person is deemed to be driving dangerously when their driving falls far below the standard expected of a careful and competent driver. This can include one or a number of the following:
To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that your driving was far below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver. That’s why it is important you speak to a defence solicitor should you be accused of driving dangerously.
What are the penalties?
For serious cases of dangerous driving, the maximum penalty is two years imprisonment and disqualification from driving. The minimum length of a ban is 12 months and there are no restrictions on how long a disqualification should last. Once the disqualification period comes to an end, drivers are required to complete an extended retest. In some cases, a financial penalty will also be imposed.
How can I avoid punishment?
The vast majority of cases can be defended by demonstrating that your driving was not far below the standard of competent and careful drivers. This could be argued to negotiate a lower charge, such as careless driving, with a lesser penalty. We can also argue that you were unaware of any car defects that may have affected your driving should that be an issue in your case.
Our team of road traffic offence solicitors, led by Gwyn Lewis will build a strong case to defend your interests. This may involve taking a detailed account of what happened, collecting statements from witnesses and requesting reports from mechanics and other experts.
In one of our successful cases, a client was facing charges and a 12-month ban due to overtaking across solid double white line markings in the middle of the motorway. We defended our client, showing it impossible to establish that the line marking was complete and visible at the time of the alleged offence, resulting in our client being acquitted.
Serious and fatal injury by dangerous driving
If your dangerous driving caused injury equivalent to grievous bodily harm (GBH) or was responsible for somebody’s death, an outcome which can often be out of your control, penalties are incredibly severe. The length of imprisonment extends from a maximum of two years to five years for a serious injury and up to fourteen years for a death.
Why choose us?
The specialist driving offence team at Burton Copeland has decades worth of experience in defending drivers who have been accused of driving dangerously. Led by skilled solicitor Gwyn Lewis, the team works diligently, devising strategies to successfully defend clients in and out of the courtroom.
Thanks to our determination to provide a service built on trust, respect and ingenuity, we have an enviable track record in helping clients receive outcomes that protect their interests and have received recognition from leading law directory Chambers and Partners.
Contact us today
To speak to a solicitor about an allegation of dangerous driving, get in touch with Burton Copeland today by calling 0161 827 9500 . Alternatively, fill in our online form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.