This offence is defined broadly to include any driving conduct that shows "a wanton or reckless disregard for the lives and safety of others". Unlike the offence of "Careless Driving", this offence can be committed anywhere the public could reasonably be expected to be.
Dangerous driving is a criminal offence. It can lead to a record, license suspension, fines, and jail.
Smart Criminal Law represents clients in Oshawa and Durham Region facing dangerous driving charges and related offences.
A dangerous driving lawyer Oshawa clients rely on reviews disclosure, analyzes police conduct, and tests whether the evidence meets the legal threshold for a reckless driving charge or dangerous driving under criminal law.
Dangerous driving cases in Ontario depend on the facts, road conditions, and how the conduct is interpreted. A defence focuses on challenging those elements and the strength of the case.
If you are facing dangerous driving charges, act early. A conviction for dangerous driving carries long-term consequences.
Dangerous driving is based on whether the conduct creates a clear risk to the public. Not every traffic violation meets that threshold, but certain behaviours are more likely to lead to dangerous driving charges under the dangerous driving Ontario law.
A dangerous driving lawyer looks at the specific facts to determine whether the behaviour meets the legal threshold for dangerous driving Ontario charges.
A conviction for dangerous driving carries serious legal and long-term consequences.
A dangerous driving lawyer Oshawa clients rely on assesses these risks early and builds a defence to reduce or avoid a conviction for dangerous driving.
There are many attributes of the driving conduct that must be examined, such as the driving conditions, the place, the time, any explanation for the driving and the overall risk that the driving posed to members of the public.
Additionally, if you are accused of this offence, the court must be satisfied that you knew or ought to have known that the manner of driving posed a real and serious risk to the public.
The driving has to be beyond merely "driving without due care and attention" or having a "momentary lapse in your attention". It must be a "marked departed from what an ordinary person would consider reasonable in the circumstances"
There are many ways the police can accuse you of committing this offence, but there are also many ways of defending these allegations, so our office will work hard to present a strong defence.
These are criminal offences, defined by the Criminal Code of Canada—distinct from provincial traffic infractions, under the Ontario Highway Traffic ACT—and carry serious penalties:
Summary conviction (less serious): Up to two years less a day in jail.
Indictable offence (more serious): Up to 10 years in prison.
Summary conviction: Up to two years less a day or a fine (commonly up to $5,000).
Indictable offence: Up to 14 years in prison.
Mandatory minimums for bodily harm:
Straight indictable offence with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Same mandatory minimum scheme as for bodily harm offences.
Defined as driving without reasonable care or attention. Penalties may include fines (approx. $400–$2,000), up to six months in jail, licence suspension (up to 2 years), and demerit points.
Penalties can include fines ($2,000–$50,000), up to two years of jail, licence suspension up to five years, six demerit points, and mandatory driver improvement courses.
Includes actions like:
Penalties:
If you're facing criminal charges, don't wait to get the legal help you need. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced driving defence lawyer. We'll listen to your story and provide you with the guidance and support you need to move forward.
A dangerous driving lawyer steps in early to assess risk and control how your case develops.
A dangerous driving lawyer Oshawa clients rely on analyzes disclosure, police reports, and whether the evidence supports dangerous driving charges.
Not every allegation meets the legal threshold under dangerous driving Ontario law. Weaknesses can be used to reduce or challenge the case, including a reckless driving charge alternative.
The focus is on avoiding or minimizing a conviction for dangerous driving and limiting long-term impact.
You get structured defence, clear positioning, and representation at every stage.
Every step is based on evidence, risk, and outcome, not guesswork.
Dangerous driving Ontario law focuses on whether the driving was a marked departure from normal standards and created a risk to the public. It goes beyond simple mistakes or traffic violations and depends on the facts, conditions, and level of risk involved.
Do not make statements or discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Contact a dangerous driving lawyer immediately to review your situation and protect your rights from the start.
In some cases, yes. If the evidence is weak, procedures were not followed, or the conduct does not meet the legal threshold, dangerous driving charges may be reduced or withdrawn. A dangerous driving lawyer Oshawa clients rely on will assess these issues early.
It depends on the severity of the case. Less serious cases may result in fines or licence suspension, while more serious dangerous driving charges, especially those involving injury or death, can lead to jail and a conviction for dangerous driving.
Defences focus on whether the driving actually meets the legal threshold. This can include challenging the evidence, questioning police observations, or arguing that the conduct does not amount to dangerous driving under criminal law.
SMART | CRIMINAL LAW
39 Bond St E., Unit #4, Oshawa, Ontario, L1G1B2
Criminal Defence Lawyer Serving Durham Region including Oshawa, Whitby, Brooklin , Ajax, Pickering, and Bowmanville
Jeffrey Smart Legal Services Professional Corporation, Registered as " Smart | Criminal Law"