In UK law, a charge of dangerous driving is considered the most serious driving offence that a person can commit without causing injury or death. As a result, motorists who are convicted can face harsh penalties that include the possibility of serving jail time along with being disqualified from driving on public roads in the UK for a determined period.
It’s understood that under circumstances where dangerous driving results in the injury or death of a passenger, pedestrian or other road user, the likelihood of a charge leading to a driver going to prison increases considerably.
Due to the seriousness of dangerous driving charges and the severity of sentences for those found guilty of an offence, it is recommended that those accused immediately seek out expert advice. Instead of a standard solicitor, it is advisable to choose legal experts with specific experience of dangerous driving cases, like death by dangerous driving solicitors.
How long can you go to jail for on a dangerous driving charge?
If a driver is convicted of dangerous driving, the jail sentence they face depends on the type of charge they are facing and the severity of the motoring offence. Charges include standard dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and causing death by dangerous driving.
Standard dangerous driving
Carrying a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment, standard dangerous driving also involves an unlimited fine. Drivers also face a mandatory driving disqualification with a minimum term of 12 months, after which, they must take an extended re-test).
Causing serious injury by dangerous driving
More serious than standard dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving has heavier consequences. If a driver is responsible for a road traffic incident that results in severe bodily harm to another individual, the maximum jail sentence they face increases to up to five years.
Causing death by dangerous driving
The most serious charge, causing death by dangerous driving carries the maximum sentence with motorists serving life imprisonment.
For rapid advice and assistance with a dangerous driving charge, reach out to Auriga Advocates today.