Death by dangerous driving is the most serious driving offence as it occurs when death is caused by an act of dangerous driving. Dangerous Driving is where a person drives on a road or public place and the standard of driving falls so far below the standard expected of a motorist that a normal, reasonable person would consider it to be dangerous.
What are the sentencing guidelines for death by dangerous driving?
Category C offences are the least serious and occurs when the offence is just over the threshold of dangerous driving and carries a sentence of between 2 to 5 years.
Offences classified as category B are of a medium range seriousness and the sentence here ranges from 4 to 9 years and will be charged in instances such as:
- Medium levels of drink/drugs in the system
- Persistent & prolonged periods of poor standard driving
- Use of mobile phone or other electronic devices
- Driving when deprived of adequate sleep
Category A offences are the most serious cases and carry a sentence of between 8 and 18 years. This will be charged in instances such as
- Extremely high levels of drink/drugs in the system
- Persistent & prolonged periods of poor standard driving
- Highly dangerous manoeuvres
What should you do if you’ve been charged with death by dangerous driving?
If you or a family member are accused of death dangerous driving, you should seek legal advice immediately. It is vital that you receive the best advice possible and provide as much detail of the facts of your case as you can to ensure the right result for you.