Careless and dangerous driving
Allegations ranging from a momentary lapse to serious charges carrying prison sentences.
How we can help
- Advising on the distinction between careless and dangerous driving
- Reviewing evidence including dashcam, CCTV and collision investigation reports
- Instructing accident reconstruction experts where the facts are disputed
- Representing you at magistrates and Crown Court
- Preparing mitigation where a plea is the right course
- Advising on disqualification, extended retests and the effect on employment
What happens next
- Tell us what happened and send anything you have — dashcam, photographs, the charge.
- We review the evidence and advise on the appropriate charge and plea.
- We prepare the case and represent you throughout.
Fees for this work
Quoted at the outset. Legal aid may be available for the more serious offences and we will check your eligibility.
Common questions
What's the difference between careless and dangerous?
Careless driving means falling below the standard of a competent and careful driver. Dangerous means falling far below that standard, where it would be obvious to a competent driver that driving in that way would be dangerous. The gap in sentencing between the two is enormous.
Will I go to prison?
For careless driving, no — it is a fine and points or a discretionary ban. Dangerous driving carries a custodial sentence and a mandatory disqualification with an extended retest. Where death is involved the sentences are substantially higher.
The other driver caused it.
Then that needs establishing properly, with evidence. Collision reports and reconstruction evidence frequently show a very different picture from the initial police view.
I've been charged months after the incident.
For the more serious offences there is no six month time limit as there is for summary matters. Delay is frustrating but does not itself end the case, though it can affect the evidence.
Tell us what's happened
Confidential, reviewed by a solicitor, answered within one working day.