Death by Dangerous Driving
If you are facing charges of death by dangerous driving, it is vital to seek immediate legal representation. DPP Law’s specialist solicitors have extensive experience in defending clients in serious motoring cases.
The death by dangerous driving solicitors at DPP Law have represented a large number of serious driving offence cases over the years and always manage each case with diligence and expertise in order to help alleviate your sentence. We will approach your case extremely sensitively and professionally with regards to all parties involved – examining evidence and working through everything with you step by step in order to achieve the best possible outcome. If you are facing a death by dangerous driving allegation, contact DPP Law for immediate legal assistance.
A person who is handed a death by dangerous driving conviction will have caused the death of another person by driving a vehicle dangerously or carelessly on the road or in another public place.
Cases of this kind can be complicated and need to be managed and represented by experienced death by dangerous driving solicitors in order to receive the best possible outcome given the circumstances.
What is causing death by dangerous driving?
According to the Sentencing Council, a death by dangerous driving allegation can be made if a person has caused a fatality as a result of the standard of their driving falling far below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver and it being obvious to a competent and careful driver that driving in that way would be dangerous.
A charge of causing death by dangerous driving may be rejected in favour of one of causing death by careless driving or causing death by driving without due care and attention, but all of these offences come with serious penalties – so whatever your charge, you should make contact with death by dangerous driving solicitors as a matter of urgency.
Death By Dangerous Driving Implications
The maximum sentence for death by dangerous driving currently stands at 14 years, though there have been recent calls to extend this to life in prison. It’s also highly likely that you will be disqualified from driving for at least 2 years, beginning when your custodial term comes to an end, and once you are permitted to get behind the wheel again, you will probably be required to take an extended test to regain your license.
Making contact with our death by dangerous driving solicitors will significantly increase the likelihood of your successfully arguing that your driving could not be described as dangerous, that the fault was not your own or that there were other mitigating features present.
Related Offences
You may be tried for causing death by dangerous driving if you are arrested for any of the following:
- Causing death by careless driving
- Causing death by driving without due care and attention
- Causing death by driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
You may also be charged with causing death as the result of:
- Speeding
- Racing
- Driving aggressively
- Ignoring traffic lights or road signs
- Overtaking dangerously
- Driving when unfit, such as with an injury
- Being avoidably and dangerously distracted, such as using a mobile phone whilst driving
If other individuals were injured but not killed in the collision, you may also face charges of:
- Causing serious injury by dangerous driving
- Causing serious injury when disqualified from driving
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum penalty for causing death by dangerous or intoxicated driving?
A dangerous driving charge aggravated by intoxication is currently punishable by a jail term of up to 14 years. However, the maximum sentence for death by dangerous driving may soon increase to life in prison.
What are the penalties for causing serious injury by dangerous driving?
If tried at Crown Court, a person found guilty of causing serious injury by dangerous driving faces a maximum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and/or a fine. If they are tried at a Magistrate’s Court, the maximum is 6 months imprisonment and/or a fine. The guilty party will also be disqualified from driving for at least 2 years and required to take an extended retest.
The death by dangerous driving solicitors at DPP Law will assist you in contesting any careless or dangerous driving allegations. Contact us now to discuss your case.
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- Criminal Damage Charges
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- Murder & Manslaughter
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FAQs
Dangerous driving is when the standard of driving falls far below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver, and it would be obvious to a reasonable driver that the driving was dangerous.
Examples include: racing on the road, highly excessive speed, aggressive manoeuvres, or driving while knowing the vehicle is unsafe.
Careless driving (also called driving without due care and attention) is when the standard of driving falls below the expected standard, but not far below.
Examples include: momentary inattention, misjudging a situation, or being distracted.
A specialist solicitor is essential because these cases are highly complex and carry serious consequences. They can help by:
Examining the evidence: CCTV, dash-cam footage, witness statements, collision investigation reports, and vehicle data.
Challenging expert findings: including speed calculations, road conditions, mechanical defects, and visibility assessments.
Identifying legal issues: such as whether the prosecution can prove “dangerousness” or whether an alternative charge (e.g., careless driving) is more appropriate.
Securing defence experts: accident reconstruction specialists, vehicle examiners, or forensic experts.
Protecting your rights during police interviews and court proceedings.
Mitigating sentence if a conviction is likely, by presenting personal circumstances, remorse, early admissions, or contributing factors.
Proper legal representation can significantly affect both the outcome and the seriousness of any sentence.
Yes. Death by dangerous driving is an imprisonable offence, so Legal Aid is often available.
Eligibility depends on two tests:
Interests of justice test – usually met because of the seriousness of the charge.
Means test – based on your income, savings, and household circumstances.
If you do not qualify for Legal Aid, many firms offer fixed fees or private funding options.
Sentencing for death by dangerous driving depends on various factors, including:
Aggravating factors (increase seriousness):
- Very high speed or racing
- Prolonged bad driving
- Alcohol or drugs
- Using a mobile phone
- Ignoring warnings or road conditions
- Previous motoring convictions
Mitigating factors (may reduce sentence):
- Genuine remorse
- Lack of previous convictions
- Good driving record
- Momentary loss of control rather than deliberate risk-taking
- Attempts to help at the scene
- Early guilty plea
- External factors such as road defects or unexpected hazards
The Sentencing Council sets out specific guidelines, but every case is decided on its own facts.