Dangerous Driving Lawyer in Ontario
Experienced Dangerous Driving Defence Across Ontario
A dangerous driving charge can have life-changing consequences. It affects your licence, employment, insurance, mobility, and your criminal record. With over a decade of experience defending driving offences across Ontario, I provide focused, strategic legal representation to protect your rights and reduce or eliminate the long-term consequences you may be facing.
If you have been charged with dangerous driving, I encourage you to contact me immediately. The earlier I get involved, the more options I have to build a strong, evidence-based defence.
Call Now: (437) 998-1429
What Is Considered Dangerous Driving?
Dangerous driving can involve a wide range of behaviours, including:
- Excessive speeding
- Aggressive manoeuvres
- Distracted driving
- Driving in a manner that risks public safety
- Racing or competitive driving
- Failing to adjust driving to road or weather conditions
It is important to understand that an accident alone does not equal dangerous driving. The prosecution must prove that your driving was significantly more dangerous than that of an ordinary, prudent driver.
Examples of Cases I Commonly Defend
- High-speed incidents or rapid lane changes
- Allegations of reckless or aggressive driving
- Accidents resulting in property damage
- Accidents resulting in bodily harm
- Distracted driving incidents involving cell phones or in-vehicle distractions
- Street racing or stunting allegations
Every case is unique, and I take the time to assess the facts carefully to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.
Penalties for Dangerous Driving in Ontario
If convicted, you are facing criminal penalties, a mandatory licence suspension, and serious long-term consequences. Understanding what is at stake is the first step toward building a strong defence.
Criminal Penalties
Criminal consequences may include:
- A fine
- A criminal record
- Probation
- Jail sentences for serious incidents
- Long-term driving prohibitions
- Court-ordered conditions and restrictions
The penalties become far more severe when the charge involves bodily harm or death.
Licence Suspensions
A dangerous driving conviction leads to:
- A mandatory driving prohibition ordered by the court
- MTO (Ministry of Transportation of Ontario) administrative suspensions
- Loss of commercial driving privileges
- Significant road safety financial penalties
In many cases, the suspension period can last years, affecting your ability to work, support your family, and manage day-to-day responsibilities.
Additional Consequences
Beyond the criminal penalties, you may also face:
- Skyrocketing insurance premiums
- Vehicle impoundment
- Immigration or citizenship complications
- Employment restrictions, particularly for jobs requiring driving
- Issues crossing the border, especially into the United States
When I defend your case, my goal is to help you avoid a criminal conviction and the severe penalties that come with it.
Dangerous Driving vs Careless Driving
A key part of defending against these allegations often involves distinguishing between dangerous and careless driving, which is a provincial offence under the Highway Traffic Act.
- Dangerous driving is a criminal offence with a lifelong record.
- Careless driving is a traffic offence that carries fines and demerit points.
- Dangerous driving can lead to jail and significant driving prohibitions.
- Careless driving can often be resolved with a far less severe penalty.
In many cases, with the right strategies and negotiations, a dangerous driving charge may be reduced to careless driving. I pursue this outcome when it is strategically beneficial and supported by the evidence.
What To Do After Being Charged
If you have been charged with dangerous driving, the steps you take next will significantly impact your defence.
- Do not speak to the police further without legal advice.
- Preserve any dashcam footage immediately.
- Take photos of the scene if possible.
- Do not contact other involved parties.
- Contact me right away to begin your defence.
The sooner you involve a lawyer, the better your chances of avoiding a conviction.
How I Defend Dangerous Driving Charges
I build every dangerous driving defence from the ground up, based on evidence, legal principles, and the circumstances surrounding your case.
Comprehensive Review of Evidence
Police reports and officer notes
- Accident reconstruction
- Dashcam footage or surveillance footage
- Witness statements
- Environmental and road conditions
Mechanical condition of the vehicle
Common Defence Strategies
Challenging whether your driving met the legal threshold of a “marked departure.”
- Establishing that the incident was a momentary lapse rather than criminal conduct
- Demonstrating that the Crown’s evidence is unreliable or inconsistent
- Challenging witness credibility
- Proving that mechanical failure or environmental factors contributed to the incident
- Pursuing Charter arguments if your rights were violated during the investigation
A successful defence may result in your charge being withdrawn, dismissed, or reduced to a significantly less serious offence.
When Dangerous Driving Can Be Reduced or Withdrawn
Reductions and withdrawals often occur when:
- The Crown’s evidence does not meet the criminal standard
- There is no evidence of deliberate or reckless behaviour
- Dashcam footage supports your version of events
- Accident reconstruction raises doubt
- A resolution to careless driving is more appropriate
Every case is different, but my focus remains consistent: preserving your driving record and keeping you out of the criminal justice system.
Dangerous Driving Causing Bodily Harm or Death
These are among the most serious driving offences under the Criminal Code.
Severe Penalties
If convicted, you may be facing:
- Lengthy imprisonment
- Multi-year driving prohibitions
- Mandatory probation terms
- DNA orders
- Weapons prohibition orders in some instances
Defence Strategy for Serious Injury or Fatality Cases
In these cases, the prosecution must prove both dangerous driving and that your driving caused the harm. I often involve:
- Accident reconstruction specialists
- Forensic engineers
- Medical evidence analysis
- Independent witness assessments
These cases require aggressive, detailed defence work, and I approach them with the full weight of my experience.
Why Clients Across Ontario Choose Me
Over 10 Years of Experience
I have been defending driving offences in Ontario courts for more than a decade.
Direct Representation
I work independently, so you deal with me directly at every stage of your case.
Strategic, Evidence-Based Defence
I rely on legal principles, thorough investigation, and a proactive defence approach.
Clear Communication
I guide you through every step, ensuring you understand your rights and options.
Proven Results in Ontario Courts
I have successfully defended many clients facing dangerous driving charges, helping them avoid convictions, licence suspensions, and jail time.
Speak With Me Today
If you are facing a dangerous driving charge anywhere in Ontario, I can help. I provide strategic, individualized defence and immediate guidance.
Call Now: (437) 998-1429
Request a Confidential Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Dangerous driving is a Criminal Code offence and carries severe penalties, including potential jail time and mandatory driving prohibitions.
Yes, in many cases. A reduction is often possible when the Crown’s evidence does not support the criminal standard.
I can appear on your behalf for most court dates, depending on the stage of the process and the nature of the allegations.
Dangerous driving charges often rely on witness statements or video footage. I examine all evidence to identify weaknesses.
A conviction will trigger a mandatory driving prohibition, and the Ministry of Transportation may impose additional suspensions.
Dangerous driving causing bodily harm or death carries much more significant penalties. These cases require detailed expert analysis and a strong defence strategy.
A criminal conviction is permanent unless it is resolved through a discharge or later removed with a record suspension.
These charges carry serious and long-lasting consequences. Having an experienced lawyer gives you the best chance of avoiding a conviction.