Traffic & Driving
Dangerous & Negligent Driving
Serious driving charges where a licence, and sometimes liberty, is on the line.
Charges like dangerous driving, negligent driving, reckless driving and police pursuit are the serious end of traffic law. They can carry imprisonment and long disqualifications, and the more serious ones are heard in the District Court.
City Group Legal defends serious driving charges, testing how the driving is characterised and preparing strong cases on both defended hearings and sentence.
What's at stake. Negligent driving ranges from fines to imprisonment where death or grievous bodily harm results. Dangerous and reckless driving carry significant maximum penalties and lengthy disqualifications, higher again for aggravated circumstances or a prior record.
How we defend dangerous & negligent driving
We test how the manner of driving is characterised, the reliability of the evidence, and any factors that reduce culpability. Where the matter should stay in the Local Court or resolve to a lesser charge, we press for it, and prepare sentence thoroughly where a plea is right.
Frequently asked
What is the difference between negligent and dangerous driving?
Negligent driving is a failure to drive with the care a reasonable driver would. Dangerous driving requires driving in a manner dangerous to the public, a higher threshold. Which is charged makes a large difference to the penalty.
Can I avoid a disqualification?
Sometimes. Depending on the charge, your record and the circumstances, a non-conviction or a reduced disqualification may be available. These outcomes are earned through careful preparation.
What is the difference between negligent driving and dangerous driving?
Negligent driving concerns a failure to drive with the care a reasonable driver would use. Dangerous driving is a more serious allegation about the manner of driving and the risk created, and it carries substantially higher penalties, particularly where death or grievous bodily harm results.
Will I lose my licence?
Disqualification is a real risk for these offences and for some of them a period of disqualification is the starting point. How long, and whether there is scope to reduce it, depends on the charge, your record and how the matter is presented. Do not assume the outcome is fixed before it is argued.
Every stone turned. Every avenue pursued.
Whether you’ve been charged, arrested, or are helping a family member, the earliest advice is the most valuable.