Dangerous Driving & Fail to Remain

Dangerous driving and fail to remain charges are serious criminal offences that can result in imprisonment and lengthy driving prohibitions. If you're facing these charges in Kingston, Napanee, Brockville, or Belleville, understanding their serious nature is essential.

Dangerous Operation of a Vehicle

Dangerous operation involves operating a vehicle in a manner dangerous to the public, considering all circumstances including traffic, road conditions, and how the vehicle is being used.

Common scenarios include:

• Excessive speeding, particularly in dangerous conditions
• Aggressive or reckless driving
• Street racing or stunt driving
• Driving showing marked departure from reasonable standards

The test is whether your manner of driving was a marked departure from what a reasonable person would do in the circumstances.

When Injuries or Death Result:

• Dangerous operation causing bodily harm: Maximum 14 years imprisonment
• Dangerous operation causing death: Maximum life imprisonment

These enhanced charges carry mandatory driving prohibitions and typically result in significant sentences.

Fail to Remain

Fail to remain involves leaving the scene of an accident without fulfilling your legal obligations, which include:

• Remaining at the scene
• Providing your name, address, and vehicle information
• Offering assistance to anyone injured
• Reporting the accident to police when required

This applies to all accidents:

• Property damage (including parking lot incidents)
• Injury accidents
• Single vehicle accidents

When Injuries or Death Result:

• Fail to remain causing bodily harm: Maximum 14 years imprisonment
• Fail to remain causing death: Maximum life imprisonment

Courts treat these cases extremely seriously, particularly when victims are left without assistance.

Moving Forward

Dangerous driving and fail to remain charges—particularly when injuries or death are involved—carry serious consequences including imprisonment, driving prohibitions, and criminal records. These are criminal offences distinct from provincial traffic violations.

If you're facing these charges in Eastern Ontario, understanding the specific allegations against you, the evidence involved, and your options is essential to addressing your situation effectively.