Causing Death by Dangerous Driving Sentencing - Expert Legal Defence

Almost certainly, yes. Immediate custody is the norm for this offence. Suspended sentences are extremely rare and only arise in the most exceptional circumstances with the lowest culpability.

There's no meaningful "average" because causing death by dangerous driving sentencing varies dramatically based on circumstances. The offence range is 2-18 years' custody, with starting points ranging from 4 years to 14 years depending on culpability.

Potentially. If your case is borderline between dangerous and careless driving, the prosecution might accept a guilty plea to the lesser offence. This requires negotiation between your legal team and the CPS.

Careless driving is driving that falls below what would be expected of a competent driver. Dangerous driving is driving that falls far below the expected standard and would obviously be dangerous. The distinction matters because careless driving carries a maximum 5-year sentence, while causing death by dangerous driving sentencing can mean life.

For offences committed on or after 28 June 2022, at least 5 years. For earlier offences, at least 2 years. However, bans of 5-10 years are common, and some defendants are banned indefinitely or until they pass an extended test. The ban runs from conviction, though courts can extend it to account for prison time.

Yes, you can appeal to the Court of Appeal if your causing death by dangerous driving sentencing outcome is arguably excessive or wrong in principle. Appeals must be lodged within 28 days of the sentence. Leave to appeal must be granted before the full hearing.

The judge receives pre-sentence reports and prosecution summaries, hears from both sides about the appropriate sentence, may hear victim personal statements, and then delivers the causing death by dangerous driving sentencing decision with reasons.

They have the right to attend all hearings. Many families do attend, particularly sentencing hearings. Their victim personal statements will be read to the court and considered in sentencing.

Dangerous driving doesn't require speeding. You could be convicted for other dangerous behaviour like aggressive driving, driving while distracted, ignoring road signs, or driving with known vehicle defects.

Potentially. If causation can be challenged by showing the victim's own actions or external factors were the real cause of death, this could be a complete defence. More commonly, these factors affect culpability and therefore causing death by dangerous driving sentencing.

Medication can impair driving ability. If you were taking medication that affected your driving without realising it would, this might reduce culpability. If you knew or should have known about the impairment, it likely increases culpability.

Strongly advisable. These cases involve complex evidence, serious consequences, and require careful handling. Generalist solicitors rarely have the experience needed for optimal outcomes in causing death by dangerous driving sentencing cases.

This significantly increases culpability and the likely sentence. Drink or drug driving that causes death typically results in causing death by dangerous driving sentencing at the higher end of the range.

Unless you've been disqualified as a bail condition or lost your licence for other reasons, you can technically continue driving. However, this requires careful consideration given the circumstances.

Crown Court cases typically take 6-12 months to reach trial, sometimes longer for complex cases. If you plead guilty, causing death by dangerous driving sentencing happens faster but still involves pre-sentence reports.

After disqualification for causing death by dangerous driving, you must pass an extended test before driving again. This is longer (approximately 70 minutes versus 40 minutes for a standard test) and more demanding than a standard driving test, covering all driving manoeuvres including a compulsory emergency stop.

Yes, significantly. The conviction is unspent for life, meaning you must always disclose it when asked. Any job requiring driving becomes impossible during disqualification. Many professions have reporting requirements.

Many countries restrict or deny entry to people with serious criminal convictions. The USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand all have visa implications. Check specific requirements before booking travel.

A statement from the victim's family describing how the death has affected them. The court considers these when sentencing, though they don't mathematically change the causing death by dangerous driving sentencing calculation.