Operating a motor vehicle in a manner dangerous to the public — a Criminal Code offence distinct from the HTA's careless driving. Hybrid; on summary election within paralegal scope.
Section 320.13 of the Criminal Code prohibits operating a conveyance in a manner that, having regard to all the circumstances, is dangerous to the public. The standard is a marked departure from the conduct of a reasonable person.
Hybrid offence. On summary election: up to 2 years less a day. On indictment: up to 10 years. A driving prohibition is available at the court's discretion. Where the driving causes bodily harm the maximum rises to 14 years on indictment; where it causes death, life imprisonment. A finding of guilt creates a criminal record.
If Crown elects summary, the matter is within paralegal scope. If Crown elects indictment, we refer to a barrister from our network. Disclosure review and Crown pre-trial often clarify the election early.
OPP Central Region patrols the 400 corridor heavily — Barrie sees a high volume of stunt driving and speeding matters from Highway 400 and Highway 11. Summary criminal matters proceed at the Barrie courthouse on Mulcaster Street.
75 Mulcaster Street, Barrie, ON L4M 3P2
(705) 739-6111
Barrie and Simcoe County criminal matters.
Twenty minutes, confidential, no obligation. We’ll discuss your charge, the realistic outcomes, and the cost of defence before you commit to anything.
