Operating a motor vehicle in a manner dangerous to the public — a Criminal Code offence distinct from the HTA's careless driving. Hybrid; only the simpliciter offence at s.320.13(1) is within paralegal scope, on a summary election.
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.
Guelph and Wellington County criminal matters are heard at the Guelph Courthouse on Wyndham Street South. Provincial offences from Guelph Police, OPP Wellington County and municipal enforcement are heard at the Guelph Provincial Offences Court on Carden Street.
36 Wyndham Street South, Guelph, ON N1E 4M6
(519) 826-4431
Guelph and Wellington County criminal matters. The Woolwich Street courthouse handles civil, family and small claims, not criminal.
Twenty minutes, confidential, no obligation. We’ll discuss your charge, the realistic outcomes, and the cost of defence before you commit to anything.
