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.
Toronto runs three Provincial Offences courts, not one — Toronto South on Front Street East, Toronto East on Markham Road, and Toronto West on Eglinton Avenue West. Which one hears your ticket is set by where it was issued. Summary criminal charges go to the Toronto Courthouse at 10 Armoury Street. We appear at all four.
10 Armoury Street, Toronto, ON M5T 0C2
(416) 327-5707
All Toronto criminal matters. Consolidated the former Old City Hall, College Park, 1000 Finch West, 2201 Finch West, 1911 Eglinton East and 311 Jarvis courthouses in March 2023.
Twenty minutes, confidential, no obligation. We’ll discuss your charge, the realistic outcomes, and the cost of defence before you commit to anything.
