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Criminal Code s.320.16

Fail to Stop After Accident charges in Peterborough, Ontario.

Failing to stop after a collision involving another person, vehicle, or animal, with knowledge of the accident. The criminal counterpart to the HTA's Fail to Remain — escalates when injury or death is involved. Only the base offence at s.320.16(1) is within paralegal scope, on a summary election.

Courthouse
Peterborough Courthouse (Ontario Court of Justice)
Court Phone
(705) 876-3846
Consultation
Free & Confidential
i.

What the charge means

Section 320.16 of the Criminal Code prohibits a person involved in an accident with another conveyance, person, or animal from failing to stop and provide their name, address, and licence information, or fleeing the scene with knowledge of the accident.

ii.

Penalties

Hybrid. On summary election: up to 2 years less a day. On indictment: up to 10 years. Where the accident caused bodily harm the maximum rises to 14 years on indictment; where it caused death the offence is indictable only and carries up to life. A driving prohibition is available at the court's discretion. Criminal record on conviction.

iii.

Available defences

  • Lack of knowledge of the accident
  • Reasonable excuse for not stopping (e.g., fear for safety)
  • Identification of the driver
  • Charter compliance of the investigation
iv.

The process

If Crown elects summary, within paralegal scope. If indictable election is made (common for injury cases), we refer to a barrister. Disclosure focuses on the accused's knowledge of the accident.

v.

Notes for Peterborough

Peterborough criminal matters and Provincial Offences trials are both heard at the courthouse on Simcoe Street. The City's Provincial Offences office at City Hall handles filings and payments — it is not where trials are held.

Criminal Court

Peterborough Courthouse (Ontario Court of Justice)

70 Simcoe Street, Peterborough, ON K9H 7G9

(705) 876-3846

Peterborough city and county criminal matters.

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