The charge of predatory driving is a serious matter. It is a criminal charge and will therefore appear on your criminal record if you are convicted. It is important to seek legal advice from an experienced criminal lawyer if you have been charged with this offence.
Section 51A of the Crimes Act defines the offence of predatory driving:
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The driver of a vehicle who, while in pursuit of or travelling near another vehicle:
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engages in a course of conduct that causes or threatens an impact involving the other vehicle, and
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intends by that course of conduct to cause a person in the other vehicle actual bodily harm
The Penalties
The maximum penalty for a person convicted of predatory driving is imprisonment for 5 years.
There are also substantial fines that can apply.
Defending the charge of predatory driving
There are a number of defences available to these offences. If you are successful in defending the charge this means you are found not guilty and no conviction is recorded against you. Such defences include:
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Duress,
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Necessity,
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The charge has been improperly laid or putting the prosecution to their burden of proving the offence.
How can Prime Lawyers help?
Our criminal and traffic lawyers have a wealth of experience and knowledge in these matters. If you are pleading guilty to one of these charges we are able to appear at Court with you and make submissions to the court in order to mitigate the penalty that the Court imposes.
If you wish to defend the charge our lawyers will carefully consider and investigate all aspects of your matter and if there are any flaws in the prosecutions case. We will advise you of your chances of successfully defending the matter. Our lawyers have extensive experience in presenting these matters to the court and their assistance will give you the greatest chance of obtaining a successful result.
Please contact our firm on (02) 9521 2222 to speak with one of our lawyers today. Alternatively email your enquiry to us and we will contact you shortly.