Driving Offences — Serious Offences
Serious Motoring Offence Solicitors in Chester
Facing a charge of causing death by dangerous driving, a fatal road traffic accident, or a hit and run allegation? These are among the most serious criminal charges. Contact our specialist solicitors immediately.
Offences We Defend
Causing Death by Dangerous Driving (s.1 RTA)
The most serious road traffic offence. Tried exclusively in the Crown Court. Carries a mandatory minimum 2-year disqualification and extended retest. We provide specialist Crown Court defence.
Maximum Sentence
14 years imprisonment
Causing Serious Injury by Dangerous Driving (s.1A RTA)
Where dangerous driving causes serious physical injury. Tried in the Crown Court. Carries mandatory disqualification and extended retest.
Maximum Sentence
5 years imprisonment
Causing Death by Careless Driving (s.2B RTA)
A lesser charge than causing death by dangerous driving, but still very serious. The prosecution must prove the driving fell below the standard of a careful and competent driver.
Maximum Sentence
5 years imprisonment
Causing Death by Careless Driving While Under the Influence (s.3A RTA)
Where careless driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs causes death. Carries the same maximum sentence as causing death by dangerous driving.
Maximum Sentence
14 years imprisonment
Causing Death by Dangerous Cycling
Following the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, causing death by dangerous cycling now carries the same maximum sentence as causing death by dangerous driving.
Maximum Sentence
14 years imprisonment
Hit and Run (Failing to Stop / Report)
Failing to stop after a road traffic accident and failing to report an accident to police. Both are separate offences under s.170 RTA. We provide expert defence for hit and run allegations.
Maximum Sentence
6 months (s.170 RTA)
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am involved in a fatal road traffic accident?
You must stop, remain at the scene, and provide your details. You should not make any admissions to police without legal advice. Contact us immediately — early legal advice is critical in fatal accident cases.
What is the difference between causing death by dangerous and careless driving?
Causing death by dangerous driving requires that the driving fell far below the standard of a careful and competent driver. Causing death by careless driving requires only that the driving fell below that standard. The distinction is crucial — the maximum sentence for dangerous driving is 14 years, compared to 5 years for careless driving.
Can I get bail if charged with causing death by dangerous driving?
Bail is possible but not guaranteed for serious road traffic offences. The court will consider the seriousness of the charge, your personal circumstances, and any risk of reoffending or absconding. We will make the strongest possible bail application on your behalf.
What is a hit and run offence?
Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 requires a driver involved in an accident causing injury, damage, or death to stop, remain at the scene, and provide their details. Failing to stop and failing to report are separate offences, each carrying up to 6 months imprisonment and 5–10 penalty points.
Transparent Pricing
Indicative Fees for Serious Motoring Offences
Serious motoring offences are complex Crown Court matters. We provide indicative fees below — all confirmed in writing before any work begins. All fees include VAT at 20%.
| Offence | Indicative Fee (inc VAT) |
|---|---|
| Dangerous driving — Crown Court | From £3,600 |
| Causing serious injury by dangerous driving | From £6,000 |
| Causing death by dangerous driving | From £6,000 |
| Causing death by careless driving | From £4,800 |
| Causing death by careless driving while under the influence | From £6,000 |
| Hit and run (failing to stop / report) | From £1,440 |
Important note on fees
Serious motoring offences — particularly causing death by dangerous driving — are complex Crown Court matters where the preparation and trial time varies significantly. The fees above are indicative starting points. We will provide a precise written quote once we understand the full facts of your case. Legal Aid may be available in some cases — we will advise you on eligibility.
Our Team
Speak to a Member of Our Team
Ritesh Chauhan
Consultant Road Traffic Offences Solicitor
Ritesh qualified as a solicitor in 2020 and has since built a focused practice in road traffic law. He provides expert Crown Court defence for the most serious motoring offences — including causing death by dangerous driving, fatal road traffic accidents, and hit and run charges. In serious cases, early specialist advice can make a critical difference to the outcome.
Facing a Serious Motoring Charge?
Contact our specialist road traffic solicitors in Chester immediately. In serious cases, early legal advice can make a critical difference to the outcome.
Free Consultation
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Complete the form below and our motoring defence team will be in touch. No obligation — strictly confidential.
Prefer to speak with us? Call 01244 757352