Dangerous operation of a Motor Vehicle
Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle involves driving in a manner dangerous to the public. If it causes bodily harm or death, charges escalate under Sections 320.13(2) and 320.13(3) of the Criminal Code. It is a hybrid offence with serious penalties.
Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, as defined in Section 320.13(1) of the Criminal Code, occurs when an individual operates a vehicle in a manner that, having regard to all of the circumstances, is dangerous to the public. When the dangerous operation causes bodily harm to another person, the offence is now classified as dangerous operation causing bodily harm, as defined in section 320.13(2) of the Criminal Code. When the dangerous operation causes the death of another person, the offence is now classified as dangerous operation causing death, as defined in section 320.13(3) of the Criminal Code.
Dangerous operation offences are hybrid offences. This means that the Crown can choose to proceed with the charge either by indictment or by summary conviction. If convicted of an indictable offence, you will face more severe penalties than if sentenced for a summary conviction.