Criminal Defence Case Studies
Dangerous Driving Melbourne
Court: County Court of Victoria Melbourne
Charges: Dangerous driving causing serious injury Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), Recklessly cause injury Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), Failing to render assistance after a motor vehicle accident Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), Fail to report to police if a person is injured Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic), Learner driver driving without supervising driver Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic)
Charges: Dangerous driving causing serious injury Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), Recklessly cause injury Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), Failing to render assistance after a motor vehicle accident Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), Fail to report to police if a person is injured Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic), Learner driver driving without supervising driver Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic)
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Case Overview
This case study involves a 24-year-old man, who was represented by our criminal lawyers in Melbourne on serious charges arising from a dangerous driving incident in Altona. The collision left two teenage victims injured, one with a life-threatening traumatic brain injury.
The matter resolved early with guilty pleas, resulting in a total effective sentence of 2 years and 4 months' imprisonment with a non-parole period of 12 months.
Case Background
In October 2022, our client, a learner driver, attended a public street parade in Altona with friends. Four teenage girls rode on the roof of the car.
While driving late at night, our client accelerated and made a sharp turn, causing three of the girls to fall onto the roadway. Two were knocked unconscious, one sustaining a severe head injury requiring surgery and a long rehabilitation.
Despite knowing passengers had fallen, our client did not immediately render assistance and drove away before returning briefly. Police identified him through witnesses and mobile phone footage. He admitted being the driver and was charged with multiple indictable and summary offences.
Our Defence Approach
Emma Turnbull Lawyers:
Entered early guilty pleas at the filing hearing to secure the maximum sentencing discount
Obtained psychological reports diagnosing major depressive disorder linked to a traumatic upbringing, including exposure to family violence
Presented rehabilitation evidence, steady employment, church attendance, voluntary mental health treatment, and no re-offending in two years since the incident
Argued that imprisonment would be more burdensome due to mental health conditions (Verdins principles) and highlighted vulnerability in custody
The Outcome
- Community Corrections Order imposed
- No further imprisonment
- Client allowed to continue rehabilitation and reintegration into the community
Why This Case Matters
Dangerous driving causing serious injury carries severe penalties, including lengthy prison terms and mandatory licence disqualification. This case shows how early resolution, targeted psychological evidence, and proof of rehabilitation can achieve a reduced sentence even where serious harm has occurred.
Frequently Asked Questions – Dangerous Driving Causing Serious Injury in Victoria
What is dangerous driving causing serious injury?
It’s driving in a manner that endangers the public and causes another person serious injury.
What are the penalties for dangerous driving causing serious injury?
Up to 5 years’ imprisonment and mandatory licence cancellation.
Can charges be defended?
Yes, possible defences include disputing the manner of driving, the cause of injury, or identifying an intervening event.
Do I need a lawyer if I'm pleading guilty?
Yes, a dangerous driving lawyer in Melbourne can help secure the lowest possible penalty and protect your future.
Will my licence be cancelled?
Yes, mandatory cancellation applies, but the period can sometimes be reduced through legal submissions.
DISCLAIMER
This is a real case study from an actual matter in our files. We always change details in our case studies to protect client confidentiality, but the charge and the outcome are exactly as they occurred in court. We publish these case studies to give a genuine insight into the types of results we achieve and the range of sentences that may be imposed. Every case is different, and we can't guarantee the same result in your matter. We choose to share some cases because they are representative of typical results, and others because they stand out for exceptional outcomes.