Dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm

Driving in a manner dangerous to others, causing serious bodily harm by impact.

For a person to be found guilty, the prosecution must prove each of these beyond reasonable doubt. If even one cannot be proved, the charge should fail.

1. You drove a vehicle
2. The vehicle was involved in an impact occasioning grievous bodily harm (really serious bodily injury) to another person — 'involved in an impact' is defined broadly and includes impacts with another vehicle, the vehicle overturning, or a person falling from or being thrown out of the vehicle
3. At the time of the impact you were under the influence of alcohol or a drug, OR driving at a speed dangerous to another person, OR driving in a manner dangerous to another person (three alternatives — the prosecution need prove only one)

This is a Table 1 indictable offence. It is dealt with in the NSW Local Court unless you, or the prosecution, choose (elect) to have it heard in the District Court. Because of how serious it is, it should be run with a lawyer.

Maximum penalty: 7 years imprisonment

There is no general 6-month time limit for an indictable offence like this one — it can be commenced later. This is a guide only; for advice about your matter, speak to Hanna Legal.

Opens the official NSW legislation website. Court Pilot's summary is a guide only — confirm against the in-force text.