Dangerous driving has been defined as driving in a manner which falls far below that of a competent and careful driver in circumstances where it would be obvious to a competent driver that there was a serious risk of either serious damage to property or personal injury to others or both. This is one of the most serious road traffic offences and sentences of imprisonment are often handed down if convictions occur, the maximum period of imprisonment is 2 years in the Crown Court or 6 months in the Magistrates Court. Of course the test is relatively subjective- it depends upon the interpretation of your driving. Therefore if you secure the correct representation at an early stage it may be possible to persuade the police or the prosecuting authorities to either not pursue you for the offence or to prefer a lesser offence that perhaps does not carry such severe penalties. In order for this to occur it is vital that you have an expert in road traffic law on your side and that your lawyers act for you at an early stage.