Careless driving is judged objectively, whether a reasonable, prudent driver would have acted differently, and carries fines up to 25 penalty units. Dangerous driving requires proof the manner of driving was inherently unsafe to the public, and carries up to 240 penalty units or 2 years imprisonment, plus mandatory licence disqualification.
Victoria’s anti-hoon laws let police impound or immobilise a vehicle on the spot for up to 30 days for a first hoon offence. A magistrate can order impoundment or immobilisation for up to 3 months for a second offence within six years, and a third offence within that period opens the door to permanent forfeiture.
Common assault and aggravated assault are both charged under the Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), but aggravated assault involves specific circumstances of aggravation, such as acting in company with another person or using a weapon, which carry higher maximum penalties than common assault alone.
After you are charged, the next steps usually depend on the offence, the court, whether bail applies, and whether the matter may resolve by negotiation, plea, diversion, or hearing.
