Conveyance Offence Causing Bodily Harm or Death (Offence)

This page was last substantively updated or reviewed January 2019. (Rev. # 96196)

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Conveyance Offence Causing Bodily Harm or Death
s. 320.2 and 320.21 of the Crim. Code
Election / Plea
Crown Election	Hybrid summary proceedings must initiate within 12 months of the offence (786(2))
Jurisdiction	Prov. Court Sup. Court w/ Jury (*) Sup. Court w/ Judge-alone (*) * Must be indictable. Preliminary inquiry also available.
Summary Dispositions
Avail. Disp.	Discharge (730) Suspended Sentence (731(1)(a)) Fine (734)* Fine + Probation (731(1)(b))* Jail (718.3, 787) Jail + Probation (731(1)(b)) Jail + Fine (734) Conditional Sentence (742.1) (* varies)
Minimum	$1,000 + 12 months Driving Prohib.(first) 30 days jail + 2 to 5 years Driving Prohib. (second) 120 days + 3 or more years Driving Prohib. (three or more)
Maximum	2 years less a day or $5,000 fine
Indictable Dispositions
Avail. Disp.	same as summary
Minimum	same as summary
Maximum	10, 14 years or life incarceration
Reference
Offence Elements Sentence Digests

Overview

Offences relating to conveyance use causing bodily harm or death are found in Part VIII.1 of the Criminal Code concerning "Offences Relating to Conveyances".

Pleadings

Offence Section	Offence Type	Crown Election	Defence Election s. 536(2)	Preliminary Inquiry
s. 320.2 [conveyance offences causing bodily harm]	Hybrid Offence(s)		(* only if Crown proceeds by Indictment)	(under 14 years max)
s. 320.21 [conveyance offences causing death]	Indictable Offence(s)		N/A	(under 14 years max)

Offences under s. 320.2 [conveyance offences causing bodily harm] are hybrid with a Crown election. If prosecuted by indictment, there is a Defence election of Court under s. 536(2).

Offences under s. 320.21 [conveyance offences causing death] are straight indictable. There is a Defence election of Court under s. 536(2).

Before the statutory increased penalties can be applied for convictions under s. 320.2 [conveyance offences causing bodily harm] or 320.21 [conveyance offences causing death] , notice of increased penalty under s. 727 must be given.

Release

Offence(s)	Appearance Notice by Peace Officer s. 497	Summons by Judge or Justice s. 508(1), 512(1), or 788	Release by Peace Officer on Undertaking s. 498, 499, and 501	Release By a Judge or Justice on a Release Order s. 515 to 519	Direct to Attend for Fingerprints, etc. Identification of Criminals Act s. 2 ID Crim. Act
s. 320.14(2) [operation while impaired and causing bodily harm]
s. 320.14(3) [operation while impaired and causing death]

When charged under s. 320.2 and 320.21, the accused can be given a judicial summons without arrest. If arrested, he can be released by the arresting officer under s. 498 or 499 on an undertaking with or without conditions. He can also be released by a justice under s. 515.

Reverse Onus Bail

If police decide to bring the accused before a Justice pursuant to s. 503, there will be a presumption against bail (i.e. a reverse onus) if the offence, prosecuted by indictment, was committed:

• while at large under s. 515 [bail release], 679 or 680 [release pending appeal or review of appeal] (s. 515(6)(a)(i));
• "for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association" with a criminal organization (s. 515(6)(a)(ii));
• where the offence involved a weapon, being a firearm, cross-bow, prohibited weapon restricted weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or explosive substance, while the accused was subject to a prohibition order preventing possession of these items (s. 515(6)(a)(viii)); or
• where the accused is not "ordinarily a resident in Canada" (s. 515(6)(b)).

And, regardless of Crown election, if the offence alleged was one:

• where the offence was an allegation of violence against an "intimate partner" and the accused had been previously convicted of an offence of violence against an "intimate partner" (s. 515(6)(b.1));
• where the offence alleged is a breach under s. 145(2) to (5) while (s. 515(6)(c));
• where the offence committed (or conspired to commit) was an offence under s. 5 to 7 of the CDSA that is punishable by life imprisonment (s. 515(6)(d));

Fingerprints and Photos

A peace officer who charges a person under s. 320.2 and 320.21 of the Code can require that person to attend for the taking of fingerprints, photographs or other similar recordings that are used to identify them under the Identification of Criminals Act.

Publication Bans

For all criminal or regulatory prosecutions, there is a discretionary general publication ban available on application of the Crown, victim or witness to prohibit the publishing of "any information that could identify the victim or witness" under s. 486.5(1) where it is "necessary" for the "proper administration of justice". Other available publication bans include prohibitions for publishing evidence or other information arising from a bail hearing (s. 517), preliminary inquiry (s. 539) or jury trial (s. 648). There is a mandatory publication ban in all youth prosecutions on information tending to identify young accused under s. 110 of the YCJA or young victims under s. 111 of the YCJA.

Offence Designations

Offence(s)	Wiretap Eligible s. 183	Dangerous Offender Designated Offence s. 752	Serious Personal Injury Offence s. 752	AG Consent Required	Serious Criminality Offence s. 36 IRPA
s. 320.2 [conveyance offences causing bodily harm]
s. 320.21 [conveyance offences causing death]

Offence Wording

Offence wording as of December 18, 2018, see History below for previous versions.

320.14
[omitted (1)]

Operation causing bodily harm

(2) Everyone commits an offence who commits an offence under subsection (1) [impaired operation] and who, while operating the conveyance, causes bodily harm to another person.

Operation causing death

(3) Everyone commits an offence who commits an offence under subsection (1) [impaired operation] and who, while operating the conveyance, causes the death of another person.

[omitted (4), (5), (6) and (7)]
2018, c. 21, s. 15.
[annotation(s) added]

– CCC (CanLII), (DOJ)

---

Punishment in case of bodily harm

320.2 Everyone who commits an offence under subsection 320.13(2) [dangerous operation causing bodily harm], 320.14(2) [impaired operation causing bodily harm], 320.15(2) [refusal where collision results in bodily harm] or 320.16(2) [fail to stop at accident resulting in bodily harm] is liable on conviction on indictment or on summary conviction

(a) to the following minimum punishment, namely,

(i) for a first offence, a fine of $1,000,

(ii) for a second offence, imprisonment for a term of 30 days, and

(iii) for each subsequent offence, imprisonment for a term of 120 days;

(b) if the offence is prosecuted by indictment, to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years; and

(c) if the offence is punishable on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years less a day.

2018, c. 21, s. 15.
[annotation(s) added]

– CCC (CanLII), (DOJ)

---

Punishment in case of death

320.21 Everyone who commits an offence under subsection 320.13(3) [dangerous operation causing death], 320.14(3) [impaired operation causing death], 320.15(3) [refusal where collision results in death] or 320.16(3) [fail to stop at accident resulting in death] is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for life and to a minimum punishment of,

(a) for a first offence, a fine of $1,000;

(b) for a second offence, imprisonment for a term of 30 days; and

(c) for each subsequent offence, imprisonment for a term of 120 days.

2018, c. 21, s. 15.
[annotation(s) added]

– CCC (CanLII), (DOJ)

---

Draft Form of Charges

		Pre-ambles
		"THAT [accused full name] stands charged that, between the <DATE> day of <MONTH>, <YEAR> and <DATE> day of <MONTH>, <YEAR>***, at or near <COMMUNITY/TOWN/CITY>, <PROVINCE>, he [or she]..." OR
		"THAT [accused full name] stands charged that, on or about the <DATE> day of <MONTH>, <YEAR>, at or near <COMMUNITY/TOWN/CITY>, <PROVINCE>, he [or she]..." OR
		"AND FURTHER at the same time and place aforesaid, he [or she]..."
Code Section	Subject of Offence	Draft Wording
320.14(2)	operating while impaired causing bodily harm	"... while his ability to operate a conveyance was impaired by alcohol or a drug or a combination of alcohol and drug did operate a conveyance and thereby caused bodily harm to [name], contrary to section 320.14(2) of the Criminal Code."
320.14(3)	operating while impaired causing death	"... while his ability to operate a conveyance was impaired by alcohol or a drug or a combination of alcohol and drug did operate a conveyance and thereby caused the death of [name], contrary to section 320.14(3) of the Criminal Code."

Proof of the Offences

Proving Operation while impaired and causing bodily harm under s. 320.14(2) should include: ☐ identity of accused as culprit ☐ date and time of the incident ☐ jurisdiction (incl. region and province) ...

Proving Operation while impaired and causing death under s. 320.14(3) should include: ☐ identity of accused as culprit ☐ date and time of the incident ☐ jurisdiction (incl. region and province) ...

Participation of Third Parties

Testimonial Aids

Certain persons who testify are entitled to make application for the use of testimonial aids: Exclusion of Public (s. 486), Use of a Testimonial Screen (s. 486), Access to Support Person While Testifying (s. 486.1), Close Proximity Video-link Testimony (s. 486.2), Self-Represented Cross-Examination Prohibition Order (s. 486.3), and Witness Security Order (s. 486.7).

A witness, victim or complainant may also request publication bans (s. 486.4, 486.5) and/or a Witness Identity Non-disclosure Order (s. 486.31). See also, Publication Bans, above.

On Finding of Guilt

Offence(s)	Victim Notice of Agreement s. 606(4.1) [SPIO]	Victim Queried for Interest in Agreement s. 606(4.2) [5+ years]	Victim Notice for Restitution s. 737.1	Victim Notice of Impact Statement s. 722(2)
s. 320.14(2) [operation while impaired and causing bodily harm] and 320.2 [conveyance offences causing bodily harm]	(by indictment w/ 10+ years max and violence)	(by indictment only)	(if loss exists)
s. 320.14(3) [operation while impaired and causing death] and 320.21 [conveyance offences causing death]	(by indictment w/ 10+ years max and violence)	(by indictment only)	(if loss exists)

Under s. 738, a judge must inquire from the Crown before sentencing whether "reasonable steps have been taken to provide the victims with an opportunity to indicate whether they are seeking restitution for their losses and damages".

Under s. 722(2), the judge must inquire "[a]s soon as feasible" before sentencing with the Crown "if reasonable steps have been taken to provide the victim with an opportunity to prepare" a victim impact statement. This will include any person "who has suffered, or is alleged to have suffered, physical or emotional harm, property damage or economic loss" as a result of the offence. Individuals representing a community impacted by the crime may file a statement under s. 722.2.

Sentencing Principles and Ranges

Maximum Penalties

Offence(s)	Crown Election	Maximum Penalty
s. 320.14 and 320.19	summary election	2 years less a day incarceration
s. 320.14 and 320.19	indictable election	10 years incarceration

Offences under s. 320.14 and 320.19 are hybrid. If prosecuted by indictment, the maximum penalty is 5 years incarceration. If prosecuted by summary conviction, the maximum penalty is 10 years less a day jail.

Minimum Penalties

For offences under s. 320.14 and 320.19, the minimum penalty is a $1,000 fine, 30 days jail with a prior conviction, or 120 days jail with two or more prior convictions.

Available Dispositions

Offence(s)	Crown Election	Discharge s. 730	Suspended Sentence s. 731(1)(a)	Stand-alone Fine s. 731(1)(b)	Custody s. 718.3, 787	Custody and Probation s. 731(1)(b)	Custody and Fine s. 734	Conditional Sentence (CSO) s. 742.1
s. 320.2 [conveyance offences causing bodily harm]	any	(**)		(**)
s. 320.21 [conveyance offences causing death]	any	(**)		(**)

For offences under s. 320.19 without any prior convictions, discharges are not available.

For offences under s. 320.19 with a prior conviction, discharges, suspended sentences, stand-alone fines and conditional sentences are not available.

Despite any mandatory minimum penalties, the judge has discretion to substitute a mandatory sentence with a curative discharge for convictions under s. 253, which includes impaired driving and operating a vehicle with BAC level over 80mg/ml.

Section 731(1)(a) precludes the use of suspended sentences where there are mandatory minimums.

Ancillary Sentencing Orders

Offence-specific Orders

Order	Conviction	Description
DNA Orders	s. 320.14(1)(a) [Operation while impaired], 320.14(1)(b) [operation while over 80], 320.14(1)(c) [operation while blood drug exceeds regs re drug], 320.14(1)(d) [operation while blood drug exceeds regs re blood], 320.14(2) [Operation while impaired and causing bodily harm], 320.14(3) [Operation while impaired and causing death],	For conviction under s. 320.14(3), a DNA order is discretionary as a secondary designated offence listed under s. 487.04 (a) or (b). If an offence under s. 320.14(1), (2) is prosecuted by indictment, a DNA order is discretionary as a secondary designated offence listed under s. 487.04 (a) or (b).
Driving Prohibition (320.24)	s. 320.14(1) or 320.15(1)	Min. 1 year (1st time), 2 years (2nd time), 3 years (3rd time or more)
Forfeiture of Vehicle

Offences under 320.14(4) [Operation with low blood drug concentrations] are not eligible for a DNA Order.

General Sentencing Orders

Order	Conviction	Description
Non-communication order while offender in custody (s. 743.21)	any	The judge has the discretion to order that the offender be prohibited "from communicating...with any victim, witness or other person" while in custody except where the judge "considers [it] necessary" to communicate with them.
Restitution Orders (s. 738)	any	A discretionary Order is available for things such as the replacement value of the property; the pecuniary damages incurred from harm, expenses fleeing a domestic partner; or certain expenses arising from the commission of an offence under s.402.2 or 403.
Victim Fine Surcharge (s. 737)	any	A discretionary surcharge under s. 737 of 30% of any fine order imposed, $100 per summary conviction or $200 per indictable conviction. If the offence occurs on or after October 23, 2013, the order has smaller minimum amounts (15%, $50, or $100).

General Forfeiture Orders

Forfeiture	Conviction	Description
Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime (s. 462.37(1) or (2.01))	any	Where there is a finding of guilt for an indictable offence under the Code or the CDSA in which property is "proceeds of crime" and offence was "committed in relation to that property", the property shall be forfeited to His Majesty the King on application of the Crown. NB: does not apply to summary offences.
Fine in Lieu of Forfeiture (s. 462.37(3))	any	Where a Court is satisfied an order for the forfeiture of proceeds of crime under s. 462.37(1) or (2.01) can be made, but that property cannot be "made subject to an order", then the Court "may" order a fine in "an amount equal to the value of the property". Failure to pay the fine will result in a default judgement imposing a period of incarceration.
Forfeiture of Weapons or Firearms (s. 491)	any	Where there is finding of guilt for an offence where a "weapon, an imitation firearm, a prohibited device, any ammunition, any prohibited ammunition or an explosive substance was used in the commission of [the] offence and that thing has been seized and detained", or "that a person has committed an offence that involves, or the subject-matter of which is, a firearm, a cross-bow, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or an explosive substance has been seized and detained, that the item be an enumerated weapon or related item be connected to the offence", then there will be a mandatory forfeiture order. However, under s. 491(2), if the lawful owner "was not a party to the offence" and the judge has "no reasonable grounds to believe that the thing would or might be used in the commission of an offence", then it should be returned to the lawful owner.
Forfeiture of Offence-related Property (s. 490.1)	any	Where there is a finding of guilt for an indictable offence, "any property is offence-related property" where (a) by means or in respect of which an indictable offence under this Act or the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act is committed, (b) that is used in any manner in connection with the commission of such an offence, or (c) that is intended to be used for committing such an offence". Such property is to be forfeited to Her Majesty in right of the province. NB: does not apply to summary offences.

History

• History Impaired Driving and Over 80 Offences

See Also

• Causation

References

• Pre-Trial and Trial Motions Checklist