Conveyance Offence Causing Bodily Harm or Death (Offence)
| Conveyance Offences 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 (*) |
| Summary Dispositions | |
| Avail. Disp. |
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| 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)
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| s. 320.21 [conveyance offences causing death] | Indictable Offence(s) | |
N/A | (under 14 years max)
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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] | Template:ReleaseProfile-BailOnly | ||||
| s. 320.14(3) [operation while impaired and causing death] | Template:ReleaseProfile-BailOnly |
- 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));
- Fingeprints 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] | |
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| s. 320.21 [conveyance offences causing death] | |
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Offence Wording
Offence wording as of December 18, 2018, see History below for previous versions.
- 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
- 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
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 |
| 320.21 | "... contrary to section 320.21 of the Criminal Code." |
Proof of the Offences
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Proving Operation while impaired and causing bodily harm under s. 320.14(2) should include:
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Proving Operation while impaired and causing death under s. 320.14(3) should include:
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Interpretation of the Offence
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
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 |
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| s. 320.2 | any | (**) |
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(**) |
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| s. 320.21 | any | (**) |
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(**) |
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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.[2]
Section 731(1)(a) precludes the use of suspended sentences where there are mandatory minimums.[3]
- ↑ (**) Availability may vary
- ↑ Discharges are not available in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, or Newfoundland
- ↑
R v Berner, 2013 BCCA 188 (CanLII), per curiam, at para 36
Ancillary Sentencing Orders
- Offence-specific Orders
| Order | Conviction | Description |
|---|---|---|
| DNA Orders |
s. 320.14(1)(a) [Operation while impaired], |
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| 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
See Also
- References
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