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04related terms
May 2026reviewed
In detail
How culpable driving causing death works in practice.
Culpable driving causing death is an offence under the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic). A driver is culpable if they cause the death of another person by driving recklessly, by negligence that is gross, or while so affected by alcohol or a drug as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle. It is a serious indictable offence carrying a substantial maximum penalty of imprisonment, and is dealt with in the County Court of Victoria. A related but distinct offence, dangerous driving causing death, covers driving that is dangerous to the public but does not reach the threshold of culpability. Which charge the facts support, and the available evidence on the manner of driving, are central to how the matter is defended.
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