Traffic Crimes
Defense in Czech Republic
Serious traffic offenses carry criminal penalties including imprisonment and driving bans. The right defense can mean the difference between a conviction and an acquittal.
Note for foreign drivers: If you are involved in a serious traffic incident in Czech Republic, you may be detained and your travel documents seized. Contact a lawyer immediately.
Driving Under the Influence (Řízení vozidla pod vlivem alkoholu/drog)
§ 274 Criminal Code
Driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol (blood alcohol ≥ 1.0‰) or drugs. A blood alcohol level between 0.3–1.0‰ is typically an administrative offense; above 1.0‰ triggers criminal liability. Aggravated DUI applies where there is a prior conviction or where harm was caused.
Possible defense angles
- →Challenge the accuracy and procedure of the breathalyzer/blood test
- →Argue BAC was below the criminal threshold
- →Challenge the calibration and certification of testing equipment
- →Argue the defendant was not actually driving the vehicle
Dangerous Driving (Obecné ohrožení)
§ 272 Criminal Code
Knowingly creating a serious risk to human life or health or substantial property damage through reckless driving — such as extreme speeding in populated areas, racing on public roads, or driving deliberately against traffic. This is a serious charge requiring proof of deliberate endangerment.
Possible defense angles
- →Challenge whether risk created was genuinely serious
- →Dispute intent — recklessness vs. deliberate endangerment
- →Expert reconstruction of the driving incident
- →Challenge witness evidence
Causing Bodily Harm / Death by Traffic Accident (Usmrcení / Těžké ublížení z nedbalosti)
§ 143–147 Criminal Code
Negligently causing injury or death in a traffic accident. The most common serious traffic offense. Sentencing depends on the degree of negligence, compliance with traffic rules, and whether the driver fled the scene.
Possible defense angles
- →Expert accident reconstruction — was the driver actually at fault?
- →Contributory negligence of the victim or other driver
- →Emergency situation — was the driver reacting to sudden danger?
- →Challenge speed / distance calculations
Hit and Run (Neposkytnutí pomoci řidičem)
§ 151 Criminal Code
Leaving the scene of an accident where injury occurred without providing or securing assistance. A separate offense from the traffic accident itself — and prosecuted even where the driver was not at fault for the accident.
Possible defense angles
- →Argue the driver was unaware that an injury occurred
- →Argue assistance was secured by others at the scene
- →Challenge the timeline and circumstances of departure
Obstruction of Road Traffic (Maření výkonu úředního rozhodnutí — driving ban)
§ 337 Criminal Code
Driving while subject to a driving ban imposed by a court or administrative authority. Even driving a very short distance while under a ban can trigger criminal charges.
Possible defense angles
- →Verify the validity and service of the driving ban
- →Argue the defendant was unaware the ban had taken effect
- →Emergency — necessity defense in urgent situations
Involved in a Serious Traffic Incident?
Traffic crime cases hinge on technical evidence that can be challenged. Our lawyers act quickly to secure expert analysis and protect your rights.