A Trinidad and Tobago attorney has used the viral dashcam video involving a man identified as Joel to explain three possible criminal offences that could arise from the conduct captured in the footage. Attorney Ronnie D Edwards made the observations as part of educational content on his TikTok page, repeatedly making it clear that his presentation was for public education and was not legal advice or a determination that Joel had committed any offence. The first issue Edwards highlighted was dangerous driving. The footage appears to show Joel accelerating aggressively from a parking area before driving at speed and stopping abruptly during a heated confrontation with the female passenger. At points, the woman can be heard reacting with alarm and questioning his behaviour behind the wheel. Edwards referenced Section 71A of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, which deals with dangerous driving. A conviction for dangerous driving carries a fine of $10,000, imprisonment for five years and disqualification from holding or obtaining a driving permit for at least 12 months. The attorney also addressed the physical contact captured on the dashcam. “The slap is an assault,” Edwards stated while referring viewers to Section 30 of the Offences Against the Person Act. Section 30 provides for common assault as well as assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Common assault can carry a $4,000 fine and imprisonment for two years, while assault occasioning actual bodily harm carries imprisonment for up to five years. Edwards also addressed what appeared to be the reason behind the confrontation. “He saw her talking. He felt disrespected. That is not a defence,” the attorney said. A third possible legal issue arises from alcohol. Joel has reportedly said in a separate conversation with Ian Alleyne that he had consumed a lot of alcohol before the incident. Under Section 70 of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, a person commits an offence if, while driving or attempting to drive on a road, that person is under the influence of drink or a drug to such an extent that they are incapable of properly controlling the vehicle. A first conviction under that provision carries a $12,000 fine and imprisonment for three years. However, admitting to drinking alcohol does not by itself establish the offence. Investigators would still have to establish the necessary evidence that the alcohol affected the driver’s ability to properly control the vehicle. Edwards also discussed the Domestic Violence Act and explained that a girlfriend can apply for a protection order. He noted that such an application depends on the person seeking the protection available under the legislation. A protection order is a protective legal remedy and is not being counted among the three possible criminal offences outlined in this report. Edwards further explained that a woman’s silence does not simply cancel an alleged assault, although the evidence available and the willingness of witnesses to participate can affect an investigation and prosecution. In this case, police have confirmed that the woman seen in the viral video made a formal report at the Couva Police Station. The matter is now being investigated by officers attached to the Region Two Special Victims Unit. The three possible offences discussed are therefore: Assault under Section 30 of the Offences Against the Person Act. Dangerous driving under Section 71A of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act. Driving under the influence of alcohol under Section 70, if investigators can establish the required evidence of impairment. None of this means Joel has been convicted or that all three offences will be charged. Edwards’ video was an educational breakdown of how Trinidad and Tobago law could potentially apply to conduct seen in the footage. Any decision to lay charges will depend on the police investigation, the evidence gathered and the relevant prosecuting authorities.
