WHAT IS A SUMMARY OR AN INDICTABLE OFFENCE?
Your charge-sheet will tell you whether you have been charged with a ‘summary offence’ an ‘indictable offence’ or, a mixture of these offences. Summary Offences. These offences are only heard in the Magistrates’ Court. It is important for you to come to Court so that the Magistrate can hear what you have to say. If you are on bail you must come to Court on the day of your case. Indictable Offences. These offences are more serious than summary offences. You must go to Court on the day of your Court case. If you cannot go to Court on the day written in your bail notice you must contact the Court Co-ordinator to see what you must do. Many indictable offences can be heard by a Magistrate or a Judge and Jury. You may have to decide whether you want your case heard by a Magistrate in the Magistrates’ Court or by a Judge and Jury in the County Court. Talk to your lawyer to see if you have to make this decision. If you decide to have your case heard in the County Court you will be given a new
