Indictable Offences. Other indictable offences, for example robbery, rape or dangerous driving causing death, are heard in the District Court. Indictable offences also known as crimes, are more serious and carry more severe penalties. Section 3 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1986 (NSW) provides that an ‘indictable offence’ is: An offence (including a common law offence) that may be prosecuted on indictment. serious offences; serious penalties; Hybrid offences: prosecution can choose to try the case as either of the above; Essentially, how the offence will be handled determines how the case will be heard and the penalties. Indictable charges that have a maximum penalty of 10 years or less and can be heard in the Magistrates’ Court with the consent of the defendant and the willingness of the Magistrate. Very serious indictable offences, such as murder, manslaughter and drug offences involving large quantities or a commercial element can be heard in the Supreme Court, District or Magistrates courts. Summary offences must be prosecuted within 12 months of the alleged offence. Chapter 58A of the Criminal Code (containing sections 552A -552BB inclusive) provides for when indictable offences must or can be heard summarily. Murder, an act of terrorism, robbery, treason, drug trafficking, and aggravated sexual assault are some of the examples of indictable offences. These matters start in the Magistrates Court and progress to either … Summary offences are heard by the local Court. Summary offences carry a maximum penalty of no more than 2 years imprisonment compared to indictable offences which can carry maximum penalties of much more than 2 years imprisonment. There are two categories of indictable offences: Major Indictable Offences and Minor Indictable Offences. This article deals with indictable offences in New South Wales. During the committal hearing it will be decided whether the case will be heard in the Magistrates’ Court or be sent to the County or Supreme Court. An indictable offence is an offence where the defendant has the right to trial by jury. Indictable offences. Section 552A of the Criminal Code provides for a list of indictable offences which must be dealt with summarily on Prosecution election. Although it is never a wise choice to defend allegations without the assistance of a lawyer, doing so when facing an indictable offence is reckless. Indictable offences can be heard by the Magistrates, District Court or Supreme Courts in front of a judge and jury. If you’re charged with an indictable crime, you need solid grounds on which you can defend your case and improve your situation. Indictable Offences Heard and Determined Summarily. Indictable offences are far more serious and complicated offences. murder. 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