Criminal Law

There are three types of criminal offence which are explained below:

Summary Offence
A Summary Offence is one that is only dealt with by a magistrate in the magistrate’s court and usually covers most Common Offences. Examples of a Summary offence include:
  • Disorderly/ offensive behaviour and minor assault.
  • Road traffic offences including careless or dangerous driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Minor criminal/ property damage.
Minor Indictable Offence
A Minor Indictable Offence is one that is also dealt with in a Magistrates Court, however, the defendant can choose to have the matter dealt with in a higher jurisdiction. If heard in the Magistrates Court the matter is prosecuted by the Police. Examples of this type of offence include:
  • Theft, receiving and deception.
  • Serious criminal trespass/ property damage.
  • Illegal use of a motor vehicle.
  • Aggravated burglary, assault causing grievous harm.
  • Gross Indecency, Indecent Assault, Stalking.
  • Police Obstruction.
Major Indictable Offence
A Major Indictable Offence is a more serious offence that can only be dealt with in the District or Supreme Court and guarantees the defendant a right to a trial by jury. Before a person charged with a major indictable offence goes to trial there is usually a committal hearing conducted to assess if the prosecution’s evidence is strong enough to have a successful conviction. Examples of this type of offence include:
  • Blackmail, extortion.
  • Drug & alcohol offences.
  • Sex offences, child exploitation.
  • White collar Fraud & deception.
  • Firearms offences.
  • Domestic violence.
  • Murder, manslaughter.
Lawcorp understands the urgency and priority needed in these situations and has the experience and professional capability to assist you with legal advice and guidance accordingly.

Lawcorp's team of professional lawyers are experienced practitioners, ready to assist with your legal needs in this area, for further information, please contact us.
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