Summary Offences

Question 1

Court in which the case will be heard

Answer 1

Magistrates

Question 2

Examples of offences in this category

Answer 2

Assault, Battery, driving offences

Question 3

1 - Decider of verdict

2 - who will sentence D

Answer 3

1 - Mags

2 - Mags

Question 4

Procedure for Summary Offences

Answer 4

D receives a summons/is charged with a summary offence
D appears before a Mags court for a preliminary hearing
D pleads guilty or not guilty

Question 5

If D pleads guilty:

Answer 5

Magistrates will sentence D
D will receive a maximum sentence of 6 months
If magistrates think that their sentencing powers are not enough they will refer the case to the Crown Court

Question 6

If D pleads not guilty:

Answer 6

Mags will set a date for trial
Mags will consider whether to grant bail/remand and any conditions to place on it e.g. surrender passport, geotag
If D is found guilty, the mags will sentence D. If their powers are not enough, they can refer D to Crown Court