Summary Offences

Summary offences are criminal offences which are dealt with by a judge alone, most commonly in the Local Court. These proceedings are dealt with much quicker than indictable offenses and have a maximum penalty of 2 years imprisonment.

The legislation will specifically indicate whether an offence can be dealt with summarily. If it does not, then the offence is indictable. Summary offences are less serious criminal offences than indictable offences, and include offences such as:

If it does not, then the offence is indictable. Summary offences are less serious criminal offences than indictable offences, and include offences such as:

• Traffic offences
• Some property damage offenses
• Offensive language or conduct
• Custody of a knife or offensive implement
• Graffiti offences