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Summary charges are serious criminal matters that are dealt with in the Magistrates Court. Indictable charges are serious criminal matters that may be heard in the higher courts.
A person accused of a summary criminal offence may plead guilty or not guilty in the Magistrates Court.
A person accused of an indictable offence will have their cases listed for either:
- A plea of guilty or not guilty
- If a plea of not guilty is entered, a jury trial in the County Court, or for more serious matters in the Supreme Court.
If you are facing a summary or indictable charge, contact Ian Crisp today for a confidential consultation to discuss your case and your options.
Magistrates Court – Criminal Jurisdiction
All criminal charges and driving charges underneath.
County Court – Criminal Jurisdiction
The County Court is a court for indictable offences.
It can hear all indictable matters except matters deemed suitable for the supreme court.
Typical Offences Heard in the County Court
- Serious theft and armed robbery
- Drug trafficking and large-scale drug cultivation
- Sexual offences
- Major fraud and dishonesty offences
- Culpable driving causing death
- Serious assaults
- Significant tax and revenue offences
While most cases arise under Victorian law, the County Court also hears certain Commonwealth (federal) offences.
Criminal Appeals
The County Court can also review decisions from lower courts. It hears appeals from:
- The criminal jurisdiction of the Magistrates’ Court
- The criminal and family divisions of the Children’s Court
- Orders made under the Family Violence Protection Act 2008 and the Personal Safety Intervention Orders Act 2010
Supreme Court
The Supreme Court deals with the most serious crimes, such as:
- Murder and attempted murder
- Serious dishonesty offences
- Other matters reserved for the state’s highest criminal court
How Ian Crisp Can Help
Facing summary & indictable charges is daunting. With over 50 years of courtroom experience in criminal law, Ian provides:
- Personal representation at every stage
- Strategic advice tailored to your specific charge
- Skilled advocacy for both pleas and jury trials
Contact Ian today for a confidential consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions – Summary & Indictable Charges
An indictable offence is a serious criminal charge that may be heard in a higher court, such as the County Court or Supreme Court. These offences generally carry heavier penalties than summary offences.
Common indictable offences include serious theft, armed robbery, drug trafficking, sexual offences, major fraud, culpable driving causing death, serious assaults, and significant tax offences. Some very serious crimes, like murder and treason, are handled exclusively by the Supreme Court.
Summary charges are criminal offences heard in the Magistrates’ Court, including matters like road traffic crimes, minor assaults, and public order violations. While not as severe as indictable crimes, they are considered serious criminal matters because a conviction can result in imprisonment and a permanent criminal record.
The Magistrates’ Court is the lowest court, handling less serious criminal matters (summary offences) and smaller civil disputes. The County Court is the intermediate trial court, dealing with more serious indictable crimes and significant civil claims. The Supreme Court is the highest state court, reserved for the most serious crimes like murder, the most complex civil cases, and is the final appeals body within Victoria.
Yes. The County Court hears appeals from the criminal jurisdiction of the Magistrates’ Court and the criminal and family divisions of the Children’s Court. It also hears appeals under the Family Violence Protection Act 2008 and the Personal Safety Intervention Orders Act 2010.
A qualified criminal defence lawyer like Ian Crisp can provide:
- Personal representation throughout your case
- Expert advice on pleas, trials, and potential outcomes
- Strategic defence planning tailored to your charge
- Guidance through court procedures and appeals
You can contact Ian Crisp directly through the website or by phone to arrange a confidential consultation. Early legal advice is crucial to protect your rights and prepare the strongest defence possible.