Is My Charge Summary or Indictable?

Search for your criminal charge to find out whether it is summary or indictable, which court will deal with it, and the maximum penalty. Covers more than 80 Queensland and Commonwealth criminal offences verified against AustLII primary legislation.

Summary Offences

Summary offences are less serious charges dealt with entirely in the Magistrates Court. Examples include public nuisance, obstruct police, drink driving, and drug driving.

Indictable Offences

Indictable offences are more serious charges. They range from offences that must be dealt with in the Magistrates Court (like common assault) through to strictly indictable offences that go to the District or Supreme Court (like robbery, rape, or murder).

Classification Categories

Simple offences — always Magistrates Court. Indictable must be dealt with summarily (s 552BA). Prosecution election (s 552A). Defendant election (s 552B). Strictly indictable — District or Supreme Court.

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