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Summary conviction or indictable?
Summary conviction offences
Summary conviction offences encompass
the most minor offences in the Criminal Code. Examples are "communicate
for the purpose of obtaining the sexual services of a prostitute,"
"cause disturbance," and "harassing telephone calls."
Unless a different penalty is specified, summary
conviction offences are punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 or
six months' jail or both.
You cannot be fingerprinted for a summary conviction
offence. Also if you are convicted of a summary conviction offence
as an adult, you are eligible for a pardon three years from the
time you complete your sentence (e.g., payment of fine or restitution,
completion of probation). Following conviction of an indictable
offence, you must wait five years before pardon eligibility.
Indictable offences
An indictable offence is more serious than a
summary conviction offence. Conviction of an indictable offence
exposes you to greater penalties.
If you are prosecuted by indictment, you are
entitled to trial by jury for most offences. You do not have the
right to trial by jury if you are tried by indictment for offences
such as Drive Disqualified (i.e., driving while prohibited as
a result of a conviction for impaired driving), Theft Under $5,000,
Fraud Under $5,000, or Mischief Under $5,000.
Hybrid offences
Many offences can be prosecuted either by summary
conviction or indictment. The Crown chooses or elects the mode
of prosecution. Such offences are referred to as "hybrid"
(or "Crown option" or "dual procedure"). Hybrid
offences include impaired driving, assault and theft under $5,000.
Hybrid offences are considered indictable until the Crown makes
its election.
Disclaimer: The material on this site is not intended as legal advice. It merely conveys general information on legal issues commonly encountered by persons facing criminal charges in Canada. If you are charged with an offence, you should contact a criminal lawyer.
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