Summary conviction vs Indictment

bajer101

What is the difference between summary conviction and conviction on indictment? For the same offence, there can be two very different maximum sentences. Is it simply that the case is dealt with in the District Court as opposed to a trial in the Circuit Court?

Peregrinus

bajer101 wrote: »

What is the difference between summary conviction and conviction on indictment? For the same offence, there can be two very different maximum sentences. Is it simply that the case is dealt with in the District Court as opposed to a trial in the Circuit Court?

Yes, that's the difference.

Mr. Incognito

It was many years before I asked that question.

Summary conviction is uncontested.

Indictment is contested. Before a judge or jury depending.

Kevin3

Mr. Incognito wrote: »

It was many years before I asked that question.

Summary conviction is uncontested.

Indictment is contested. Before a judge or jury depending.

That's not correct. A summary offence can still be contested in the District Court where a judge decides without a jury.

Conversly a defendant could also plead guilty for an indictable offence in the Circuit Court negating the need for a jury.

Mr. Incognito

Here is a cracking overview

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/justice/criminal_law/criminal_offences/classification_of_crimes_in_criminal_cases.html