What Are the Different Categories of Criminal Offense in BC?

As a Vancouver criminal lawyer, one deals with three broad categories of charge; summary offenses, indictable offenses and hybrid offenses. These categories bear a superficial resemblance to the US categories of crime and misdemeanor. The category of your charge will determine the seriousness of the crime and the severity of your punishment.

Legal Distinctions

A summary conviction is less serious than an indictable conviction and is generally dealt with in the lower provincial courts. The process tends to be much more streamlined. Your case will be heard by a judge. A jury is not required. Indictable offenses on the other hand are decided by judge and jury. You can expect a heavier sentence and a longer, more complicated case. Serious crimes such as murder are examples of indictable offenses.

Hybrid Offensives 

In certain cases such as impaired driving, the crown council may decide either to proceed summarily or by indictment. In some cases the choice will be given to the defendant. Part of the responsibility of a defense lawyer is to keep the client properly informed and ensure that they understand their rights and their options.

No criminal charge should be treated lightly. Even a minor offense can lead to a criminal record and can have many unforeseen consequences. Consider your future prospects for work or travel. As a Vancouver criminal lawyer, one has to weigh up every option for a client, take all circumstances into account, enter the correct plea and built an appropriate defense.