Minor offences. If an adult is charged with a summary offence, their case will stay in the Magistrates’ Court. A summary offence can only go to the Crown Court if a person is charged at the same time with a more serious offence.
Each summary offence carries a maximum penalty of six months’ imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £5,000.
Examples of summary offences include:
- most motoring offences;
- minor criminal damage; and
- common assault (not causing significant injury).