What is the main difference between a summary and an indictable offence?

• There are a range of white collar and corporate crimes. Some are summary offences and some are indictable.
  • A summary offence is one that must be dealt with in a lower court such as a local or magistrate’s court.
  • An indictable offence is one that must be dealt with in a higher court such as a district or county court.
  • The main difference between these types of offences is what the maximum penalty is and which court can deal with it.
• Both types of offence may have imprisonment and fines as a penalty but the maximum penalties will be greater in a higher court.