Criminal Law: Indictable Charges

Indictable offences are the most severe type of offences which involve the most formal procedures and harsh penalties.

General Overview of Indictable Offences

• Trials can be held before a judge only or before a judge and jury;
• Certain cases allow for an accused to be eligible for a preliminary hearing;
• The most serious offences will have a bail hearing in the Superior Court and the accused cannot choose to have their case heard by a Provincial Court judge;
• Some bail hearings can be heard over the phone, rather than having to physically appear in court. 

It is important to note that a person can be charged with an indictable offence at any time after the crime was committed.

Penalty for Indictable Offences

The penalty for an indictable offence is the most harsh and ranges from two years up to life in prison.  Sentences greater than two years are served in a federal institution.

Common Indictable Offences

• Treason
• Murder
• Kidnapping
• Hijacking
• Arson
• Aggravated Assault 

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