Summary offences

• Summary offences are minor criminal offenses that are typically punishable by a fine, community service, or a short period of imprisonment.
• what happens in the first hearing in a summary offence?

  The clerk of the court will check the defendant's identity, and the plea.
• Does it matter if the defendant has legal representation for the Magistrates to consider a sentence, in summary offences?

  Whether or not the defendant has legal representation, the magistrates will consider a sentence should the defendant have plead guilty.
• What type of hearing does the sentencing get announced in a summary offence?

  Sentencing hearing.
• Examples of summary offences include petty theft, public intoxication, and disorderly conduct.
• What happens during the sentencing hearing?

  Determination of punishment for a convicted defendant. It will also hear the brief facts of the offence from the prosecution and any statements that the defendant wishes to make.
• when is attendance at court not necessary?

  In some minor driving offences
• In a summary offfence, what happens if the defendant pleads not guilty?

  The magistrates will try and discover the issues involved and then set a date for trial.