The least serious offences e.g. assault and battery and are trialed in the magistrates’ court. They are known as summary offences because the defendant receives a written order in the post requiring them to attend court which is known as the summons
Triable either way offences
Middle range offences e.g. ABH, theft and are heard in the Magistrates‘ court or crown court
Indictable offences
The most serious offences e.g wounding with intent, murder, manslaughter and are heard in the crown court
