What kind of cases are heard in Crown Court?

These include cases such as theft, burglary and drug offences that can vary greatly in seriousness. Theft, for example, could involve someone stealing anything from a chocolate bar to a priceless antique. Magistrates decide whether a case is sufficiently serious to be heard in the Crown Court.

Can a defendant be sentenced in the Crown Court?

This means that the defendant will be sentenced by a judge in the Crown Court where the sentencing powers are much greater. Indictable only offences are those that can only be tried in the Crown Court. They are the most serious offences on the criminal calendar.

Why is shop theft classified as a summary offence?

The only reason this low value offence is classified as a summary offence is because over 80,000 cases of shop theft come before the courts every year [1] and this classification allows the police to prosecute without the involvement of the Crown Prosecution Service (i.e. it is quicker, cheaper and cuts down on admin).

Is the Crown Court available for sentencing flowcharts?

However, the court must make clear to the offender that all sentencing options remain open including, in appropriate cases, committal for sentence to the Crown Court. Sentencing flowcharts are available at Imposition of Community and Custodial Sentences definitive guideline. 1) Has the custody threshold been passed?

What happens during a pre trial hearing in a theft case?

Pre-trial. Pre-trial hearings let the court monitor the case’s progress. During a pre-trial you and the court can resolve any issues that come up while your case is pending. Frequently at this step a case can be “continued” to permit both parties sufficient time to prepare their cases.

When do you have to go to court for theft?

Whenever somebody is accused of a crime, whether its fraud or theft, they have to go through a legal process involving court. The process involves various outcomes which can result in a court trial to determine whether you are guilty or innocent. Before a trial occurs, if it occurs, certain steps must be gone through.

What makes a case go to Crown Court?

The seriousness of the offence will dictate whether the case will remain in a magistrates’ court from start to finish, or will be referred up to the Crown Court. These are less serious cases such as low level motoring offences, disorderly behaviour, TV licence payment evasion and minor assaults.

Who are the burglars in Truro Crown Court?

Judge Robert Linford requested the pensioner’s victim impact video be played to Anthony Michael Harrison, Kirsty Ann Parr and Tristan James Chenoweth, who, between them, burgled her house as she slept and then spent and laundered the contents of her bank account.