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Types of Crimes and Courts

There are three types of criminal offences:

The category into which an offence falls can determine which court will deal with the matter.

A hearing or trial takes place only when a defendant pleads not guilty to the charge.

After a plea of guilty, the court deals with the defendant by doing such things as:

  • imposing a fine;
  • a sentence or suspended sentence of imprisonment;
  • recording or not recording a conviction (with or without penalty);
  • imposing a good behaviour bond;
  • ordering home detention;
  • ordering community service be undertaken;
  • making orders for forfeiture, compensation, intervention and restraining orders, costs and other things.

    See further: Sentencing
Types of Crimes and Courts  :  Last Revised: Tue Oct 25th 2016
The content of the Law Handbook is made available as a public service for information purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal advice. See Disclaimer for details. For free and confidential legal advice in South Australia call 1300 366 424.