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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
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