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GlossaryCriminal Law

Indictable offence

A more serious criminal charge that begins in the Magistrates' Court but may be sent to the County or Supreme Court for trial or sentence.

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May 2026reviewed
In detail

How indictable offence works in practice.

An indictable offence is a category of criminal charge carrying a higher maximum penalty. In Victoria, indictable matters commence in the Magistrates' Court at a filing hearing and may proceed through a committal stage before being transferred to the County Court or Supreme Court of Victoria. Some indictable offences can be dealt with summarily in the Magistrates' Court if the prosecution and accused elect that course. Serious assault, trafficking in a commercial quantity, and armed robbery are examples of indictable offences.

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