BC Criminal Defence Lawyer Blog

3 main criminal offence classifications in Canada

If you've been charged with a crime in British Columbia, which court and how it proceeds depends on the classification of the offence.  The Criminal Code of Canada sets out 3 main offence classifications which are as follows:

1.  Purely summary conviction offence;
2.  Purely indictable offence; and
3.  Hybrid offences.

The summary conviction offences are the most minor, followed by hybrid offences, and then the most serious offences are purely indictable offences.

The majority of criminal charges in Canada (and therefore B.C.) are hybrid offences.  For example, DUI and assault charges are hybrid offences. 

Hybrid offences can proceed summarily (less serious) or by indictment (more serious).  The prosecutor chooses the classification.

To view a detailed compare and contrast table of the 3 main offence classifications, click here.