Indictable-only offence

The most serious type of offence, such as murder, rape or robbery, which can only be tried in the Crown Court.

An indictable-only offence is one of the most serious crimes and can only be tried in the Crown Court, before a judge and, if you plead not guilty, a jury. Examples include murder, manslaughter, rape, robbery and causing grievous bodily harm with intent. The case still starts in a magistrates' court, but only briefly: the magistrates deal with bail or remand and legal aid, then send the case straight to the Crown Court under section 51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. The first main Crown Court hearing is usually a plea and trial preparation hearing. Sentence is decided by a Crown Court judge, and many of these offences carry a maximum of life imprisonment. Children charged with most of these offences can still be dealt with in the youth court, except for homicide and some other very serious cases.

Checked as at 25 September 2026. General information only, not legal advice.