Summary Offence
A criminal offence that can only be tried in the magistrates' court. Summary offences are generally less serious (e.g., common assault, most driving offences, minor public order offences). The maximum sentence for a single summary offence is typically 6 months' imprisonment (12 months under the Sentencing Act 2020 when in force).
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
CPS guidance explains the category directly: less serious offences such as motoring offences or public order offences can usually only be tried in the magistrates' court, and these are called 'summary only' offences. If a defendant is convicted in a magistrates' court, they can be sentenced to a maximum of 12 months in prison, and it is where most trials take place.
Magistrates' courts decisions on summary matters are made either by a panel of magistrates — volunteer members of the public supported by a legal adviser — or by a District Judge, who is a legal professional sitting alone.
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Official sources
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