It is important to remember that there are two types of offences in QLD;
1. Simple offences (or summary offences). Examples include disorderly behaviour, traffic offences and minor criminal offences.
2. Crimes and misdemeanours (or indictable offences) including murder, rape, robbery, assault, and break and enter.
There are also numerous ways or methods that people can be charged with an offence;
- Arrest: where you arrested and taken to the watchouse to be formally charged;
- Complaint / Summons: this is a charge in writing which has been sworn on oath before a JP and served on you. This will require you to appear in the local Magistrates Court but you need not attend the police station.
- Notice to Appear: this is a form that provides you with a description of the offence and can be issued on the spot at any time. This will also have a date for your first appearance.