An indictable-only offence is one of the most serious categories of criminal allegation and must be tried in the Crown Court. The case will normally begin in the Magistrates’ Court before being sent to the Crown Court. Early specialist preparation is essential. Contact Ghafar Khan as soon as possible.
What is an indictable-only offence?
Examples include murder, rape and robbery. Other serious allegations may also be triable only on indictment. The precise category depends on the statutory offence charged.
What happens after charge?
The first Magistrates’ Court hearing can address identity, bail, legal aid and sending the case to the Crown Court. Crown Court stages may then include an early hearing, plea, case management, disclosure, legal applications, trial and sentence where applicable.
Why early Crown Court preparation matters
- Identifying legal and evidential issues;
- preserving defence evidence and preparing disclosure requests;
- considering expert evidence, telephone material and forensics;
- selecting advocacy suited to the case;
- preparing bail and other urgent applications.
Questions clients often ask
Will my indictable-only case have a jury?
A contested indictable-only trial is ordinarily heard in the Crown Court before a judge and jury. The procedure applicable to the particular case should be explained by your solicitor.
Can Ghafar Khan represent me in a serious Crown Court case?
Yes. Ghafar Khan is a Criminal Defence Solicitor and High Court Advocate. He can undertake advocacy himself and work with experienced barristers or King’s Counsel where appropriate.
Is legal aid available for an indictable-only offence?
Legal aid may be available subject to the applicable rules and financial eligibility. Ghafar Khan accepts legal-aid instructions where the client and case qualify.
Searching for the best criminal lawyer for a serious Crown Court case?
When your liberty and reputation are at stake, you may be looking for the best criminal lawyer, an experienced Crown Court solicitor or a serious-crime defence specialist. No lawyer can guarantee an outcome. What matters is specialist criminal-law experience, meticulous preparation and advocacy matched to the case. Contact Ghafar Khan for focused advice and representation.
Contact Ghafar Khan immediately
Ghafar Khan acts in murder, serious violence, drug conspiracy, fraud, money laundering, organised crime, EncroChat and complex telephone-evidence cases throughout England and Wales.
Contact Ghafar Khan: Call 07500 556587 · Send an SMS · WhatsApp Ghafar Khan · notguilty@ghafarkhan.com · acting throughout England and Wales · #CALLGFA
Official information
GOV.UK: criminal courts · CPS: how a criminal case works · Criminal Law Act 1977, section 64
General information only. Procedure, available funding and possible sentence depend on the charge and individual circumstances.