Criminal Procedure

Classification of robbery

Indictable only—Crown Court only (theft + force = more serious, max life)

Classification of theft

Either-way—magistrates' or Crown Court (defendant can elect)

Key indictable-only offences

Murder, manslaughter, rape, robbery, s.18 GBH, aggravated burglary

Maximum detention without charge (non-terrorism)

96 hours (24 initial + 36 by superintendent + up to 96 by magistrates)

Guilty plea credit at first reasonable opportunity

Up to one-third reduction in sentence

General right to bail

s.4 Bail Act 1976—presumption in favour; prosecution must establish grounds to refuse

Adverse inference from silence (s.34 CJPOA 1994)

Drawn where defendant failed to mention, when questioned, a fact later relied on at trial

Appeal route from magistrates' court

To Crown Court (rehearing) against conviction/sentence; or case stated to High Court on a point of law