How can offences that were previously classified as indictable now be treated?

Offences that were previously classified as indictable can now be treated as hybrid offences under certain conditions due to the flexibility afforded by the Criminal Code. Hybrid offences allow the Crown to decide whether to proceed with a case as an indictable offence or, alternatively, as a summary offence, based on factors such as the severity of the crime, the circumstances surrounding the offence, and the background of the accused. This approach provides the legal system with the necessary discretion to tailor the prosecution to the specifics of each case, potentially leading to more proportionate outcomes.

The classification of an offence as hybrid means that while it retains the rights and procedures associated with indictable offences, the Crown has the option to pursue a less severe process, which can lead to shorter trials, reduced penalties, or quicker resolutions for less serious offences. This change in classification reflects an understanding of the need for proportionality in legal responses to crime, allowing for a range of potential legal consequences appropriate to the individual offence and offender.