... at the crown court it would be further from home and the defendant would be less likely that the defendant would be in the public eye. Magistrates Courts are faster in finishing cases as opposed to Crown Courts, which may take up to several months and this is an advantage electing for a summary trail as it often avoids long periods on bail or in remand. Which can lead to the loss of jobs, wages and accommodation. Another reason for electing for a summary trial is that magistrates have lesser powers of conviction. They can impose a maximum of 6 months imprisonment and or a £5000 fine. However if you then plea or are found to be guilty and the magistrates feels his powers are not enough then he will send the defendant to the crown court for sentencing. A disadvantage of electing for a summary trial is that the conviction rate ...

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