7. Time limits for filing a charge-sheet

7. Time limits for filing a charge-sheet

(1) A proceeding for a summary offence must be commenced within 12 months after the date on which the offence is alleged to have been committed except where—

(a) otherwise provided by or under any other Act; or

(b) the accused gives written consent, and the DPP or a Crown Prosecutor consent, to the proceeding being commenced after the expiry of that period.

Note See Part 5.1A of Chapter 5 of the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 for a shorter time limit in relation to children.

(2) A proceeding for an indictable offence—

(a) may be commenced at any time, except where otherwise provided by or under this or any other Act; and

(b) may be heard and determined summarily even though the proceeding may have been commenced more than 12 months after the date on which the offence is alleged to have been committed.