An indictable offence is the more serious category of criminal offence in Canadian law. Pure indictable offences — such as murder, robbery, and aggravated sexual assault — can only be prosecuted by indictment and carry higher maximum penalties, often including life imprisonment.
Accused persons charged with indictable offences generally have the right to elect their mode of trial: trial by judge alone in the Ontario Court of Justice, trial by judge alone in the Superior Court of Justice, or trial by judge and jury in the Superior Court. For offences under section 469 of the Criminal Code (murder, treason, and certain other offences), the default is trial by judge and jury in the Superior Court, and the accused needs the consent of the Crown to elect otherwise.
Indictable offences have no limitation period — meaning charges can be laid at any time, regardless of how long ago the alleged offence occurred. This is particularly relevant in historical sexual assault cases. The classification of an offence as indictable also affects bail (reverse onus provisions may apply), fingerprinting (the accused will be fingerprinted), and sentencing (higher maximum and minimum penalties).