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These deal with less serious criminal cases (called summary offences), such as minor theft or shoplifting. Summary offences usually carry certain fixed penalties. The maximum penalty is usually a fine of £5,000 or a prison sentence of six months. Magistrates also decide whether to send the more serious cases (called indictable offences) to the Crown Court to be heard before a jury. Criminal appeals from a magistrates' court are heard at the Crown Court.