When are summary offences typically brought before a magistrate?

Summary offences are typically brought before a magistrate upon receiving a summons. A summons is a legal document that orders an individual to appear in court to answer charges. In the case of summary offences, which are generally less serious violations of the law, this process allows for a streamlined approach in the lower courts, where magistrates preside. This is appropriate as summary offences are resolved more quickly and usually do not require a jury trial, making the role of a magistrate central to handling these cases.

The other options don't align with the procedure for summary offences. An indictment is related to more serious offences and is part of the process for indictable offences, while arrest refers to the action of detaining someone suspected of a crime, but does not initiate court proceedings directly. Lastly, a civil complaint pertains to non-criminal disputes and would not involve a magistrate in the context of summary offences.