matter. A preliminary inquiry is held to determine whether there is enough evidence with which to go to trial. There will only be an inquiry if the accused chooses to have a trial in the Court of Queen's Bench and the Crown proceeds by indictment. The defence must request a preliminary inquiry. This can also be a chance for the defence to hear Crown Prosecutor's evidence. Before a prosecutor decides if they will proceed by indictment, they will see if the accused person has a previous record with other assault convictions. They will also consider how serious the assault was and how seriously it should be punished. The maximum penalty for indictable assault is 5 years in jail. Aggravated Assault Aggravated assault is described as an assault that wounds, maims, disfigures or endangers the life of the victim. Basically an assault becomes "aggravated" when the harm caused goes beyond something minor and becomes more serious. Everyone who commits an aggravated assault is guilty of an indictable offence and could face up to 14 years in prison. Assault with a Weapon or Causing Bodily Harm If in committing an assault the person carries, uses, or threatens to use, a weapon or something that could be thought of as a weapon, or if they cause harm to their victim, she is guilty of assault with a weapon or causing bodily harm. Assault with a weapon or causing bodily harm could be either an indictable or summary offence, depending what the Crown chooses.