Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST) Practice Exam 2025

What sort of crime is categorized as hybrid (dual)?

1. Property theft

2. Assault causing bodily harm

3. Break and enter

4. Public intoxication

The correct answer is: Break and enter

The term "hybrid" or "dual" offense refers to crimes that can be prosecuted as either summary conviction offenses or indictable offenses. This classification allows prosecutors to choose the path that best fits the circumstances of the case, which can impact the severity of penalties and the legal process. Break and enter is categorized as a hybrid offense because it can vary significantly in severity. Depending on factors such as whether the entry was with the intent to commit a crime and whether any individuals were present during the act, it can be treated as a less serious summary offense or as a more serious indictable offense, which could entail harsher penalties. Other crimes listed, such as property theft, assault causing bodily harm, and public intoxication, do not share this dual classification. For instance, assault causing bodily harm is primarily treated as an indictable offense, which generally involves more significant legal repercussions than a summary offense, whereas public intoxication typically falls under summary offenses. As a result, break and enter stands out as the hybrid offense in this context.