Assault, ABH & GBH DEFENCE Solicitors - LAWYERS FOR ASSAULT CHARGES UK
Our Assault Solicitors are legal professionals who offer specialist advice and legal representation to those accused of committing an assault or grievous bodily harm.
If you have been accused of common assault, ABH or GBH call now to discuss how our expert Criminal Defence Solicitors could help.
Allegations of these crimes can be extremely serious and may result in a sentence of life imprisonment. As such, it is vital that anyone facing assault charges instructs a lawyer with specialist knowledge of this area of law to represent them as soon as possible.
Our Assault Solicitors take pride in delivering a sophisticated and astute service that is results driven.
Assault and GBH are extremely serious crimes and involve the use of force to injure a victim. The penalties for these crimes vary based on the severity of the injuries and the intent of the attacker.
These types of crime violate the Offences against the Person Act (1861) and can be categorised into the following cases.
What is COMMON ASSAULT?
Common assault is less serious of an offence when compared to other types of assault, but may still have significant legal consequences. The legislation defining common assault is contained in Section 39 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988.
Common assault involves applying unlawful force on a person or threatening them with unlawful force. For an act of violence to be considered common assault, a physical injury does not need to occur, as this is considered to be Actual Bodily Harm (ABH).
Offences of common assault include what is known as assault by beating - sometimes referred to as battery.
Cases of common assault are typically taken to the Magistrates’ Court. If you have been charged with common assault, you may be ordered to pay a fine or receive a community order.
What is ACTUAL BODILY HARM (ABH)?
For an offence to be classed as ABH, harm must be caused to the victim with the intention of an assault. The victim will typically receive injuries such as scratches or bruises after the attack or those that are considered to be more ‘serious’, needing stitches or hospital treatment requiring anaesthetic.
Actual Bodily Harm crimes are defined within Section 47 of the Offences against the Person Act (1861). ABH cases will usually be resolved in the Magistrates’ Court.
The sentence for this crime varies from a fine to a maximum of five years' imprisonment, so instructing expert ABH Solicitors is crucial.
What is GRIEVOUS BODILY HARM (GBH)?
To cause grievous bodily harm (sometimes referred to as unlawful wounding) is to seriously injure or wound a person. Injuries that come under this category include those that result in the following:
- Long-term disability, disfigurement or loss of sensory function
- Broken bones, including fractures
- Significant blood loss requiring a transfusion, major treatment or substantial incapacity
The offence of GBH can be split into two categories as follows.
- Wounding Without Intent
To cause GBH without intent, the attacker must have had the intention to assault the victim but not to cause serious bodily harm. GBH without intent is a breach of Section 20 of the Offences against the Person Act (1861). Depending on the severity of the attack, this case can be dealt with by the Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court, and carries a maximum sentence of five years' imprisonment.
- Wounding With Intent
GBH with intent is the most serious assault charge that can be brought, as outlined in Section 18 of the Offences against the Person Act (1861). For a successful prosecution, it must be proven that the accused intended to cause the victim serious injuries.
Intent is considered in cases where:
- The attack was planned or repeated
- The attack included kicking or using an offensive weapon to the victim’s head
- An object was adapted, such as a glass broken, to use in an attack
- A weapon was deliberately obtained for the attack
- Previous threats had been made by the defendant to the victim
Cases of wounding with intent are dealt with in the Crown Court and can result in a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
What is an ASSAULT ON A POLICE OFFICER?
When a police officer comes into contact with the public at moments of high intensity such as a violent demonstration, or when an officer is trying to arrest someone, it could lead to an assault on a police officer. If someone resists arrest and punches the officer, this would be an assault.
Under section 89 of the Police Act 1996:
- It is a criminal offence to assault a constable in the execution of his duty, or a person assisting a constable in the course of his duty.
- It is an offence to resist or wilfully obstruct a constable in the execution of his duty.
The sentence for assaulting a police officer is up to 6 months’ imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £5,000.
The sentence for resisting or obstructing a police officer is up to 1 month in prison and/or a fine of £1000.
All forms of assault offences can result in serious criminal charges. A criminal conviction and a prison sentence are very real consequences that can result from being charged with assault on a police officer, so you need expert legal representation right away.
If you have been accused of assault or GBH, call Draycott Browne’s specialist Assault Lawyers today on +44 (0)161 452 7674 to discuss how we could help your case. We represent clients throughout the UK, so no matter where you live please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
24 HOUR AVAILABILITY
Arrests are rarely anticipated, which is why our legal advisors are on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ready to assist you at the police station whenever you need us. If you have been accused of assault or GBH, call Draycott Browne’s specialist serious crime solicitors today on +44 (0)161 452 7674 to discuss how we could help your case.
LEGAL AID
Legal fees can be an unexpected cost that you may struggle to afford. By applying for legal aid, you can relieve financial stress during your case, leaving you to focus on what matters. Our Assault Solicitors will guide you through the process of applying for legal aid, ensuring you have the best possible chance of a successful application.
Contact Draycott Browne's Assault Solicitors
If you or a loved one is arrested on an assault charge, it is essential that you engage the expertise of professional Criminal Assault Solicitors who will be able to help and advise you on a defence strategy as soon as possible. Contact us today by calling +44 (0)161 266 7087. If you would like us to contact you, simply fill in our online enquiry form and a member of the team will be in touch as soon as possible.
As one of the UK's leading Criminal Law Firms, we are highly regarded nationally across the legal profession and noted for consistently delivering positive results for our clients. Our expert GBH, ABH & Assault Solicitors regularly act for clients in Manchester, Preston, Blackpool, Liverpool, Leeds, Nottingham, Birmingham, and London. As recognised Criminal Defence Lawyers we can represent you wherever you live in England and Wales.
By entrusting us, you can be assured that you will be working with a team of highly skilled and experienced Serious Crime Solicitors who have a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of this area of law, and have protected individuals in a wide range of cases.
Our legal team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you need expert legal advice or representation, call us in confidence now. When you are facing the stiffest challenges, you cannot afford to settle for anything less than Draycott Browne