Serious Assault, ABH & GBH Defence
If you are facing serious assault allegations, our team is dedicated to providing you with exceptional legal representation and advice from the outset of your case. This approach maximises your chances of avoiding the significant penalties associated with this crime, including lengthy periods of imprisonment.
An accusation of assault is a grave matter that requires immediate legal protection and representation. At Hi Solicitors, we have extensive experience in helping individuals defend themselves against serious assault allegations.
Our services
- Providing legal advice and guidance during the investigative stage
- Offering support during an interview under caution, and assisting in preparing cases for a court hearing.
- Review the prosecution’s evidence, conduct our own investigation, and build a strong defence.
Our team is dedicated to providing thorough and personalised legal guidance at every stage of the legal process.
What are the different types of assault charges?
Common Assault involves causing another person to apprehend immediate unlawful force or intentionally or recklessly causing such apprehension. It can result in a maximum sentence of six months’ custody.
Common Assault
- This involves causing another person to fear immediate unlawful force or intentionally/recklessly causing such fear. It can result in a maximum sentence of six months’ custody.
Actual Bodily Harm (ABH)
- This charge is applicable when the assault causes some form of injury to the victim. It carries a maximum sentence of five years’ custody.
Wounding/Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH)
- This is the most serious type of assault, involving severe injury or permanent disability to the victim. It can lead to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
These types of assault charges affect the legal proceedings, potential consequences, and the severity of the sentence. It’s important to seek legal advice and representation tailored to the specific type of assault charge one is facing.
Can you go to prison for an assault charge?
The Criminal Justice Act 2003 outlines various penalties for assault charges, depending on the severity of the offence. These penalties include:
- Common assault: a maximum six weeks’ custodial sentence
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH): a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment
- Racially aggravated assault occasioning ABH: a maximum penalty of seven years imprisonment
- Unlawfully wounding/inflicting grievous bodily harm (GBH): a maximum of five years imprisonment
- Racially aggravated unlawful wounding/inflicting GBH: a maximum penalty of seven years imprisonment
- Wounding/causing GBH with intent: a maximum sentence of life imprisonment
- Attempted murder: a maximum sentence of life imprisonment
If facing investigation or prosecution for common assault, it is advisable to seek expert legal advice as soon as possible. Our Qualified solicitors and barristers can provide clear legal advice, unparalleled advocacy, and expert representation in the Magistrates’ or Crown Court.
What factors can make an assault charge more serious?
Some factors that influence Assault Charges include:
- The level of injury caused by the assault
- Whether the assault is sustained or repeated
- The use of a weapon
- Whether or not others are involved in the offending behaviour and what role was taken by each participant
- The vulnerability of the subject of the assault
- The presence of alcohol or drugs
The most serious assault offences are assessed in line with robust sentencing guidelines, which are those that typically involve a weapon or the infliction of grievous bodily harm (GBH)
Our team will spend time assessing the facts of your case, provide advice on the evidence, and whether or not you have a defence to the allegations made against you. If you choose to plead guilty to any offence, we will also be able to carefully analyse any mitigating factors in your case to help secure the best possible outcome for you.
Speak to our Criminal Solicitors today.
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Call: 01204 371 414
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