Assault And Grievous Bodily Harm
Assault and grievous bodily harm are serious criminal offences that both carry prison sentences.
If you are charged with one of these crimes, our Criminal Defence Solicitors will provide you with a strong, persuasive defence.
As one of the most highly recommended law firms in the Midlands, you can be confident that we will look after you and your family during this stressful time.
We are a diverse, multi-lingual law firm based in Coventry, our solicitors use best-in-class technology to provide clients with a streamlined, modern, and highly effective criminal defence. Furthermore, our solicitors have years of experience in criminal law means we have created relationships with some of the UK’s best Barristers and King’s Counsel. Our clients also benefit from our ability to instruct the country’s most respected expert witnesses who can provide the Court with the facts required to support a not guilty plea or mitigate the sentence handed down by a Judge.
Advising and representing people accused of committing a criminal offence
We are highly recommended as an expert criminal defence law firm for people accused of committing a crime. We provide 24/7 police station representation. Therefore, will be at your side, protecting your interests from the start. Because we understand the correct procedure the police must follow when making an arrest, we will carefully examine the circumstances surrounding you being detained and get the charges dropped if proper processes were not complied with.
Based in Coventry, our criminal law team has in-depth experience in defending serious criminal charges such as assault and grievous bodily harm. We work with the country’s top expert witnesses and focus on providing you with advice and representation you can trust. We know that your reputation, financial security, and possibly your freedom is at stake – therefore, we never give up until every appeal has been exhausted.
Below are several common questions clients ask us concerning assault and grievous bodily harm.
What is assault?
There are four types of assaults. Listed from the least to most serious, they are:
- common assault and battery
- assault causing actual bodily harm
- unlawful wounding or inflicting grievous bodily harm
- wounding or causing grievous bodily harm with intent
Assault and battery are often used interchangeably but they are in fact separate offences. Assault is where the victim believes they are immediately going to become the victim of unlawful violence and there is no requirement for the violence to actually happen. Battery, on the other hand, is where unlawful violence is used on another person. The offence of battery can be committed even where the force used is minimal, and the victim suffers no injuries. However, to gain a conviction, the Prosecution must prove that you intentionally or recklessly committed the assault or battery.
What are unlawful wounding and grievous bodily harm?
The offences of wounding or grievous bodily harm can be committed with or without intent, the latter being more serious. To prove intent, the Prosecution must show beyond reasonable doubt that you intended to wound or gravely injure the victim. Evidence of intent can include prior threats, proof that the assault was planned, and use of a weapon or excessive force.
If I am convicted, what are the sentences for assault?
Common assault and battery are what is known as summary offences. If convicted, you can be sentenced to up to six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine. It would be rare for you to be sent to prison for assault and/or battery if this is your first offence.
Unlawful wounding or causing grievous bodily harm without intent can be dealt with in the Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court. In the Crown Court, the maximum sentence is five years imprisonment.
The offence of unlawful wounding or causing grievous bodily harm with intent is an indictable offence, which means it can only be dealt with in the Crown Court. The maximum sentence for unlawful wounding or causing grievous bodily harm with intent is life imprisonment.
When considering what sentence to hand down, the Court will consult sentencing guidelines. Our Criminal Defence Solicitors will ensure the Court is aware of any mitigating factors which may lessen your final sentence.
What are the defences available for assault?
The main defence against a charge of assault is self-defence. As your defence lawyer, we must prove that you acted in self-defence rather than in retaliation. This is a delicate argument which is why we put considerable effort into finding out what happened at the time of the incident so we can build a persuasive defence.
Other defences against an assault charge include:
- the victim consented to your actions
- you were participating in organised sport
- the assault was accidental
We will ensure you are kept up to date with developments concerning your case and work tirelessly to provide the best defence available.
Why choose us?
Regardless of the charges against you, you are entitled to a criminal defence. We do not judge our clients; our only objective is to defend you against the Prosecution’s allegations. You can be confident that by instructing us to defend you, your chances of acquittal or a reduced sentence are greatly improved. The most important factor is to contact us as soon as you become aware of the criminal allegations.
To receive expert advice and representation regarding assault and grievous bodily harm, please contact us using the form below.