Assault Solicitors
Updated on Wednesday 21st February 2024
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Assault and battery are the types of offences for which a person can receive at least 6 months of imprisonment, fines and/or community orders. Alternative sentences can be issued for offenders with criminal activities in the past and if the consequences after assault are not serious injuries. We invite you to get in touch with our assault and battery solicitors in London and find out more about the legal support we can offer you in such cases. Our team of assault solicitors in London is at your service if you are looking for complete legal advice and representation in the court of law.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| What constitutes an assault in UK? | An intentional act againts a person that implicates violence is considered assault. |
Types of assault | - common assault, - actual bodily harm (ABH), - grievous bodily harm (GBH) |
When is battery considered offence? | When acting in a negligent manner and harming another person |
| Elements of common assault | The act and the intent that involves causing another person to fear the immediate application of unlawful force. |
| When is a conviction proved in an assault offence? | A prosecutor must prove the act and the intent of causing harm to a person. |
| How can our assault solicitor in London help you in assault accusations? | - we analyze the circumstance and accusations, - we apply for bail, - we present specific defence strategies |
| Penalties for assault cases presented in the Magistrates' Court | - unlimited fines, - community orders, - prison sentence |
| Defence strategies offered by our assault solicitors | - determining self-defence, - analyzing the circumstances and the evidence |
| Bail application available (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Representation in the court of law (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Legal advice for minors involved in battery and/or assault charges (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Legal advice at the police station (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Legal aid provided | Depending on the case and circumstances |
| National coverage offered | Our assault solicitors can represent clients at Courts throughout England and Wales. |
| Experience in assault and/or battery charges cases (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Legislation | Offences Against the Person Act 1861 - Sections 18 and 20 |
What is assault by beating? |
Such an allegation occurs when it is demonstrated that unlawful force was used against a person. |
What is common assault? |
The least serious of assault charges where there is no physical contact, but fear of immediate physical abuse |
| What is Actual Bodily Harm (ABH)? | Physical assault against a person |
| What is Grievous Bodily Hard (GBH)? | Serious physical assault or harm against a person |
| Imprisonment for GBH | Maximum sentence of 5 years or 7 years if racism is involved |
| Examples of assault | Threatening words and a raising voice. No physical harm is done. |
| Example of ABH | Causing harm, like minor injuries, bruises, etc. |
| Example of GBH | Serious harm, like severe injuries, using guns, and knives that lead to loss of blood and other health problems |
| Example of battery | When a person hits/pushes/pokes another person during a discussion or argument |
| Voluntary police interview | We can represent clients at the police station for a voluntary interview. |
| What happens if pleading guilty for battery and/or assault? | A trial follows and a criminal conviction can be made against you. |
| Racially or religiously aggravated common assault | These are severe allegations for which legal advice and support are highly recommended. |
| When should you get in touch with our battery and assault solicitors in the UK? | Right away, as soon as such charges have been brought to you |
| Choosing our criminal defence solicitors in London | We have experience in battery and assault cases and we offer legal advice as soon as the case enters our attention. |
The meaning of assault and battery
Assault is a criminal act which involves a person who attempts to harm someone with a threatening conduct and/or violence. However, there is no need for physical contact to define the meaning of assault, like in the case of battery where an illegal and violent contact might intervene. Even if there is no contact involved in an assault offence, this is a criminal act for which offenders can be punished.
The general intent of harming someone or put the victim in a reasonable fear represents an assault offence. In other words, a person who acts in a dangerous way in front of others can be accused of assault. In the case of battery, an individual who acts in a negligent manner by harming another person can be accused of serious crimes. If an offensive contact is involved, then this is a case of battery. Offenders accused of assault and/or battery crimes should ask for complete legal advice from our assault lawyers. These are special cases that require the experience of assault and battery solicitors in London, a matter where our team can help.
How is the defence for assault and battery charges?
The circumstances and the elements of an assault and/or battery case will determine whether the defence will be complex or not. Our assault solicitors will have to see if the accuser used self-defence when he/she was afraid for his/her own life, for example. Self-defence might be the only response in case someone was found in the position of threat or unlawful injury of force against him/her.
An assault lawyer in London will have to verify all the circumstances and the evidence, in order to prepare and present a consistent defence in front of the authorities. It is good to know that the restraints applicable to self-defence in case of assault or battery can also apply to defend others if the accused person has reasonable grounds for his/her supposed fear in order to establish the defence. An assault solicitor in London will have to determine all the arguments in such a case, in order to create a suitable defence in front of the authorities. Here is an infographic with details about the services we offer:
Defending the private property – how is this case treated?
Persons accused of assault and/or battery can claim the fact that they acted in a specific manner in order to defend their property in the case of burglary. In other words, a person may use reasonable force for protecting private property. The defence, in this case, will have to be created around the determining grounds, analyzing the circumstances and the consequences involved. You should get in touch with our assault solicitors in London, in order to receive the needed legal support.
Our fraud solicitors in London are at your disposal with specialist legal advice and correct defense strategies to defend your rights. You can get rid of fraud charges with the help of our experience in the field, so don't hesitate to ask for our support whenever you need it.
Looking for professional legal advice
Our assault solicitors in London are at the disposal of offenders accused of assault and/or battery with comprehensive legal assistance:
- Our assault solicitors can provide legal advice at the police station if the offender is kept in custody.
- It is good to know that you have the right to remain silent and not answer any question until a criminal solicitor in London is by your side.
- The police will have to explain the accusations that have been brought to you.
- Our assault solicitors in London will apply for bail on your behalf if your case is not sustained by solid evidence.
Facing criminal charges like assault and/or battery in UK will ask for complete legal advice and representation in front of the authorities. Our assault lawyers in London will have to determine the facts involved in your case, analyze the evidence, and create a strong defence to help you in a trial in the court of law.
Common assault and battery are two different types of assault offences in UK, as mentioned by the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, and persons charged with such accusations can face penalties and imprisonment. It is good to know that for assault charges, a suitable legal representation is mandatory, which is why we recommend you ask for legal advice from our assault solicitors. The same team can offer legal support for any type of serious crimes you have been accused of.
For common assault, you can receive:
1. Maximum penalty - 26 months in prison - for persons found guilty of category 1 of common assault which is the most severe degree of common assault, especially in the case of racially aggravated assault;
2. Medium penalty - a high-level community order - for a medium degree of common assault;
3. Least severe punishment - fine - for the third category of common assault. When a low level of culpability is found, the offence can be discharged completely with no further consequences.
The punishment for assault by beating is 6 months in prison.
The meaning of self-defence in UK
The self-defence can be used in cases of assault but mentioning that there is a difference between the force used for defence and the one used for revenge. In other words, self-defence and retaliation are two separate matters in an assault offence, and a comprehensive explanation can be provided on request by our assault lawyer in London.
If you would like to collaborate with our legal aid solicitors in London, we suggest you get in touch with us and discover how you can be helped. We represent persons, including minors, in the court of law, and we mention that among the formalities implicated, the entitled authorities require some bank statements, police and medical reports to verify the case presented. Domestic violence and forced marriage can be serious cases where legal aid can be provided.
The meaning of Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) in UK
According to the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, an assault that causes actual bodily harm is a severe offence, where physical harm is produced by someone. Bruises, bite marks or scratches are evidence that sustains actual bodily harm as part of an assault. Depending on the seriousness of the offence, a person charged with ABH can face imprisonment of a maximum of 5 years, a fine, or a community order. It is recommended to talk to one of our assault solicitors in London for a better understanding of the ABH and assault offences in UK.
We provide legal representation for persons who have been accused of drug possession, consumption, and/or even supply. Such cases are treated seriously and legal assistance is more than necessary. There are situations in which the accusations cannot be sustained by the evidence presented, and therefore, charges can be dropped. On the other hand, if you are kept in police custody, our drug lawyers will explain your rights and also apply for bail. Contact us for an evaluation of your case and more details.
The meaning of Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) in UK
Stabbing a victim or wounding a person with intentions are part of serious harm or criminal offences known as grievous bodily harm. GBH is the result of common assault or battery, where persons accused of such crimes can receive a sentence of 10 years or life imprisonment if manslaughter has been involved.
We have prepared a video about how we can offer legal support in cases of assault charges in UK:
Sentences for persons found guilty of assault
The UK legislation stipulates a series of penalties for individuals who are found guilty of serious offences like assault, whether if ABH, grievous bodily harm, or common assault are involved:
- 6 to 26 months imprisonment are issued for individuals accused of serious common assault;
- community orders can be received by individuals found guilty of assault offences entering the second category;
- fines are issued for persons found guilty of assault charges which enter the third category of such crimes;
- imprisonment and fines can be received by individuals accused and found guilty of serious crimes like assault.
The sentence, in this case, is normally issued considering the level of harm and culpability, plus the inevitable consequences. Choosing an assault solicitor in London for accusations is not a difficult task if you direct your attention to our lawyer with wide experience in this field.
The factors that upsurge the culpability for assault
The courts in UK can determine the verdict in a case of common assault considering the harm done and the level of culpability. For example, a sentence will be issued once the seriousness of the injury is determined as sustained by the victims involved who at a certain point were vulnerable. The verdict will be released in the court of law if the evidence sustains the result of the assault, and particularly if the victims declared that they have been subject to repeated attacks. There are cases in which a verdict is made if the evidence shows that the act was deliberated for a long time, aiming at a specific person. Another factor that will weigh much at the time a verdict is issued in the court of law in UK is the proof that the offender intended to do more than harm a person. Moreover, the sentence might increase if the prosecution proves that the offender used a weapon when assaulting someone.
What happens if you have been arrested for assault in UK?
Some examples of assault and battery
Attacking a person with the intention of using force and injuring is called a crime of battery. For example, the use of fists, or raising a hand with the intention of using physical force, or even hitting a person with an object is part of the above-mentioned criminal act. In terms of assault, there is no need for physical violence to prove the intent. Verbal threats along with raising a fist are enough to be charged with assault on a person. When assault and battery turn into a more serious criminal act, then rape, robbery, death threat, disfigurement, and a gun threat can be involved.
Regardless of the circumstances, the prosecutor will have to prove the criminal act and analyze all the elements before bringing charges against a person. If you want more details about the assault and battery accusations, do not hesitate to contact our specialists. We are here to represent your interests from the very beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions
We often get questions about the services offered by assault solicitors in London and about the legal help they can offer. Therefore, we thought that the following questions and answers could greatly clarify some aspects related to assault and battery crimes.
1. What do assault and battery mean under UK law?
Assault involves a criminal act involving the use of threatening behavior with the intent to injure. The use of violence is related to the battery, and together with the assault, it represents a criminal act for which those found guilty can go to prison.
2. Who can be charged with assault offences in the UK?
People who act with assault against others without using violence can be charged with this criminal act. Therefore, even if it is not a physically violent act, the deed can be punished.
3. When is assault considered self-defence?
If the accused of assault tried to defend himself/herself when he/she was threatened, the case may turn into self-defence. And if a crime is involved, the situation can become complex. Therefore, it is good to consider the help of our assault lawyers in London and find out what your rights are in such cases.
4. How are assault and battery involved in a burglary case?
If you have had to protect yourself during a burglary and are accused of assault and/or battery, you need to seek specialist help. You have the right to defend yourself and protect your home and family in such a situation.
5. How can an assault lawyer in London help you in the first instance?
It is important to know that an assault and battery solicitor in London will analyze the circumstances and explain your rights in this case. In addition, if you only defended yourself in the face of a threat, then the charges can be dropped.
6. Can I get legal help from the police?
Of course, if you have been detained by the police for assault and/or battery charges, you can call on specialized help from our experts. An assault lawyer in London can tell you what to do next and how you can be released from police custody.
7. Can I be legally represented in court if I am charged with assault and battery?
Of course, if the case gets complicated and a trial begins, you will be represented by one of our lawyers. We are at your disposal with specialized help from assault and battery lawyers in London.
8. Can the family's statement be taken into account if she is a witness in an assault and battery case?
If some of the family members were present when such a criminal act took place, then they can testify. Protection is offered from the start, and one of our lawyers can explain more.
9. What punishments are given in cases of assault?
In the case of common assault, the persons found guilty can be sent to prison for 26 months. If the criminal act is of minimum severity, then the accused can only be fined. However, all these details can be provided by our lawyers with experience in the field.
10. Why use the services of an assault lawyer in London?
Experience in such cases speaks for itself when you collaborate with our team of lawyers. We will analyze the accusations and the situation you are in, and then offer the right strategies for defence.
Please feel free to contact our team of assault solicitors in London and ask for legal representation and advice if you have been accused of serious crimes like assault and/or battery. Our team is at the disposal of clients and will act in their best interest.