Assault is a broad term that covers a range of violent offences, from minor scuffles to incidents causing serious injury. At its lowest level, it can involve threats or minor physical contact, while at its highest, it includes causing significant harm to another person. Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) is one of the most serious forms of assault and refers to causing really serious injury, whether deliberately (known as with intent, under section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861) or recklessly (under section 20). Both are serious criminal offences, and GBH with intent carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Being accused of assault or GBH is a serious matter that can have life-changing consequences. These offences often carry prison sentences, so it’s vital that you have an experienced Criminal Defence Solicitor fighting your corner from the very start. A good solicitor will know exactly how the police work, the tactics they use, and how to protect your rights every step of the way.
The right solicitor will:
- Find out what suspicions the police have about your alleged involvement and what evidence they believe supports those suspicions.
- Check your custody record and speak with the Custody Sergeant to make sure proper procedures have been followed.
- Attend your interview under caution, giving you clear legal advice and ensuring the interviewer stays within their legal powers and the required Codes of Practice.
- Challenge any unnecessary or disproportionate bail conditions if the police are considering pre-charge bail.
- If you are charged, analyse the prosecution evidence in full, assess its strengths and weaknesses, take detailed instructions from you, and obtain witness statements or expert evidence about the complainant’s injuries where relevant.
- Work with specialist Criminal Defence Barristers or King’s Counsel to prepare your defence, represent you in court, and guide you on whether to plead guilty or not guilty. They can also make or renew bail applications where appropriate.
- If convicted, make submissions to reduce the severity of your sentence and advise on possible grounds for appeal.
In many assault or GBH cases, the evidence can be limited to one person’s word against another. It’s common for the police to focus heavily on the complainant’s version of events, which can lead to innocent people being caught up in situations such as bar fights or street altercations that got out of hand. Having the right solicitor ensures your side of the story is properly heard and that all relevant evidence is investigated, not just what suits the prosecution’s narrative.
If you’re facing an investigation or charge for assault or GBH and need help finding a reliable solicitor, get in touch using the links below—we’ll help you find the right legal support for your situation.