Assault Solicitors

MPR Solicitors have been providing successful defence for clients accused of assault for many years.  As a specialist practice, focussing on criminal defence, our solicitors have a strong knowledge of the law surrounding assaults and have a robust reputation for achieving positive results.

To contact our defence solicitors specialising in assault, please call our office on 020 3824 8080 to see how we can help you.

Our team focus heavily on providing quality legal service and exceptional client care. We have a dedicated team of criminal defence lawyers based in London from where we can represent our clients throughout England & Wales and have represented clients in some of the most grave and complicated criminal cases in recent history. 

A committed team of experienced support staff assists our lawyers.  This permits our criminal defence solicitors to concentrate fully on your matter and provide the highest quality advice and 24-hour police station representation.

Once instructed, we will analyse your case from every possible angle. We will advise you on all available defences and assist you in developing a case strategy in order to secure the most favourable outcome. Our expert criminal defence solicitors and lawyers will build your defence, ensuring every possible angle is covered.

Our lawyers are well connected with some of the leading experts including those in the fields of:

• DNA
• Fingerprint evidence
• Blood pattern and spatter evidence
• CCTV enhancement
• Voice/Speech recognition analysis
• Facial mapping

To support your defence, we can instruct where necessary highly-respected experts in their field.  Because of our firm’s focus on criminal law, we have the experience and knowledge required to understand the evidence being collated and will ensure it stands up to scrutiny.

What are the different types of assault?

Our criminal lawyers have experience in advising and representing clients charged with all types of assault.  These can be broken down into:

Grievous bodily harm (GBH) - Section 18-Offences Against the Person Act 1861

Grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent is the most serious of all non-fatal injuries to a person and involves a person deliberately inflicting a severe injury on another.  GBH can also be committed recklessly, that is they could reasonably see some physical harm would occur but did not intend serious injury to the victim.

If you have been charged with GBH, it is crucial you instruct an experienced criminal defence solicitor as the offence can carry a lengthy prison sentence.

Grievous bodily harm GBH  / Unlawful Wounding -Section 20- Offences Against the Person Act 1861

Grievous bodily harm (GBH) without intent is a serious type of assault causing non-fatal injuries to a person and involves a person deliberately inflicting a severe injury on another.  GBH can also be committed recklessly, that is they could reasonably see some physical harm would occur but did not intend serious injury to the victim.

Actual bodily harm (ABH)- Section 47- Offences Against the Person Act 1861

Actual bodily harm (ABH) occurs where the assault results in the injury of the victim.  It can be tried in the Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court.  Cases will generally be tried in the Crown Court where the assault was pre-meditated and involves the use of a weapon or where the injuries are particularly serious.

The difference between ABH and common assault is that ABH requires a degree of injury whereas common assault does not.

Common assault and battery

The most commonly charged and least serious offences are assault and battery. The term “assault” is often used to include both an assault and a battery. This can lead to confusion between the two offences.

A battery, or assault by beating, is committed when someone applies unlawful force (for example by slapping or punching). The offence of common assault is committed when someone either applies unlawful force or puts someone in fear that immediate force will be used against them (for example by raising your fist at another person aggressively).

Common assault is normally tried in the Magistrates’ Court ; however, it can be tried on in the Crown Court  if it is connected to an indictable only offence (provided certain conditions of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 are satisfied).

What is assault with intent to resist or prevent arrest?

Under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, s 38, assault with intent to resist or prevent arrest is where the accused commits assault on a person who is trying to lawfully apprehend or detain them.

There is no requirement that the victim is a police officer. The victim may be a private citizen assisting a police officer or a store detective making a 'citizen's arrest'.  However, the prosecution must establish that the victim had a lawful right to apprehend or detain the victim.

What is the maximum sentences for common assault, ABH and GBH?

If you are found guilty of common assault the maximum sentence you face is six months’ imprisonment, and/or a fine or community order.  ABH carries a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment and/or a fine or community order, (the latter sentence being more likely to be imposed on a first offence).   

GBH carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, but in reality, most sentences range from three to sixteen years’ imprisonment. We will be able to advise you of the likely sentence you will receive if you are found guilty.

What should I do if I am arrested for assault?

If you are arrested, it is likely you will be taken to a police station, held in a cell, and questioned.  You have the right to ask to speak to a solicitor.  The police will start building a case against you immediately, so getting quality legal advice and support is vital.  At MPR Solicitors, we provide 24-hour police station support.  By calling us, you can be confident that you will receive the best advice and representation and a strong case for bail will be put forward on your behalf if you are charged.

If you have been arrested or charged with assault, please call us immediately on 020 3824 8080 or fill in our contact form to get in touch.