Criminal Law Specialists - You can trustViolent and Serious Crime Offence Solicitors

Types of Violent and Serious Crime offences our solicitors and lawyers can assist with.

Our specialist Violent and Serious Crime offence related solicitors and lawyers have decades of experience representing clients in relation to a wide range of Violent and Serious Crime offence charges. We can offer detailed knowledge of these complex offences and the various opportunities to avoid charges, see charges dropped or secure the minimum penalties where conviction is unavoidable.

Domestic Violence and Assault Charges

The term domestic violence covers a wide range of alleged acts including assaults, criminal damage, threats or abuse between a couple who have been or are currently in a relationship. Domestic violence is not just physical violence such as common assault, GBH or ABH but includes:

• Controlling behaviour, including financial abuse
• Threats
• Sexual abuse
• Emotional/psychological abuse
• Harassment

Domestic violence is one of the Government’s top priorities. Sentences are aimed at being a deterrent for repeating the offence. Due to the varying nature of domestic violence acts, sentences are determined on a case by case nature.

Common Assault Charges

Although common assault is the lowest form of assault that a person can face, the consequences of conviction can be devastating to family life, personal lives and even careers. Although it is rare to receive a sentence of imprisonment following conviction, the offence does carry a maximum sentence of 6 months imprisonment.

If you are being investigated for common assault or if you face court proceedings for this offence, it really is important to seek professional legal advice straight away. The law is not always straightforward when it comes to defending cases of this type and without representation mistakes can be made which can have long term consequences.

It is perhaps a surprising fact that to be guilty of common assault, no physical contact is actually required. Although common assault cases mostly involve physical contact the offence can be committed simply by using verbal abuse or threatening behaviour providing any victim fears impending bodily harm.

Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) and Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) Charges

Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) and Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) are defined by the injuries sustained by the victim.

ABH

Bruises, scratches and bite marks are sufficient to cause Actual Bodily Harm which requires the intention to apply an unlawful force on someone.

Sentences for ABH vary from a fine to 5 years imprisonment and depended on whether there was intent, the seriousness of the injury, previous convictions and aggravating factors.

GBH

Grievous Bodily Harm occurs when the victim receives serious harm such as being stabbed. If there was intent to harm but not to cause serious injury it will be seen as wounding with intent rather than an offence requiring a level of specific intent. However, if serious harm was intended it will be seen as the more serious offence of GBH.