PRACTICE AREA
Assault Lawyers Sydney
Facing assault charges in Sydney? Our experienced criminal defence lawyers provide expert representation for all assault matters from common assault to serious GBH charges. We understand that assault charges often arise from complex circumstances and fight to protect your rights.
30+
Years DV Exp. (Solicitors + Barristers)
13+
NSW Courts
24/7
Emergency Support
Expert
Defence Focus
Types of Assault Charges We Defend
Our Sydney assault lawyers handle all violence-related criminal matters from minor altercations to serious assault charges
Common Assault
Common assault involves applying physical force to another person, or threatening to do so, without their consent. This can include pushing, slapping, or even threatening gestures.
Up to 2 years imprisonment
Possible Defences:
- Self-defence
- Defence of another
- Consent
- Lack of intent
- Mistaken identity
Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (ABH)
ABH involves assault that causes injury requiring medical treatment, such as bruising, cuts, or minor fractures.
Up to 5 years imprisonment (7 years in company)
Possible Defences:
- Self-defence
- Provocation
- Lack of causation
- Consent (in limited circumstances)
Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH)
GBH involves causing serious injury to another person, such as broken bones, permanent disfigurement, or injuries endangering life.
Up to 10 years imprisonment (25 years with intent under s.33)
Possible Defences:
- Self-defence
- Lack of intent
- Accident
- Duress
Affray
Affray involves using or threatening unlawful violence in a public place that would cause a person of reasonable firmness to fear for their safety.
Up to 10 years imprisonment
Possible Defences:
- Self-defence
- Lack of intent
- No threat to bystanders
- Private location
Self-Defence: A Complete Defence to Assault
Self-defence is one of the most common and powerful defences to assault charges in NSW. If you were acting to protect yourself, another person, or your property, you may have a complete defence to the charges.
Under NSW law, self-defence is available if you genuinely believed your conduct was necessary to defend yourself or another person, and your response was reasonable in the circumstances as you perceived them.
Our experienced assault lawyers have successfully argued self-defence in hundreds of cases, resulting in charges being dropped or acquittals at trial.
Genuine Belief
You must genuinely believe the conduct was necessary
Reasonable Response
Your response must be proportionate to the threat
Immediate Threat
The threat must be imminent, not future
No Excessive Force
The force used must not exceed what is necessary
Get Expert Assault Defence Legal Advice
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