Experienced actual bodily harm solicitors in Washington and Gateshead
The offence of actual bodily harm is an intentional or reckless assault that causes injury to someone. If you are facing allegations of actual bodily harm or ABH, you should speak to an expert assault solicitor as soon as possible. It is a serious offence, with a maximum sentence of five years in prison or seven years if the offence was racially or religiously aggravated. The court can also impose an unlimited fine.
You are advised to contact a solicitor before you give a police interview, if possible, to ensure that you have the advice you need to protect your position and avoid inadvertently damaging your defence. Any interview under caution undertaken by the police permits free independent legal advice at the police station.
At John Donkin Solicitors, we have expert actual bodily harm solicitors who can represent and advise you straightaway. We have wide experience of dealing with ABH charges and a proven track record of success in defending cases.
We hold the Law Society’s criminal litigation accreditation and adhere to the high standards of legal advice and client service required to maintain this. We also have a criminal Legal Aid contract, meaning we are able to represent clients who are eligible for Legal Aid.
We offer immediate and robust representation and if you are facing an investigation or an actual bodily harm charge, we will take steps to safeguard your rights and ensure that the police or prosecution follow the correct procedure in handling your case.
If ABH charges are brought, we will put together the strongest possible defence on your behalf and ensure you are represented by an expert advocate during any court proceedings.
To speak to one of our expert actual bodily harm solicitors, call us on 0191 416 2182 (Washington) or 0191 495 2896 (Gateshead) or complete a Free Online Enquiry today.
“Excellent service nothing was a problem everything explained to enable us to fully understand the process.”
Our Actual Bodily Harm Defence Services
We provide a full service for clients suspected of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, including:
- Representation at the police station and during interviews under caution
- Obtaining copies of all evidence, including witness statements
- Giving you an honest appraisal of the strength of your case and discussing the options open to you
- Checking that the correct procedure has been followed by the police and prosecution
- Providing expert actual bodily harm defence representation in court
- If you have already been convicted of actual bodily harm, appealing an ABH conviction
What Is Actual Bodily Harm?
Actual bodily harm is an offence under section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. If the offence is racially or religiously aggravated, this is an offence under section 29 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.
It occurs when someone intentionally or recklessly assaults another individual, causing actual bodily harm. This includes any harm or injury such as causing pain, breaking someone’s skin or causing bruising as well as inflicting psychological harm.
ABH cases may be heard in either the Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court, depending on the severity of the alleged offence. This is known as being triable either way.
“Very efficient, with a swift approach to all issues.”
Actual Bodily Harm Defences
There are several general defences to ABH, including:
- Self-defence
- Mistake
- Duress
- Intoxication
- Necessity
- Provocation
You are entitled to use reasonable force to protect yourself or your property or another person for whom you are responsible. The force used cannot be excessive, but the court will take into account the level of threat that you reasonably believed existed.
There may also be mitigating factors that the court will take into account when hearing your case, and we can discuss these if appropriate. For example, if you are remorseful or it is a first offence, this could mean a lesser sentence if you are convicted or you intend to plead guilty.
Contact Our Actual Bodily Harm Solicitors In Gateshead And Washington
If you are facing a police investigation or allegations of committing actual bodily harm, contact us today.
To speak to one of our expert actual bodily harm lawyers, call us on 0191 416 2182 (Washington) or 0191 495 2896 (Gateshead) or complete a Free Online Enquiry today.
“Can highly recommend John Donkin Solicitors. Excellent service and friendly people”
