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03300 536 786

15 Cheapside, Wakefield, WF1 2SD
03300 536 786

192 King Cross Road, Halifax, HX1 3JP
03300 536 786

11 King Street, Oldham, OL8 1DW
03300 536 786

201 Cross Flatts Grove, Leeds, LS11 7BR
03300 536 786

 

info@tylerhoffman.co.uk

CALL US 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK 03300 536 786

We deal with all aspects of Assaults.

There are many different offences associated with assault, ranging from common assault that is dealt with at the Magistrates Court, to causing grievous bodily harm with intent, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if you are convicted after trial. Whatever the circumstances you are facing, it is important to work with expert assault defence lawyers who can uphold your rights and empower you to make informed decisions from the initial investigation to any appeals process at the conclusion of your case.

At Tyler Hoffman Solicitors, our lawyers for assault defence can provide high-quality legal representation for clients accused or suspected of any type of assault. We are honest and thorough, and will make sure you understand all of the potential outcomes before making any decisions. Our experienced criminal defence lawyers know how difficult these situations can be, but reliable and practical legal advice can make things easier. We will challenge the prosecution's evidence, mount a defence on your behalf and ensure you are treated fairly throughout any assault investigation or trial.

Available 24/7 to Provide the Support You Require

Call us on 03300 536786

Why choose us?

 

Expertise: Our solicitors specialise in criminal law, with a specific focus on assault cases. We have a deep understanding of the legal nuances and complexities surrounding these charges.

Experience: With years of experience representing clients in assault cases, we have honed our skills and developed effective strategies to protect our clients' interests.

Personalised Approach: We recognize that each client's situation is unique, and we tailor our services to meet your specific needs. Our solicitors provide compassionate support and clear communication throughout the legal process.

Track Record: Our firm has achieved numerous successful outcomes in assault cases. We are dedicated to fighting for the best possible result in every client's case.

Integrity and Confidentiality: At Tyler Hoffman, we prioritise integrity and confidentiality in all our interactions. You can trust us to handle your case with the utmost professionalism and discretion.

Please Note: We do not deal with victims of crime or civil matters.

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We will aim to get back to you within 2 hours of enquiring.

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What are the different types of assault in UK law?

There are several criminal offences that may be called "assault" in the UK. The offence you may be charged with will depend on the alleged harm inflicted, the intent behind it, and the circumstances surrounding the incident. The main types of assault offences include:

  • Common Assault: Common assault is the least severe form of assault and includes any act where a person intentionally or recklessly inflicts immediate unlawful violence on another. When common assault involves actual physical contact, it is sometimes referred to as battery. This could include slapping, pushing, or other minor physical acts. It does not require physical contact; the mere threat of violence can constitute common assault. This type of offence carries lower penalties than others, and will be tried by a Magistrates' Court.
  • Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (ABH): ABH occurs when an assault results in some physical harm to the victim. This typically means injuries that require medical attention, such as bruises, cuts or minor fractures, and does not include harm that is transient or trifling. The prosecution must prove that the defendant intended to cause harm or was reckless as to whether harm would result from their actions, but there is no need to prove they intended to cause serious injury to secure a conviction.
  • Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) - Section 20: GBH is divided into two categories under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. Section 20 GBH, also called Inflicting GBH, involves unlawfully and maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm or wounding another person. Examples of bodily harm that might be considered grievous include deep cuts, broken bones, or injuries with long-term consequences. The offence is based on recklessness, where the defendant may not have intended to cause serious harm but acted without heed to any potential danger.
  • GBH - Section 18: Section 18 GBH is the most serious form of assault and involves causing grievous bodily harm or wounding another person with the specific intent to cause serious injury. Section 18 GBH is an indictable-only offence, meaning it can only be tried in a Crown Court, and comes with more serious potential penalties than Section 20 GBH.
  • Aggravated Assault: This is an assault that is accompanied by circumstances that make it more severe, such as the use of a weapon or if the assault is against a vulnerable person. It can also include Racially or Religiously Aggravated Assault, where the assault is motivated by hostility towards the victim’s race or religion. Penalties depend largely on the aggravating factors involved in the situation, but these offences are generally treated more harshly than common assault.

Solicitors at Tyler Hoffman can discuss your circumstances at the outset of an investigation to help you evaluate the type of assault you are likely to be charged with. We represent clients during police station interviews and in court, and can use this not only as an opportunity to mount a defence, but to assess the progress of the prosecution's case and predict what the next steps will be.

What are the differences between actual bodily harm/ABH and grievous bodily harm/GBH?

The fundamental differences between ABH and GBH are the level of harm to the victim and the perpetrator's intent when committing the act. Actual bodily harm refers to injuries that are more than trivial but not as severe as those involved in GBH. Examples include bruises, minor fractures, or superficial cuts.

The harm must be significant but not necessarily serious. If the injuries do not require medical attention, they may not be considered sufficient for ABH. On the other hand, if they involve serious permanent damage or life-threatening conditions, this is likely to be GBH or even a more serious offence. An altercation where someone is punched and receives a black eye, a broken nose or requires stitches, but does not suffer any serious, long-term injury, might constitute ABH.

GBH involves much more severe injuries than ABH. The term "grievous" refers to severe bodily harm that can have long-term consequences. Examples include broken bones, deep wounds, permanent disfigurement, or injuries that cause significant impairment of bodily functions. GBH can also encompass life-threatening injuries or those that result in long-term or permanent disability. For example, an attack that results in the victim suffering a broken limb, a deep stab wound, or brain damage would be classified as GBH.

ABH can be tried in either a Magistrates' Court or a Crown Court, depending on the severity of the case. Section 20 GBH may also be tried in either court, but Section 18 GBH is an indictable-only offence, meaning it can only be tried in a Crown Court.

What are the potential penalties for assault?

Penalties for assault vary depending on the individual circumstances of each case, but can include a prison sentence, a fine or community order, or some combination of these. The maximum penalty for common assault, which is the most minor offence, is up to six months' imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. For ABH and Section 20 GBH, the maximum sentence is up to five years in prison. Section 18 GBH and other more serious offences carry a potential maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

The courts take into account various factors during sentencing. These include the severity of the victim's injuries, the intent behind the assault, whether a weapon was used, the vulnerability of the victim, and whether there were any aggravating circumstances like racial or religious hostility. Your solicitor can also present mitigating circumstances to potentially reduce the sentence. If you have shown genuine remorse and have a lack of previous convictions, for example, this may be raised in your defence.

How can assault defence solicitors help me?

At Tyler Hoffman, our approach to assault defence differs according to the specifics of our client's circumstances. Our specialist team of assault and battery lawyers can deal with even the most complex and serious of cases to make sure every defendant's rights are protected. We can represent you in dealings with the police, help you to collect evidence that supports your defence, build a case on your behalf and offer legal representation in court if this proves necessary.

Working with an experienced criminal defence solicitor throughout this process can make the biggest difference to your chances of achieving the best outcome. Contact Tyler Hoffman Solicitors today to learn more about our criminal defence services and how we can help you.

Free Consultation

Come in for a FREE consultation and allow us to alleviate any concerns you may have.

Our solicitors are well informed of the law governing such offences and can commence acting for you with immediate effect. They will scrutinise the prosecution evidence and challenge every aspect of their case. We have a list of extremely exceptional Barrister who we can instruct to put forward your defence.  We offer free initial advice to all clients so please contact our office to arrange an appointment 03300 536 786. Have a one to one consultation with one of our Solicitors today.

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Police Station Representation

If you are arrested and taken to a police station, this can be a very frightening and overwhelming experience, if you are unaware of the procedures and protocols.

The decisions you make at the police station can be crucial and detrimental to your future. It is imperative that you request for Tyler Hoffman Solicitors at the first available opportunity so we can further protect your position from the point of initiation.

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Services in this section

Arson

Tyler Hoffman provides skilled defence for individuals accused of arson, addressing both the intentional setting of fires and the resulting damage or harm. We focus on challenging the evidence of intent and examining the circumstances that led to the fire, aiming to reduce or dismiss charges based on factual and technical analyses.

Assault

Our criminal defence solicitors defend clients facing charges ranging from common assault to aggravated bodily harm. We examine the context of the alleged incident, exploring defences such as self-defence, defence of another, or mistaken identity, ensuring that your side of the story is robustly represented.

Benefit Fraud Solicitors

Our criminal defence lawyers have experience in defending clients accused of benefit fraud, which involves allegations of deceitfully claiming government benefits. We focus on demonstrating the legitimacy of claims or misunderstanding of eligibility requirements, aiming for reduced penalties or case dismissal.

Blackmail Solicitors

We provide defence for clients involved in allegations of obtaining money, property, or favourable actions through threats. Our approach includes scrutinising the evidence, protecting client privacy, and negotiating to mitigate the impact of such charges.

Criminal Damage Defence Solicitor

Our solicitors defend against charges of property damage, focusing on intent and the actual circumstances leading to the damage. We contest the valuation of damage and aim to demonstrate lack of malicious intent, which can be pivotal in the outcome of the case.

Child Neglect Solicitors

Handling sensitive cases of child neglect, Tyler Hoffman solicitors work to understand and convey the complexities of clients' family dynamics. We emphasise factors such as socioeconomic challenges, aiming to achieve resolutions that favour family preservation.

Conspiracy Solicitors

For conspiracy charges, where individuals are accused of agreeing to commit a crime, our focus is on disproving the existence of an agreement or criminal intent. We meticulously review communications and interactions to challenge prosecutorial interpretations.

Cyber Attack Solicitors

Tyler Hoffman is adept at handling cybercrime cases, from unauthorised access to data breaches. We utilise specialists to challenge digital evidence and address the technicalities of internet law, ensuring a defence that is informed by cutting-edge technological insights.

Dangerous Dogs

For owners charged with having a dangerous dog, our defence strategy involves proving responsible pet ownership and challenging any misconceptions about the animal's behaviour. We also focus on the circumstances of the alleged incident to mitigate legal consequences.

Drug Lawyer

Our firm defends clients against all types of drug offences, including possession, trafficking, and production. We challenge the legality of searches and seizures, the accuracy of substance identification, and intent, which are crucial for a robust defence.

Environmental Health Offences

Tyler Hoffman represents businesses and individuals accused of violating environmental laws. Our strategy involves demonstrating compliance with regulations, or negotiating penalties focusing on remedial actions taken by the accused.

Fraud

In fraud cases, we focus on the intent to deceive and the actual loss or gain. Our solicitors trace financial transactions to provide a clear picture of the client’s actions, challenging allegations of deceitful intent. We have a team dedicated to handling criminal investigations involving fraud accusations.

Firearms Offences UK

Handling firearms offences, we address issues around possession, licensing and intent. We defend clients by challenging the prosecution’s evidence regarding the legality of the firearm possession and the circumstances under which it was found.

Harassment

We defend against harassment charges by examining the nature and context of the behaviour in question. Our focus is on disproving any intent to cause distress or fear, aiming for acquittal or reduced charges.

Human Trafficking

Tyler Hoffman offers defence for serious charges like human trafficking, focusing on the intricacies of international law and the specific actions of the accused. We challenge the prosecution’s narrative by presenting alternative explanations for the accused's conduct.

Kidnap & False Imprisonment

Our solicitors defend against kidnap and false imprisonment allegations by challenging evidence around consent and the circumstances of the detainment, aiming to highlight inconsistencies in the prosecution's case.

Money Laundering

We defend clients accused of laundering money by demonstrating lawful sources of income and challenging the alleged connections to criminal activities. Our detailed financial analyses are crucial to undermining the prosecution’s claims.

Murder Lawyer

Tyler Hoffman handles the most serious of allegations with a focus on meticulous evidence review, motive analysis, and challenging prosecutorial evidence. We explore all possible defences, from self-defence to diminished responsibility.

Perverting The Course Of Justice & Perjury

Defending against these serious allegations involves challenging the intent and circumstances under which the alleged acts occurred. We focus on discrepancies and motivations to provide a strong defence.

Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA)

Our solicitors handle POCA proceedings by protecting assets and demonstrating lawful ownership or origins of property, crucial for mitigating the impact of confiscation orders.

Robbery / Armed Robbery

We defend against robbery charges by challenging identifications, the presence of a weapon, and the circumstances of the alleged offence, focusing on inconsistencies in witness testimonies and procedural issues.

Theft

Our firm defends against all forms of theft by focusing on intent and ownership disputes. We challenge the value of stolen items and circumstances surrounding the alleged theft to reduce or dismiss charges.