Aggravated assault

Aggravated assault

Aggravated assault, ABH, GBH

Common assault is one of the most prosecuted criminal offences in the Local and District Courts given its ability to cover a wide range of complaints. In fact, common assault can occur without touching at all. For example, threatening death or injury, spitting on someone or raising a hand to someone in anger.

Assault charges differ by a number of factors, including whether the act was intentional, reckless and the extent of the injury occasioned. And, it is not uncommon for the police to run several of assault charges at once.

So, what are the different degrees of harm in assault cases?

An assault charge may be aggravated if circumstances permit. For example, use of a weapon, reckless wounding or infliction of grievous bodily harm, or assaulting police may attract increased penalties and possible gaol time.

Circumstances may attract a charge of actual bodily harm (ABH) or grievous bodily harm (GBH). While actual bodily harm isn’t defined under the NSW Crimes Act, the court has included scratches, bruises and serious psychological injury.

Grievous bodily harm covers a wide range of offences. It requires that injuries are really serious, but not permanent or life threatening. ABH can attract up to 7 years gaol, while GBH can attract up to a gaol sentence of life. GBH is an indictable offence and so is heard in a District or Supreme Court.

Like common assault, defences to aggravated assault, ABH and GBH include self-defence, duress, necessity and consent. However, the consent defence won’t apply where harm occasioned is very serious.

If you are charged with assault, contact one of our criminal lawyer in Sydne and Melbourne criminal lawyers for advice.

Proud to be different

We are proud to be different. That’s what makes Banga Legal the very best legal advisors for your matter. We don’t celebrate old school ‘pomp’ or excessive layers of admin and corporate structure. We celebrate great outcomes, high level customer service and happy clients. That’s what is important to us.

Proud to be small

Proudly small and with the benefits of an agile lean firm, Banga Legal is big enough to deliver. Our team is constantly expanding and we are on the look out for the next real world court advocate.

Proud to be collaborative

We work alongside a number of affiliates who collectively enable us to deliver the very best and most affordable services for your unique requirements. Our affiliates are both legal and non-legal. They come from different industries, different walks of life and help us deliver on that renowned standard of service.

How we work

Four Steps To Your Success

Banga Legal provides you the confidence of knowing that your guidance comes from the very best Sydney and Melbourne Lawyer. 

01

Speak To Us

Chat to us about how we can assist with your legal dilemmas. We pick up where the others cannot.

Outcome

We will discuss your desired outcome and formulate the best way in helping acheieve the set goals.

02

03

Implementation

This is where we will put the strategy in motion. Act on the formula and drive your matter to success, using both litigation and out of court alternatives were applicable.

Success

When you walk away knowing that you obtained the best possible outcome for your case.

04