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Assault Offences

Expert Defence Lawyers Serving The Hills District and Greater Sydney

Being charged with an assault offence in New South Wales is a serious matter that can permanently alter your life. At Hughes Law, we understand the stress and uncertainty that follow an arrest. A conviction for a violence-related offence, particularly one marked as domestic violence, can lead to imprisonment, a permanent criminal record, and the loss of your firearms or security licence.

When your liberty is on the line, you need a specialist who understands both sides of the courtroom. Led by principal Belinda Hughes (a former government prosecutor) we provide a sophisticated and rigorous defence for all assault charges. We work to deconstruct the prosecution case, identify inconsistencies in witness statements, and ensure your side of the story is heard.

Specialist Assault Offence Services

With practical experience from both sides of the criminal justice system, we provide a robust defence for all allegations under the Crimes Act 1900, including:

  • Common Assault: Charges involving the application of force or the threat of force where no significant injury occurs, such as a push or a raised fist.
  • Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (AOABH): Matters where the alleged victim has suffered an injury that is more than merely transient, such as bruising, swelling, or scratches.
  • Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and Wounding: High-stakes representation for serious charges involving really serious harm, such as broken bones or permanent disfigurement.
  • Domestic Violence Related Assaults: Specialist defence for charges involving intimate partners or family members, including the management of associated Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs).
  • Assaulting a Law Enforcement Officer: Expert advocacy for charges related to the assault of police, transit officers, or other front-line workers.

Why Choose Hughes Law for Your Assault Defence?

Assault cases often rely on “he-said, she-said” evidence and subjective witness accounts. We provide a strategic advantage by applying:

  • The Prosecutor’s Perspective: We analyse the police brief of evidence like a prosecutor would. This allows us to identify procedural errors or gaps in the evidence before the matter reaches a hearing.
  • Self-Defence Expertise: We specialise in arguing self-defence. In NSW, if you believed your actions were necessary to protect yourself and your response was reasonable, you are not criminally responsible.
  • Strategic Negotiations: We proactively engage with the police and the DPP to have charges withdrawn or downgraded by highlighting legal flaws or providing evidence of a lawful excuse.
  • Protecting Your Reputation: We understand the sensitive nature of assault allegations and provide a professional, non-judgemental environment to discuss your case.

Navigating the Sentencing Process

Our primary goal is to protect your record and your freedom. For many assault matters, particularly for first-time offenders, we focus on:

  • Section 10 Non-Conviction: Arguing for the court to find the offence proven but not record a formal conviction. This ensures you do not have a criminal record.
  • Intensive Correction Orders (ICO): In more serious matters, we argue for community-based sentences that allow you to avoid full-time imprisonment.
  • Subjective Factors: We present evidence of your good character, remorse, and any provocation to ensure the Magistrate understands the full context of the incident.

Take the Next Step

If you have been charged with assault, do not speak to the police until you have received legal advice. Early intervention is the key to a successful defence.

Call 0422 388 370 | Email: [email protected]

Sydney CBD Office: Level 21, 233 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Hills District Office: Level 5, Nexus Norwest, 4 Columbia Court, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

Suburbs We Serve

Our specialist legal services extend across the following areas, ensuring you have a local lawyer who understands the Sydney and Hills District court systems:

  • The Hills District: Baulkham Hills, Castle Hill, Kellyville, Norwest, Bella Vista, Beaumont Hills, Rouse Hill, North Kellyville, West Pennant Hills, and Dural.
  • Sydney CBD and Inner City: Sydney City, Haymarket, Surry Hills, Pyrmont, Ultimo, Darlinghurst, and Glebe.
  • Western Sydney: Parramatta, Blacktown, Seven Hills, Toongabbie, Northmead, Penrith, and Westmead.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I be charged with assault if I didn't actually hit anyone?
    Yes. Common assault includes threatened assault, where your actions or words cause another person to fear immediate and unlawful violence. A raised fist or a verbal threat can be enough to trigger a charge in NSW.
    What is the difference between AOABH and GBH?
    Actual Bodily Harm (AOABH) refers to injuries like bruising or scratches that are more than trivial. Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) refers to really serious harm, such as a broken bone or permanent disfigurement. The penalties for GBH are significantly more severe.
    How do I prove self-defence?
    Once you raise self-defence, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were not acting in self-defence. We focus on showing that you believed your conduct was necessary and that your reaction was reasonable given the circumstances.
    What happens if the victim wants to drop the charges in a domestic violence matter?
    In NSW, the police decide whether to proceed with charges, not the victim. Even if the complainant no longer wishes to give evidence, the police may still attempt to prove the case using 000 recordings or initial statements. We specialise in navigating these complex situations.
    Will an assault charge affect my firearms or security licence?
    Yes. A conviction or a final ADVO usually leads to the automatic suspension or revocation of these licences. This is why we prioritise fighting for a non-conviction (Section 10) for our clients.
    Should I give a statement to the police?
    No. We strongly advise that you do not participate in a police interview until you have spoken to us. Information you provide “off the cuff” can be used against you in court, even if you were just trying to explain your side.