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Assault

Defence against common assault, GBH, and domestic violence charges with a focus on self-defence.

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Facing Assault Charges in Sydney?

Experienced assault defence lawyer in Western Sydney, Parramatta, Penrith, Blacktown, Campbelltown and Liverpool

An assault charge can feel like a sudden threat to your future, your employment, and your freedom. Whether the incident was a misunderstanding, an act of self-defence, or a temporary lapse in judgment, you are likely feeling a weight of uncertainty.

We can provide urgent criminal legal advice if you have been arrested, are in police custody, and/or have been charged with assault.

Why Experience Matters in Your Defence

Paul Wiggins is a veteran defence lawyer who understands that good people often find themselves in difficult situations. With over 42 years of experience and a deep understanding of the complexities of assault law, Paul provides the steady hand and strategic guidance needed to navigate these charges.

The Criminal Law Centre advantage:

  • Strategy: Identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence that younger practitioners might overlook.
  • Proven results: Over four decades of defending clients facing a range of charges, from common assault to grievous bodily harm.
  • Calm advocacy: Stripping away the legal jargon to provide you with clear, honest advice, ensuring you understand your options at every stage.

Potential Defences and Strategies

Just because you have been charged does not mean you will be convicted.

We take a proactive approach to your case, exploring every available legal avenue, including:

  • Self-defence: Were you protecting yourself, your property, or another person?
  • Duress: Were you forced to act against your will due to threats?
  • Factual disputes: Is the police version of events inaccurate? Is there a case of mistaken identity?
  • Negotiating charges: We frequently engage in legal representations with the police to have charges downgraded or withdrawn entirely before the matter even reaches a hearing.

Don’t Go to Court Alone

If you are facing criminal charges, there is no substitute for decades of daily presence in the courtroom. Choosing the Criminal Law Centre means securing representation by an experienced assault defence lawyer. You will work directly with a senior solicitor and not be passed off to a junior clerk. Based in the heart of Parramatta, we are minutes away from the justice precinct.

Don’t leave your future to chance or wait until your first court date to seek help. For urgent criminal legal advice, contact us for a confidential consultation.

Call us: (02) 9891 4200

Email us: [email protected]

Enquire online: https://criminallawcentre.com.au/contactus/

Frequently Asked Questions About Bail Applications

What are the different types of assault charges?

In NSW, assault is a broad legal category. The police may charge you with different levels of severity depending on the circumstances and any alleged injuries.

  • Common Assault: No physical injury is required; the threat of immediate violence or a minor touch can be enough to trigger a charge.
  • Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (AOABH): Involves injuries that are more than merely transient, such as bruising, scratches, or psychological trauma.
  • Reckless or Intentional Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH): The most serious level, involving “really serious” injury. These matters carry significant custodial sentences.
  • Assaulting a Police Officer: Charges involving law enforcement are treated with particular gravity by the courts and require a robust defence from experienced assault defence lawyer.
What happens at my first court date (the 'Mention')?
The first time your matter is heard at court is called a Mention. This is a procedural date rather than a full trial. The Magistrate will want to know if you are pleading Guilty or Not Guilty.

If you plead Not Guilty, the court will set a timetable for the police to serve a “Brief of Evidence”.

If you plead Guilty, the matter may proceed to sentencing immediately or be adjourned to allow us to gather character references and medical reports.

Will I go to prison for a common assault charge?
The maximum penalty for common assault in NSW is two years’ imprisonment, and the court takes violence seriously. The outcome depends heavily on the “objective seriousness” of the incident and your prior record. Depending on the circumstances, first-time offenders may avoid a custodial sentence. Our goal is always to argue for a penalty that keeps you in the community and, where possible, avoids a permanent criminal record.
What is a 'Section 10' dismissal?
A Section 10 (Conditional Release Order without conviction) is a result where the Magistrate finds you guilty but chooses not to record a criminal conviction. This is the “gold standard” outcome for assault charges, as it means you do not have a criminal record that would appear on most employment or travel background checks.
Can I defend an assault charge if I was acting in self-defence?
Yes. Self-defence is a defence in New South Wales. If you believed your actions were necessary to defend yourself, another person, or your property, and your response was reasonable in the circumstances, you are entitled to be found not guilty. We have successfully argued self-defence in many cases where the initial police report failed to capture the full context of the incident.
Do I need a lawyer for a "minor" assault?

Even a “minor” assault conviction can have major consequences, including:

  • Losing your current job or future career prospects.
  • Restrictions on overseas travel (particularly to the USA).
  • Complications with firearm licences or Working with Children Checks.
  • Potential issues with future family law proceedings.

Given what is at stake, having an experienced assault defence lawyer who understands the nuances of the court system is an investment in your future.

Need Expert Legal Advice?

If you’re facing assault charges, time is critical. Contact us today for a free, confidential case assessment with one of our experienced criminal defence lawyers.

Book Free Consultation(02) 9891 4200

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