General Crime Assault Solicitors
Assault can cover a wide array of circumstances, ranging from minor assaults (such as pushing or spitting) through to the most serious assaults of wounding with intent.
Our specialist Defence Solicitors advise and represent those accused across the full spectrum of violent crimes, to help you get the best possible outcome for your situation. There are a range of offences that someone accused of assault can be charged with:
- Common assault/assault by beating
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
- Unlawful wounding/inflicting Grievous Bodily Harm (s20)
- Wounding/inflicting Grievous Bodily Harm with intent (s18)
- Assault on an emergency worker
We can swiftly analyse the available evidence, take your account of events and identify the availability of defences to assault. Defences come in many different forms:
- Lawful consent
- Lawful sport
- Lawful correction
- Prevention of crime
- Self-Defence
- Defence of another
Our Crime team have been ranked in the Chambers & Partners 2025 legal directory. The team was praised for being “committed to their clients and delivering an excellent service.”
“Hodge Jones & Allen importantly present a human face to its clients at what is a very frightening time in their clients’ lives. The team members have a strong knowledge of their area, but if they need clarification they will seek it rather than bluff. There is a strong emphasis on teamwork, with strength in depth.” – Legal 500, 2025
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Why Choose Hodge Jones & Allen?
Our specialist team of Defence Lawyers defend in the most serious and high profile assaults, as well as more minor assaults in the magistrates’ court. No matter what the allegation, our lawyers are here to provide expert advice and support throughout. We understand that people can unexpectedly find themselves in extraordinary situations. Entering the Criminal Justice System is a stressful and daunting experience.
Our experienced Solicitors take a proactive approach to each case, from the moment a police investigation arises through to trial and, if needed, appeal. We guide people through the police station and court process, ensuring they fully understand each stage and are aware of their options.
Our team has over 40 years’ experience and has built up a wealth of affiliations with expert witnesses, including forensic pathologists, who can provide quality opinions on injuries. Expert evidence such as this can be crucial at trial. The type of assault with which you’re charged depends on the degree of injury inflicted. Read our legal guidance about what the difference is between ABH, GBH and common assault.
It is, therefore, essential that you seek specialist legal advice since the level of injury alleged can be challenged by expert evidence. The consequences and punishment for each offence differ considerably depending on the level of injury inflicted, so it is vital to ensure the CPS have pursued the correct charge and that the court is provided with accurate details as to the extent of harm caused.
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How Are Self-Defence Cases Handled?
It is widely accepted that a person may use reasonable force when defending themselves against an attack. The question of whether the force used was reasonable will be a question for the court who will essentially consider:
- Whether the use of force necessary in the circumstances
- Whether the force used was reasonable in the circumstances.
What If My Actions Were To Prevent A Crime?
Under common law, a person may use such force as is reasonable in the circumstances in the prevention of crime, or in effecting or assisting in the lawful arrest of offenders or suspected offender. Again, when considering whether the force used was reasonable a court will look at the circumstances of the case.
What Sentence Am I Likely To Get?
There are sentencing guidelines which the court must consider when sentencing for offences involving assaults. These vary depending on the charge and the circumstances of the allegation. Our highly skilled solicitors can put forward mitigation to obtain the lowest possible sentence, including one that goes outside of the sentencing guidelines.
When Should I Seek Legal Advice?
Whether invited for a voluntary interview or interviewed under arrest, it’s important to obtain expert advice at the police station as this is the first opportunity to give your account and put forward any potential defence. The very best way to avoid adverse consequences arising from a police investigation is to ensure you’re never charged with an offence.
We’re the leading experts in making representations to the police and prosecution not to charge someone with an offence, if appropriate. This includes obtaining expert evidence as early as possible to support these representations and ensure your case never reaches court.
How Do You Support Vulnerable Clients?
Our defence solicitors have extensive experience representing those suffering from mental health issues and learning difficulties. All too often we come across vulnerable people accused of violent crimes which have arisen due to their personal circumstances.
We take a pre-emptive approach by instructing a mental health expert to undertake an assessment and provide a report on behalf of the accused. These reports can be vital for either preventing prosecution, challenging the elements of an offence at trial or ensuring the best possible sentence.
