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Charged with assault? Understand your charge, the evidence, court process and your legal options before you decide how to respond.
Criminal charge
An assault charge can have consequences for your record, work, travel and future.
Evidence
The outcome can depend on witness statements, CCTV, medical evidence and the police brief.
Court
Many assault matters are dealt with in the Magistrates’ Court, depending on the charge.
Act early
Get legal advice before entering a plea or making an important decision about your case.
An assault charge can affect your job, family, reputation and future. The first step is understanding exactly what you have been charged with and what the prosecution says happened.
Our criminal lawyers review the charge, the circumstances of the alleged incident and the available evidence. We then explain the realistic options for your matter and what should be prepared before court.
Don’t make the decision based only on the police allegation.
The legal position can depend on the precise offence, what allegedly happened, any injuries, your version of events and the evidence relied upon by police.
A finding of guilt can have consequences beyond the immediate court case, including potential effects on employment, travel and other parts of your life.
Depending on the offence and circumstances, assault matters can result in fines, community-based orders or more serious penalties.
You may need to attend the Magistrates’ Court or another court depending on the nature and seriousness of the charge.
An assault allegation may also involve an intervention order or other restrictions that need to be considered separately from the criminal charge.
Advice and representation for allegations involving common assault and related offences.
Representation where you have been charged with an allegation that you recklessly caused injury to another person.
Serious allegations involving an accusation that injury was intentionally caused.
Advice and representation for charges arising from an alleged assault or violent conduct involving police.
Legal advice where an alleged assault involves a weapon or another object said to have been used during the incident.
Representation for affray and other charges arising from alleged violence, fighting or public disorder.
We review the charge, your paperwork, the circumstances of the alleged incident and any court documents.
We obtain and examine the available police material, witness statements and other evidence to identify issues that may be relevant to your case.
You receive clear advice about the risks, likely process and practical consequences before you make an important decision.
An assault matter does not necessarily end with your first court appearance. Depending on the charge and how you respond to the allegation, your matter may involve further hearings, negotiations, a contested hearing or sentencing.
We explain what happens next and help you prepare for each stage.
We explain what to expect at court, what decisions need to be made and what material may be important to your case.
The outcome depends on the charge, evidence, your history and the circumstances of the alleged offence. We give you clear advice about the realistic options available in your matter.
Intervention orders
Advice about intervention orders, applications and alleged breaches.
Bail applications
Urgent advice and representation where you have been arrested or are facing a bail application.
Drug offences
Advice and representation for possession, use, trafficking and cultivation charges.
All criminal law matters
See the full range of criminal law services offered by MC Lawyers & Associates.
A first offence can still result in serious consequences. Your previous history is one factor considered in a criminal matter, but the charge, circumstances and evidence also matter. Getting advice early can help you understand your options before your first court appearance.
Depending on the charge, your history and the circumstances, there may be sentencing options that avoid a conviction. We will tell you honestly whether that is realistic in your situation rather than promising an outcome.
A complainant withdrawing their complaint does not necessarily mean the criminal charge automatically disappears. The prosecution may still continue depending on the available evidence and circumstances.
As early as possible, particularly before any police interview or court appearance. What you say or do early in a criminal matter can affect what happens later.
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