Assault Lawyer Central Coast
What is assault?
Committing assault is a serious offence and if you’re convicted, can result in imprisonment. If you’ve experienced assault or have been accused, we’ll work hard to represent your case.
We work with clients who have been involved in assault charges including common assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and assault/resist police. At Spencer Lawyers, we take aggravated assault charges very seriously. We represent cases that involve indecent assault and sexual assault.
What does the law say?
Common Assault
Common Assault- the offence of common assault is contained in 61 of the crimes act 1900; Whosoever assaults any person, although not occasioning bodily harm, shall be liable to imprisonment for two years.
In NSW, common assault carries a maximum penalty of 2 years imprisonment. Frequently, individuals are charged where a person assaults another person but does not cause an injury amounting to bodily harm or grievous bodily harm.
Sexual Related Assaults
These offences include intercourse, touching and acts of a sexual nature towards another person without their consent.
What actions might constitute sexual touching?
- The slightest touch / physical contact (however minimal) is sufficient to amount to an assault. This excludes touching in the course of ordinary everyday life.
- The intentional touching, even over clothes, of breasts, anus, vagina or penis.
- A kiss, when it has been made clear the kiss is unwanted.
- Intentionally rubbing your groin against another, example; on a busy train when the other person has not given consent.
Sexual Assault
The offence of Sexual Assault is contained in section 61I of the Crimes Act 1900 which states:
Any person who has sexual intercourse with another person without the consent of the other person and who knows that the other person does not consent to the sexual intercourse is liable to imprisonment for 14 years.
In other words, this means:
- Sexual intercourse
Without the other person’s consent
Knowing the other person does not consent
Sexual Harassment
Under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984, sexual harassment is defined as:
Any unwelcome sexual advance or request for sexual favours or any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, where a reasonable person in the same situation would be offended, humiliated or intimidated.
The following can be examples of sexual harassment, but by no means provides an exhaustive list: –
- Unnecessary familiarity
- Unwelcome touching;
- Staring and leering
- Intrusive questions or statements about your private life;
- Sending sexually explicit messages
This content is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice from our Legal team should be sought about your specific circumstances. Please do not hesitate to call us on +61 414 709 543
Assault Causing Death 'One Punch'
Section 25B assault causing death when intoxicated-mandatory minimum sentence:
A court is required to impose a sentence of imprisonment of not less than 8 years on a person guilty of an offence under section 25A.
Any non-parole period for the sentence is also required to be not less than 8 years.
If this section requires a person to be sentenced to a minimum period of imprisonment, nothing in section 21 (or any other provision) of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 or in any other Act or law authorises a court to impose a lesser or no sentence (or to impose a lesser non-parole period).
Nothing in this section (apart from subsection (2)) affects the provisions of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 or any other Act or law relating to the sentencing of offenders.
Nothing in this section affects the prerogative of mercy.
Self Defence in Offences Involving Violence
A person is not guilty of an offence if the person carries out the conduct constituting the offence in self-defence.
A person carries out conduct in self-defence if:
(a) the person believes that the conduct is necessary in self-defence; and
(b) the conduct is a reasonable response in the circumstances as the person perceives them.
This content is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice from our Legal team should be sought about your specific circumstances. Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your specific situation in more detail.
FAQs
What is considered assault under New South Wales law?
Assault encompasses any act where one person intentionally or recklessly causes another to apprehend immediate and unlawful violence. This definition can include actions ranging from physical strikes to merely threatening someone in a way that makes them fear for their immediate safety. It is important to note that actual physical contact does not need to occur for an action to be classified as assault.
What are the different types of assault charges I could face?
The types of assault charges can vary significantly, ranging from common assault, which is the least severe, to more serious charges, such as assault occasioning actual bodily harm, grievous bodily harm and sexual assault. The distinction between these charges often depends on the extent of injury to the victim and the intent or recklessness of the perpetrator.
What are the potential penalties for assault convictions?
Penalties for assault convictions can vary widely depending on the severity of the charge. The common assault might result in a fine or a community correction order. In contrast, more serious charges like grievous bodily harm could lead to significant prison terms. The exact penalty can also depend on various factors, including the presence of any aggravating circumstances, the defendant’s criminal history and mitigating factors such as demonstrated remorse.
How can an assault lawyer help me defend against these charges?
A skilled criminal lawyer can offer several important services when defending against assault charges. They can scrutinise the evidence presented to identify any inconsistencies or procedural errors, argue for the exclusion of improperly obtained evidence and negotiate with prosecutors to possibly reduce the severity of the charges. Depending on the situation, they can help develop a comprehensive defence strategy, possibly involving self-defence or mitigating circumstances such as provocation or duress. Criminal lawyers aim to achieve the best possible outcome while protecting your rights throughout the legal process.
What should I bring to my initial consultation with an assault lawyer?
When meeting with your lawyer for the first time, it is helpful to bring any documents that pertain to the incident and subsequent charges. This includes any court documents, police reports, medical records related to the incident, photographs and correspondences related to the case. Also, a list of potential witnesses or individuals connected to the incident can provide valuable resources for your defence strategy. For guidance tailored to your situation, consider consulting a criminal lawyer on the Central Coast to navigate your legal options efficiently.
Can I reach a settlement in an assault case without going to trial?
Yes. Sometimes, the prosecution is open to coming to a mutual agreement regarding the Police Fact Sheet or type of charge against you. Such settlements can often involve writing to the police to make an offer to settle the matter without going to a hearing. The accused may agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge, which may result in a reduced sentence. This can be an advantageous route, as it avoids the unpredictability of a hearing and often results in a quicker resolution to the case. However, the feasibility of this option should be carefully considered with the guidance of a qualified criminal lawyer.