Offences against the person are crimes that involve violence or the threat of violence against another individual. They cover a wide spectrum of allegations, from common assault through to grievous bodily harm and murder. A conviction for a violent offence can bar you from working in many professions and in many cases carries a risk of imprisonment. When facing allegations of this kind, it is vital that you seek expert legal advice at the earliest possible stage.
Reeds is an award winning, leading criminal defence practice and is recognised as a Top Tier firm in the Legal 500. With 22 offices throughout England and Wales, we are able to assist you anywhere in the country.
We offer specialist representation and advice for individuals facing allegations of violent offences. In pre-charge cases, we take a proactive approach, exploring whether evidence can be submitted to undermine the allegation and prevent it from ever reaching court. Where matters do proceed, we work alongside some of the country’s leading criminal defence barristers.
Accused of an offence? Reach out for expert advice as soon as possible through our contact page here. Alternatively, you can phone 0333 240 7373, or email us at [email protected]
What Are Offences Against the Person?
In UK law, offences against the person primarily refers to crimes involving physical harm or violence against an individual. At Reeds Solicitors, our dedicated team of solicitors can represent those charged with an offence against the person charge, including:
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH)
- Actual Bodily Harm (ABH)
- Assault by Beating & Common Assault
- Assaults on Emergency Workers (Public Order Offences)
- Strangulation and Suffocation (Charged under Domestic Abuse Act)
Offences against the person can arise in both domestic and public settings. Allegations within relationships are often complicated, with the complainant’s account not always reflecting the wider context. False accusations are common, and it is vital that the Police are provided with evidence to demonstrate the background and expose the true circumstances. In many cases, the complainant may in fact have been the aggressor, with the defendant acting in self-defence.
These allegations also frequently occur in public situations, such as town centres, pubs, nightclubs, or sporting events. Such incidents are often fast-moving and confused, with individuals responding to perceived threats. It is not uncommon for the wrong person to be arrested, particularly where the defendant’s actions were taken in lawful self-defence.
Accused of an offence? Reach out for expert advice as soon as possible through our contact page here. Alternatively, you can phone 0333 240 7373, or email us at [email protected].
How Reeds Can Help with Offences Against the Person
With decades of combined experience in criminal law, we offer robust defence strategies tailored to your unique situation. We have been frequently listed in the Legal 500 as a Top-Tier Criminal Defence Practice and are recommended lawyers in Chambers and Partners.
We handle your case with the utmost confidentiality and care. No judgement. Just professional, result-driven support.
From minor assault charges to grievous bodily harm (GBH), to murder, we’ve successfully defended clients across a wide range of circumstances.
We work with the top-level London chambers and have an in-house team of barristers available to assist you. We understand that violent allegations are nuanced and not always clear-cut. Domestic allegations often have two-sides to the story. Allegations of public violence are often fast-moving incidents where people operate under fear of violence themselves.
We offer pragmatic, common-sense advice in relation to how you should be defended in court.
Get in touch
Information is processed inline with UK GDPR and our Privacy Policy
FAQ
The Offences Against the Person Act 1861 defines a range of violent crimes against people. This Act brings together previous laws on non-fatal offences involving physical harm or threats of harm to others. Some of the key sections include wounding with intent, assault causing actual bodily harm, common assault and battery.
In UK law, Murder is when you intentionally kill someone. Manslaughter is when you kill someone, but you did not intend to do so, or you cannot be held responsible for your actions.
Murder and manslaughter are incredibly serious offences and are extremely complex. If you wish to read further to see how we can help you with these matters, go to this page.
Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) is a serious crime. S.18 GBH involves intentionally causing serious harm to another person. S.20 GBH involves intentionally causing harm to another person, however you may not have intended to cause serious harm that occurred. A conviction for Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) can result in a custodial sentence. S.18 GBH in particular can lead to significant custodial sentences, if convicted.
If police are questioning you about a possible GBH charge, it is crucial to have skilled legal help from the start. We can offer the advice and support you need.
If you face charges of GBH, the prosecution will be concerned with certain aspects:
· The level and nature of the harm that someone has inflicted; and,
· Your intention to inflict this harm on another person.
· Whether they can identify the suspect
· Any applicable defence such as Self Defence.
Actual bodily harm (ABH) is a violent crime that causes harm to another person. ABH are cases resulting in less harm than GBH, but more significant than a simple assault. It is still considered a serious crime that can lead to a prison sentence of up to five years.
Many of the issues in a case of ABH are similar to GBH and it is important that if you are being investigated or questioned by the police, you should seek specialist legal help right away. Mistakes made during a Police interview can create difficulties for your case. If you have already been interviewed and concerned about your interview our criminal
defence solicitors can give you the advice and support, you need to put you in the best position possible.
If you face a GBH or an ABH charge, getting the right legal advice and representation can significantly change the outcome of your case.
In UK law, the term “assault” is used casually for both Common Assault and Assault by Beating. However, they are different offences.
Common assault is an offence by virtue of section 39 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988. It is defined at common law as:
Any act by which a person intentionally, or recklessly, causes another to apprehend immediate unlawful violence. It is important to note that you do not have to make contact to commit a common assault offence.
An example of common assault is when someone shouts aggressively at another person with a clenched fist, making them fear violence.
In contrast, “assault by beating” involves a physical element and builds on the idea of assault. Assault by beating does not have to mean physically striking a person. Any form of unwanted contact (unless too minor to count [de minimis]) can be an assault by beating, such as pushing or pulling someone.
The maximum sentence for common assault and Assault by Beating is an unlimited fine, six months in prison, or both.
The timeframe can change a lot depending on how a case proceeds. It depends on how complex the case is and the venue of the case. Simple assault cases in the magistrates’ court can be concluded within a few months. However, serious cases that are heard at the Crown Court may take 12 to 18 months to trial. Once instructed, we will provide you with realistic time frames based on your specific circumstances.
Sentences for offences against the person vary widely depending on the seriousness of the allegation and the circumstances of the case. While common assault carries a maximum of six months’ imprisonment, ABH can attract up to five years and s.18 GBH
carries a maximum of life imprisonment, courts also have a broad range of alternatives to custody. Prison can be avoided in favour of suspended sentences or community-based penalties, particularly where the defendant has strong mitigation. These may include requirements such as unpaid work, rehabilitation activity programmes, curfews or electronic monitoring, and ongoing supervision by the Probation Service. At Reeds, we ensure the court has the full context of your case and prepare persuasive mitigation so that, wherever possible, you receive the most lenient outcome available.