Assault Offence Lawyer Melbourne
Have you either been interviewed or charged by police for an alleged assault offence?
Rowan Skinner is a lawyer with 30 years’ experience, 15 years of which was spent as a criminal defence barrister. If you are in need of an assault lawyer in Northcote, Coburg, Brunswick, Kew, Fairfield, Fitzroy, and other surrounding North East suburbs, please contact Rowan Skinner & Associates Lawyers on (03) 9995 9155.
Before you speak to police, we recommend that you contact a lawyer to discuss what you say to police.
You should review our criminal law FAQs section which provides general advice on arrest and detention.
It is essential that you get legal advice before you comment on the allegations. It is important to know that in Victoria you do not have a right to be legally represented at interview. You have a right to communicate with a legal practitioner, or attempt to communicate with a legal practitioner, that is, to make a telephone call.
Sometimes this is not always convenient.
Police will usually say before the interview, ‘this is your opportunity to tell your story’. Be wary of this advice!
It is understood that the courts always treat any criminal offence involving violence very seriously and that preparation of any assault charge defence is important to achieving the right outcome for our clients.
What is assault?
There are a variety of criminal offences that fall under the category of assault. These include:
- unlawful assault;
- assault occasioning bodily harm;
- assault in company;
- intentionally or recklessly causing injury;
- intentionally or recklessly causing serious injury;
- unlawfully wounding;
- intentionally causing injury or serious injury;
- conduct endangering persons or life;
- affray; and
- rioting;
Assault occurs when a person strikes, touches, moves or applies force to another, either directly or indirectly, without the other person’s consent. Threatening to commit these actions can also be considered as an assault.
In many cases, clients are charged with more than one of the above offences.
Similarly, it is common that the police charge you with multiple alternative assault offences, which is known as ‘loading up’.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Assault Charges?
Assault charges can attract significant sentences. These range from fines community correction orders to imprisonment. Given the severe consequences that are attached to assault charges it is sensible that you seek legal advice, representation, and defence for the allegations.
If you are facing assault charges of any kind, the importance of engaging a criminal lawyer to assist you cannot be overstated. It is important to understand that imprisonment for assault offences, particularly domestic, is routinely dispensed by the court.
To contact an assault lawyer in Northcote, Brunswick, Clifton Hill, Fitzroy, Heidelberg, Kew, the Melbourne CBD or surrounding suburbs simply call us on (03) 9995 9155 for a no obligation consultation.