Assault offences are broad in nature with varying degrees of seriousness, differences in the elements of the offence, different available legal defences, different court processes, and different sentencing processes and outcomes.
Assaults can be quite minor or very serious- they may be simple or aggravated assault/s with harm, weapons, or more serious assaults such as causing serious harm, reckless conduct endangering serious harm or life or sexual assault.
Legislation
In the NT, assault offences, or “offences against the person”, are set out in the Criminal Code 1983. The Sentencing Act 1995 contains the sentencing orders courts may make when a person is found guilty of an assault. It also contains the mandatory sentencing provisions that apply to some assault offences.
Pleading guilty to assault
If you are considering pleading guilty to assault charge/s, talk to our experienced and diligent criminal lawyers today about how you can ensure the court considers every factor in your favour.
Before pleading guilty, it is important to:
- carefully consider the elements of each offence
- consider carefully the strength of the case against you
- consider any evidential issues that need exploring
- consider whether there are any legal defences available
- consider the likely penalty range
- consider expert reports and opinions
- collect supporting material such as character references and medical reports.
If you are facing an assault charge, you may be worried about the impact of a conviction on your work and on your life outside of work, as well as the possibility of a term of imprisonment or other penalty. At K. E. Roussos & Associates, we value your reputation, your freedom, and your work life. Contact our dedicated criminal lawyers for advice today.
Pleading not guilty to assault charges
If you are considering contesting assault charges, talk to our strategic and scrupulous criminal lawyers about preparing your defence.
Before pleading not guilty, it is important to:
- thoroughly review the brief of evidence
- take statements from any potential defense witnesses
- consider the relevance of your good character in the evidential matrix
- consider whether any prosecution evidence is in/admissible
- engage in discussions with the prosecution to determine whether the matter can be settled.
Our lawyers will also study the prosecution evidence carefully and determine whether there is a defence or multiple defences open to you.
For example, you may have been:
- acting in self-defence or in defence of another person
- engaging in a consensual fight
or the police may have just got the wrong person.
Contact our dedicated lawyers for comprehensive advice on all your options.
Applying for bail
Assault matters may take a long time to finalise. At K. E. Roussos & Associates, we are experts in obtaining bail for people charged with assault offences – even where the allegations are serious.
If you or your family member is on remand on an assault charge, contact us to talk about the prospects of obtaining bail so that your life can continue as usual while the matter is going through court.
Working with children checks
At K. E. Roussos & Associates, we understand that your work is your livelihood and that you and your family depend on it.
If you are being prosecuted for assault, we will fight to keep your working with children check (ochre card) while the matter is being finalised. Keeping your clearance allows you to continue working until the proceeding is complete and minimises disruptions to your work life.
Work visas
If you are in Australia on a work visa and are facing assault charge/s, our lawyers will fight to keep your visa while the matter is going through court.
Why choose us?
We have extensive experience in acting for people charged with assault offences, whether they are pleading guilty or contesting charges, and in obtaining bail on serious assault charges in the Local Court and Supreme Courts. We can assist you to navigate the NT’s mandatory sentencing laws, bail laws, and the rules of evidence with discretion and expertise. We work with experienced criminal law barristers and experts in their field to defend you fearlessly before any court of law for any type of allegation.