Violent Crime Solicitors
Have you been accused of a violent crime?
Our defence lawyers have extensive experience in helping people accused of a variety of violent crimes and can advise you at every point in the process.
Contact us today in London (West Drayton) on 01895 449288 or in Hertfordshire (St Albans) on 01727 840900 or email us at info@wellsburcombe.co.uk.
What can we help you with?
Domestic Violence and Assault Charges
The term domestic violence covers a wide range of alleged acts including assaults, criminal damage, threats or abuse between a couple who have been or are currently in a relationship. Domestic violence is not just physical violence such as common assault, GBH or ABH but includes:
- Controlling behaviour, including financial abuse
- Threats
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional/psychological abuse
- Harassment
Domestic violence is one of the Government’s top priorities. Sentences are aimed at being a deterrent for repeating the offence. Due to the varying nature of domestic violence acts, sentences are determined on a case by case nature.
We understand the emotional stress associated with defending an allegation of domestic abuse or domestic violence. In addition to having to deal with a criminal investigation or criminal prosecution, there are many other implications for someone having to deal with an allegation of this type; family life generally and possibly even access to children and housing can all be affected. Our team of dedicated and experienced defence lawyers can help you through the whole process by providing the best possible advice.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation in London (West Drayton) on 01895 449288 or in Hertfordshire (St Albans) on 01727 840900 or by email.
Common Assault Charges
Although common assault is the lowest form of assault that a person can face, the consequences of conviction can be devastating to family life, personal lives and even careers. Although it is rare to receive a sentence of imprisonment following conviction, the offence does carry a maximum sentence of 6 months imprisonment.
If you are being investigated for common assault or if you face court proceedings for this offence, it really is important to seek professional legal advice straight away. The law is not always straightforward when it comes to defending cases of this type and without representation mistakes can be made which can have long term consequences.
It is perhaps a surprising fact that to be guilty of common assault, no physical contact is actually required. Although common assault cases mostly involve physical contact the offence can be committed simply by using verbal abuse or threatening behaviour providing any victim fears impending bodily harm.
Investigations of common assault usually start with the police conducting an interview under caution by inviting a suspect to attend the police station at a certain date and time, rather than formally arresting a suspect. We attend the police station daily and advise strongly that you call us as soon as possible if you have been invited to attend a police station for interview.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation in London (West Drayton) on 01895 449288 or in Hertfordshire (St Albans) on 01727 840900 or by email.
Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) and Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) Charges
Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) and Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) are defined by the injuries sustained by the victim.
ABH
Bruises, scratches and bite marks are sufficient to cause Actual Bodily Harm which requires the intention to apply an unlawful force on someone.
Sentences for ABH vary from a fine to 5 years imprisonment and depended on whether there was intent, the seriousness of the injury, previous convictions and aggravating factors.
GBH
Grievous Bodily Harm occurs when the victim receives serious harm such as being stabbed. If there was intent to harm but not to cause serious injury it will be seen as wounding with intent rather than an offence requiring a level of specific intent. However, if serious harm was intended it will be seen as the more serious offence of GBH.
Due to the varying factors involved in ABH and GBH cases it is important you receive legal advice from someone who really understands the law. Our defence lawyers have extensive experience in ABH and GBH cases. We can help you understand your best course of action and represent you throughout the case.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation in London (West Drayton) on 01895 449288 or in Hertfordshire (St Albans) on 01727 840900 or by email.
Manslaughter & Murder Charges
Manslaughter and murder are rightly regarded as two of the most serious offences in criminal law. The police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will have substantial resources to conduct their investigation and pursue the numerous lines of enquiry that go hand-in-hand with cases of this type. Although it is rare, there are occasions when the police need to bail a suspect in order to make enquiries. This is an important period of time and so it is essential that from this early stage you instruct lawyers who know how to defend these cases. We have defended hundreds of murder cases with considerable success.
Manslaughter and murder are distinguished by the issue of criminal intent.
Murder
Murder is committed when someone with full mental capacity unlawfully kills another and at the point of killing, either intended to kill or alternatively intended at least to cause serious harm (as a result of which death occurs).
There are a number of very complex legal defences to murder and investigations and trials are long and complex. The mandatory sentence for murder is life imprisonment and if found guilty the judge will set the minimum amount of time you must serve before you can be released.
Manslaughter
Manslaughter is divided into voluntary, involuntary, infanticide, familial homicide, corporate manslaughter and death by dangerous driving. It can be committed in a number of ways, including:
- An unintended act or “sudden loss of control” such as a fist fight resulting in death
- A reckless act resulting in death
- An individual suffering from diminished responsibility due to mental illness
There is no minimum or maximum sentence for manslaughter and depends entirely on the factors surrounding the case.
Our experienced defence lawyers have helped numerous clients defend cases of this type.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation in London (West Drayton) on 01895 449288 or in Hertfordshire (St Albans) on 01727 840900 or by email.