Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) Solicitors
What is Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH)?
Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) is the causing of serious physical injury to another person. It is one of the most serious forms of non-fatal assault under UK law and is defined in the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, specifically Section 18 and Section 20.
Section 20 GBH involves unlawfully wounding or inflicting grievous bodily harm, regardless of whether a weapon is used. Section 18 GBH, by contrast, applies when there is a deliberate and clear intent to wound or cause grievous bodily harm.
Injuries typically considered GBH can include broken bones e.g., arms, legs ribs, severe lacerations or a permanent disability or disfigurement and serious psychiatric injury among others.
GBH charges can lead to lengthy prison sentences, making expert legal representation essential.
Specialist Solicitors for GBH Charges
Allegations or charges for Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) can be an incredibly stressful and confusing experience. At KANGS, we understand the seriousness of such cases and the impact they can have on your life. Our expert criminal defence solicitors are here to guide you through every stage of the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected.
Whether you have been charged with GBH, are attending a police station interview, or require representation in the Magistrates’ Court or Crown Court, our violent crime solicitors are committed to providing clear, effective, and comprehensive legal support.
Why Choose Our Criminal Defence Solicitors
Expert Legal Representation: Our experienced criminal defence solicitors specialise in serious violent crime and GBH cases.
Tailored Defence Strategies: We build personalised defence strategies that reflect the unique circumstances of your case, always protecting your interests.
Police Station Representation: Our solicitors provide immediate support during interviews under caution, whether voluntary or under arrest.
Courtroom Advocacy: We represent clients in both Magistrates’ and Crown Courts, and when needed, instruct leading counsel and forensic experts to strengthen your case.
Dedicated Client Support: We keep you informed throughout the legal process, ensuring clear communication and ongoing support.
Know Your Rights
If you are facing an allegation of grievous bodily harm, it is important you know your rights and what the challenges ahead will be. Contact us for a confidential consultation where our experienced defence solicitors offer expert legal advice and guidance.
Trust KANGS to be your defender and advocate during these challenging times.
For further information regarding allegations of grievous bodily harm, please see our Frequently Asked Questions.
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GBH Explained | Defences, Sentences & FAQs
Contact KANGS
The expert lawyers at KANGS are available to assist you. We can arrange initial consultations in person, by video call or telephone.
Please contact one of our experts listed below or contact us at:
How can KANGS help?
The KANGS 24-hour Rapid Response Team comprises expert solicitors available to represent clients at any police station in the country. We provide comprehensive support to both individual and corporate clients across all types of police interviews, including those concerning grievous bodily harm, actual bodily harm and common assault.
Our criminal defence solicitors offer a discrete, sensitive and professional service.
What defences are there against GBH charges?
There are several legal defences that may be available depending on the circumstances of your case. Our experienced criminal defence solicitors will assess the facts thoroughly and advise on the most appropriate strategy.
Examples of defences but limited to:
Injuries do not constitute GBH
It may be possible to challenge the classification of the alleged injuries. In some cases, a plea to a lesser offence may be appropriate. It may be an option to instruct independent medical experts to assess the nature and severity of the injuries and provide evidence that they do not meet the threshold for GBH.
You were acting in self-defence
If the injuries occurred while you were defending yourself or another person, a defence of 'reasonable force' may be available. Individuals are permitted to use a degree of force that is reasonable in the circumstances. Given the complexity of this area of law, it is essential to seek advice from a solicitor with expertise in violent crime defence.
Injuries were caused by accident
Where there was no intention to cause harm or an injury, and the injury occurred accidentally, for example, during participation in a lawful sporting activity in accordance with the rules and you were not acting recklessly, it may be possible to argue that the incident does not amount to criminal conduct.
What is the difference - GBH vs ABH
Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) is committed when a person intentionally or recklessly assaults another, thereby causing actual bodily harm. The injuries must be more than transient and trifling, for example, severe bruising, damage to teeth or bones, cuts requiring sutures, and loss of consciousness.
In contrast, GBH injuries caused by an assault are regarded as serious harm, where significant medical treatment is required or the victim sustains life-changing injuries.
What are the sentences for GBH?
Sentencing for Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) depends primarily on which section of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 the offence falls under. A Section 20 offence carries a custodial sentence not exceeding five years , whereas a Section 18 offence carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Other factors influencing sentencing include the seriousness of the injuries and whether the GBH was committed recklessly or intentionally, as defined by the Sections mentioned above.
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