Violent offences are punished heavily in Queensland, particularly regarding ‘one-punch’ laws and assaults committed in public places or licensed venues (Safe Night Precincts).
Types of Assault Charges
- Common Assault: The lowest tier, covering threats or physical contact that does not cause injury.
- Assault Occasioning Bodily Harm (AOBH): Involves physical injury (e.g., bruising, cuts). Often attracts suspended sentences or short terms of actual imprisonment.
- Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH): Involves severe injury (broken bones, permanent disfigurement). Carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment, and actual jail time is the standard penalty.
Legal Defences
We extensively explore all legal defences available under the Criminal Code, primarily self-defence and provocation. We subpoena CCTV footage from venues and gather independent witness statements to establish that your actions were a proportionate and necessary response to a threat.
Contact our criminal lawyers for immediate advice.