Accusations of assault or domestic violence can have serious consequences for you and your family. Immediate legal advice from an understanding expert can make a huge difference for everyone involved.
What is assault and how is domestic violence different?
Assault covers lots of situations where someone hurts or threatens to hurt someone else. Common assault is where the harm is slight. Actual bodily harm is where the harm is more serious. Despite the name, harm doesn’t necessarily mean causing physical injury. Psychological harm will count.
The most common type of assault is domestic violence, which can also extend to emotional abuse or coercive control. Domestic violence is an assault on someone with whom you have or have had an intimate relationship, even if you don’t live in the same house. It can extend to other family members as well.
Choose a solicitor who specialises in assault or domestic violence cases
Stryders are experts at defending people accused of assault or domestic violence and helping them get credit for taking steps to minimise the impact on their victims or family. We regularly advise and guide people in complicated and sensitive assault or domestic abuse cases, placing our clients’ needs at the heart of everything we do.
We are specialists in helping people through the very difficult and emotional circumstances surrounding such allegations, and frequently represent young people caught up in incidents for the first time. We are sensitive and we do not judge. We will help you get the best possible outcome for you and your family, supporting you every step of the way.
What to do next if…
An allegation has been made
Contact us as soon as you’re aware of an allegation, even if you have not been arrested or asked to attend the police station voluntarily. This puts you in the best possible position as it means we can take urgent steps to secure evidence if necessary.
You have been arrested or asked to attend a police station for a voluntary interview
Don’t be tempted to talk to the police without taking good legal advice, as statements made in the early stages can have a huge impact on the outcome of the case. We offer 24/7 police station assistance. Ask for Stryders by name at the police station. It’s free and we will represent you during your interview.
You have been asked to attend court
If you do not already have a solicitor to represent you, now is the time to contact us urgently. We will prepare your case and represent you at magistrates’ court, crown court or the Court of Appeal. Where necessary, we can instruct a barrister on your behalf and will always liaise with you throughout the process.
Key facts about assault and domestic violence charges
- If you or someone close to you has been accused of or arrested for assault or domestic violence, do not think it will go away. Even if the accusation is later withdrawn or the victim does not want them to proceed with the case, prosecutors will sometimes pursue it. The consequences could include prison and your ability to see your children. Contact Stryders for immediate expert legal advice and definitely before you say anything to the police. Our specialist solicitors are available 24/7.
- The circumstances which lead to a charge of assault can often be confused and very emotionally charged. For instance, the victim does not need to be a current or ex-partner. They could be a child, a sibling, parent, grandparent or even cohabitee. And the alleged abuse may not be physical. It could be emotional, financial, sexual or one or more of many other types of threats or control which call for an element of judgement. Stryders empathetic lawyers understand the highly charged nature of accusations, the range of defences available and the options for avoiding a conviction and reducing your potential sentence while maintaining the most important relationships in your life.
- You may be feeling guilt, fear, confusion, sorrow, anxiety, or all of these things. This is understandable. The important thing to know is that Stryders can help and if it’s a first offence and you may be able to avoid court by agreeing to a community resolution.
Advice for people facing an assault or domestic violence charge
If you are suspected of assault or domestic abuse you may be arrested or asked to go to the police station for a voluntary interview. At this stage, you may not be aware of the evidence, or even exactly what the allegation is. You may be in shock. Go willingly and resist the temptation to say anything at all without getting legal advice, even if you think you have done nothing wrong. There is no obligation to talk to the police before you speak to a lawyer and any early statements you make, even if they seem informal, can be crucial to their case and your defence.
At the police station, the police must ask you if you would like legal representation. Say yes and ask for Stryders by name. We are available 24/7 and our services at the police station are completely FREE.
We will find out as much as we can about the case against you and then discuss your circumstances with you in private before you go in for your official interview, following up on your behalf afterwards to find out whether the case is likely to continue.
You can then decide if you would like us to continue to represent you.
Our legal support for people facing a charge of assault or domestic violence
We understand how you feel
Any charge of assault can affect your life, and those around you, especially if your family is involved. That’s why it’s all the more important to get an expert by your side who understands and does not judge. With Stryders, you can be sure of our complete attention. You’ll be assigned a named legal expert who will have access to all the expertise in our wider expert team and will work you in a completely discreet and confidential way.
You’ll get the best legal advice for your situation
All our specialist solicitors are highly respected among both the police and the justice system. They will work proactively and closely with you on the specific elements of your case and present options to bring the case to the best possible conclusion. This includes liaising with the police, making sure you are kept informed of what’s happening and providing continued clear advice and robust guidance.
You’ll have access to representation 24/7
We work tirelessly to ensure all relevant evidence is disclosed to us and thoroughly reviewed to bring matters to a speedy termination wherever possible and are available to support you at a police interview 24/7. If necessary, we will take steps to secure evidence or commission expert witnesses to support your defence. If the case reaches court, we will represent you in any hearings. Our higher court lawyers have experience in representing people all the way up to the Court of Appeal and we can instruct a barrister where necessary.
We travel anywhere from London and the SouthEast to nationally
Our expert assistance extends to anywhere in the country. You can come to one of our offices in St Albans, Leighton Buzzard or Stevenage, or we can visit you at a neutral location or in prison or in custody if necessary.
Competitive legal fees for defending assault and domestic violence offences
If you are going to be interviewed under caution by a police officer, you are entitled to FREE legal representation at the police station, whatever your financial circumstances. Ask for Stryders by name. Unlike many duty solicitors, we will contact the police after your interview to see if there’s anything else you need to do as part of our service.
Then, if you face criminal proceedings, our criminal defence lawyers will guide and support you at every stage for a very competitive fee.
We may also be able to offer a fixed fee or provide a FREE assessment for legal aid if appropriate.