Support and practical guidance for those accused of Actual Bodily Harm (ABH).
Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) is a serious criminal offence, which means that facing a charge can be an understandably stressful experience. ABH charges come with substantial penalties, but you can lessen or even avoid these damages with the support of David W Harris’s ABH criminal solicitors.
Our specialist criminal law solicitors can help you at every stage of your case, intervening to protect your rights and build a robust defence.
We will provide a close, personal experience, with our experts helping you to navigate the allegations you are facing. By combining our skills and experience with effective communication in both English and Welsh, we not only help you with your legal needs but also provide support and security to help you navigate your circumstances. Wherever possible, we will provide an upfront estimation of the legal fees involved and any potential legal aid assistance.
If you or someone you know is facing an ABH charge, please contact our team as soon as possible so that we can start to protect you and secure your position.
ABH solicitor emergency contact numbers
For our Swansea 24/7 service, please call 07496 697906.
For our Rhondda Cynon Taff 24/7 service, please call 07572 746303.
Our ABH solicitors’ expertise includes:
- Police station representation
- Gathering evidence in your case
- Advising you of your position and the options available to you
- Putting together a robust defence
- Representation at court
- Criminal appeals
Consult our ABH solicitors in Swansea, Pontypridd or Talbot Green
You can contact your local David W Harris office in Pontypridd, Swansea or Talbot Green.
Alternatively, please use our simple online enquiry form to book a free initial chat with one of our ABH solicitors in South Wales. We respond promptly to all enquiries.
Our experience with ABH
Police station representation
Receiving prompt ABH legal advice is key to handling these types of cases effectively. Our solicitors can help you at a police station at a moment's notice, supporting you during any interviews and advising you on your rights.
Whilst working alongside you at the police station, we’ll protect you from improper or misleading lines of enquiry, enforce your rights during questioning, and assist you in answering questions correctly.
Your ABH legal representation can start as early as the interview process, with our solicitors dedicating their time, attention and resources to you. This will allow you to lay the groundwork for a strong defence and prevent common missteps.
Gathering evidence in your case
If you’re charged with ABH, the prosecution’s investigation will usually involve several types of evidence, such as medical reports, CCTV footage, digital evidence, and witness statements.
Even the smallest details can make or break your case. Our solicitors will work with expert investigators to secure independent witnesses and, where appropriate, commission medical opinions to identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Advising you of your position and the options available to you
It is crucial that you understand your legal obligations and culpabilities when facing an allegation of ABH.
By working with a criminal defence solicitor specialising in ABH, you’ll have the legal definitions and sentencing guidelines clearly explained to you, and you’ll be kept in the loop at every step.
We can advise you on your position, whether it points towards a full defence, a partial defence, or a strategic plea and the most appropriate course of action.
Putting together a robust defence
Our solicitors for ABH charges understand that an ABH allegation could be based on self-defence, provocation, mistaken identity, or a lack of evidence.
Whatever best suits your circumstances, we will tailor it to fully reflect the event that occurred and build a strong, robust defence.
Through this approach, we have built a track record of securing reduced charges, discontinued proceedings, and non-guilty verdicts.
Representation at court
Courtroom advocacy in both the Crown Court and Magistrates’ Court is a crucial element of our ABH court representation service.
From entering a plea to examining witnesses, we will conduct matters as smoothly as possible and ensure you receive a comprehensive defence.
Our expert defence team, including in-house criminal defence solicitors and trusted barristers, will work together to present your case confidently.
Criminal appeals
Even after sentencing, our lawyers for ABH charges might be able to help you challenge your conviction by bringing new evidence, highlighting legal errors, or procedural issues.
It is important that you leave no legal avenue unturned, as oftentimes, ABH criminal law processes come down to the finer details.
Although it might be frustrating to keep defending yourself, we can help you through the Magistrate’s Court, the Crown Court, or the Court of Appeal.
Common questions about ABH claims
What is actual bodily harm (ABH)?
Actual bodily harm (ABH) is a criminal offence under Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
ABH occurs when someone recklessly or intentionally assaults another person, causing harm that, whilst it is not severe or classified as Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), is more than minor or fleeting.
Typically, these injuries involve lasting pain or discomfort, such as bruises, temporary loss of function, or cuts.
Whilst a caution for ABH is usually possible in lower-level cases, due to its seriousness, the offence is typically prosecuted in court.
What are examples of ABH?
Examples of ABH would be actions that lead to lasting pain or discomfort, such as a punch that caused bruising, slapping that leads to a nosebleed, or minor fractures or superficial cuts requiring medical attention.
What needs to be asserted is that the injury extends beyond the level of harm defined in common assault. The S47 ABH sentencing guidelines allow for a range of penalties to suit.
What's the difference between ABH and common assault?
The main difference is in the level of harm caused in the event.
Common assault involves either no lasting injury, such as a slap causing temporary dizziness, or the fear of unlawful violence.
ABH comparatively involves more significant and lasting injuries that are more than minor or fleeting impacts.
ABH is considered more serious and may be sent to the Crown Court depending on its severity and circumstances, such as the victim's vulnerability or prior history.
Can I defend an ABH charge?
Yes, you can certainly defend an ABH charge. Several potential defences are available to you, depending on the facts of your case and circumstances.
Matters such as self-defence, lack of intent, mistaken identity, or injury not meeting the ABH threshold could all be means to a defence.
Strong legal representation for ABH is crucial, and our defence team can assess your situation, tailor a robust defence to your case, and confidently present it in court.
Consult our ABH solicitors in Swansea, Pontypridd or Talbot Green
You can contact your local David W Harris office in Pontypridd, Swansea or Talbot Green.
Alternatively, please use our simple online enquiry form to book a free initial chat with one of our ABH solicitors in South Wales. We respond promptly to all enquiries.