Expert support for defending against grievous bodily harm claims.
Grievous bodily harm (GBH) is an extremely serious criminal offence, which means facing an accusation can be overwhelming, particularly as there is a prospect of receiving life-changing penalties.
In some cases, a GBH claim can carry some of the harshest penalties under UK law, including life imprisonment. When you feel cornered, our criminal law solicitors can protect you and step in at any stage to protect your rights, build a robust defence. Having immediate and effective legal support from the outset can make all the difference to your case.
We understand how intimidating it is to face such serious allegations, which is why we provide a close, personal experience and prioritise communicating with you in English or Welsh, to suit your needs. Our extensive experience means that no matter your situation, we have the knowledge and skills to support you, provided at an upfront cost and legal aid where available.
If you or someone you know is facing a GBH charge, contact us as soon as possible so that we can step in quickly, lay out defences, and protect your position.
GBH 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 GBH 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 GBH 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 GBH solicitors in South Wales. We respond promptly to all enquiries.
Our experience with GBH
Police station representation
Early legal advice is critical to managing a GBH case. Our solicitors can provide invaluable guidance and support by intervening early and being with you at the police station during any interviews you attend.
During our visit, we will safeguard your rights and support you during questioning, prevent improper lines of inquiry, and provide context to every answer you provide.
Your GBH 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
When investigating a GBH allegation, the police will often refer to medical reports, phone data, CCTV footage, forensic findings, witness recollections, and other fine details.
Our GBH solicitors can work with expert investigators and specialists to find inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case, collect expert opinions, and trace key witnesses where relevant.
Our proactive approach to gathering evidence will help prevent matters from being left to chance and ensure that crucial material does not fall through the cracks.
Advising you of your position and the options available to you
GBH charges can lead to severe penalties. It is therefore crucial that you understand your legal obligations and culpabilities.
Our solicitors will translate complex statutes, such as the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 and other sentencing guidelines, into easy-to-understand language.
Depending on the evidence, we can guide you towards a complete or partial defence, or a tactical plea where appropriate.
Putting together a robust defence
However your defence takes shape, we will tailor our strategy to the unique circumstances of your case, such as mistaken identity, self-defence, lack of intent, procedural failings or a causation challenge.
Using the evidence that we will have gathered, we can draft a persuasive response to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
Our meticulous approach to constructing defences often leads to dropped charges, mitigated penalties, or a successful defence at trial.
Representation at court
We can bring experienced advocacy to represent you at the Crown Court or Magistrates’ Court alike.
At each procedural step, from plea headings to cross-examination of the witness, our solicitors will work seamlessly with criminal barristers to clearly represent you.
When you work with us, you won’t stand alone at any point, and your GBH court representation will extend to cover every aspect of your case.
Criminal appeals
Our GBH solicitors can help you even if you have already received a conviction or sentence.
Errors of law, new evidence, or procedural unfairness could all have impacted your case. Depending on your circumstances, we can advise you on the likelihood of success in a criminal appeal.
We can navigate strict deadlines and liaise with the courts where appropriate, always keeping your best interests at heart and exploring all of the options available to you.
Common questions about GBH claims
What is GBH, and how is it defined in UK law?
Under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, GBH (grievous bodily harm) is any form of assault which causes a victim serious harm. Some examples of what counts as grievous bodily harm could be serious head trauma, multiple fractures, wounds causing permanent scarring, or other life-endangering injuries. Serious psychiatric injury could also amount to GBH.
There are two forms of GBH under the Offences Against the Person Act. The difference between these two is determined by the presence of intention during an alleged assault:
- Unlawful wounding or inflicting grievous bodily harm – Section 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
- Causing grievous bodily harm or wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm – Section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
If you’re unsure of how your case will be dealt with, our solicitors for GBH charges can advise you.
What is the difference between GBH and ABH?
The key distinction in ABH vs GBH is the severity of the injury in question and the level of intent that can be proven. ABH, or actual bodily harm, is an injury that isn’t typically classified as serious, such as minor cuts or bruising.
Our ABH solicitors can assist you if you have been accused of causing moderate harm to someone.
What are the possible sentences for a GBH conviction?
The answer will depend on whether you are being charged with Section 18 or Section 20 GBH.
Section 18 GBH can carry a maximum life imprisonment, although sentencing council guidelines will range between 3-16 years depending on intention and harm.
Section 20 GBH instead carries a maximum of 5 years’ custody, with a community penalty of up to 4 years.
Factors such as the use of weapons, the victim’s vulnerability, and evidence of premeditation can substantially affect how your sentence is handled. Robust GBH court representation can be key to reducing the likelihood of extensive punishment or even sentences altogether.
Can I be charged with GBH even if I didn’t mean to cause serious harm?
Ultimately, yes, you can. Prosecutors can claim that you could reasonably anticipate that your actions would cause serious injury and that you committed the offence recklessly.
Even a split-second decision that leads to much more significant harm than was intended can lead to a GBH charge.
Talking to solicitors for GBH charges can help you to prove that you didn’t intend to cause serious harm and that your actions were unmediated, which may lead to reduced sentencing.
Consult our GBH 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 GBH solicitors in South Wales. We respond promptly to all enquiries.