The average crime rate in Sydney has shown a drastic decline over the past 15 years. However, assault remains the second most common offence coming before the law of court in Harbour City. While Sutherland shows a 59% increase in sexual assault cases, Parramatta recorded 175 additional domestic assault cases this year.
With Sydney contributing to 7% of the Australian economy, it is the third most liveable city globally. But, if you face criminal charges, such as assault, it can ruin your prospects in the Emerald City.
It is best to engage a criminal lawyer Sydney, to legally represent you and set an excellent defence that will earn you a confirmed acquittal. There are various assault charge categories, and here’s what you need to do when you face any of these allegations in Sydney.
Understand the Concept of Assault
If you hastily or intentionally instigate a sense of fear of unlawful violence in the other person, you are culpable to assault charges.
Part 3 of the Crimes Act 1900 covers this serious offence in Sydney. Be it common, sexual and aggravated assaults; the prosecution has to present specific pertinent arguments to prove the assault charges against youin every case.
According to the charges levelled against you, the experienced criminal lawyers in Sydney will use the state laws in a way favourable to you, ensuring case dismissal.
Know About One-punch Laws
Sydney adheres to one-punch laws when your assault charges are more severe. If your allegations involve the other person’s death, you are liable to 25 years of imprisonment.
A smart Sydney criminal lawyer will evaluate the circumstantial evidence to prove you were not responsible for the death. If required, they will put forth an argument, stating that you were intoxicated at the time of the incident, helping you win a reduced sentence.
Build a Robust Defence Against Common Assault Charges
Typically, common assaults result in almost no or minor injuries. The crime rate index for a criminal offence in Sydney, involving assaults, stands at 32.5.
Though the index might appear low, Sec 61 of the Crimes Act 1900 make these offences serious charges, with a maximum sentence of two years behind bars. You may have to pay fines of over $2,000.
Depending on the injuries’ gravity, the other party endures, an lawyer will downplay the allegations against you.
Review Acquittal Prospects in the Case ofSexual Assault Charges
Recently, Blacktown and Sutherland reported, on average, 50 additional instances of sexual assault.
Sexual assaults can happen under various circumstances, and sections like Sec 61HA, Sec 61J and Sec 61M cover these charges. If you face charges of non-consensual intercourse, you can get a sentence of 14 years of jail term.
An experienced lawyer will review the other party’s consent factor and work on your defence arguments to ensure your acquittal.
Plan a Defence Strategy Against Grievous Bodily Harm Charges
Under Sec 33, the intent to Cause Grievous Bodily Harm charges carry up to 25 years of imprisonment. And under Sec 54, an unlawful act resulting in similar assaults can put you behind bars for two years.
A diligent criminal lawyer will assess your case for the essential elements, like whether your charges are for an assault, intentional hitting or causing body disfigurement. They will prepare a defence strategy, lessening your role in the entire incident, thus reducing your sentence to a bare minimum.
Hire a Criminal Lawyer
The diligent Sydney lawyers decide the best suitable defence strategy, like whether to pursue Sec 418 that outlines self-defence, the best way to get acquitted from your charges.
They look for opportunities like a lawful excuse, consent and chastisement defences, adhering to NSW state laws.
The NSW government plans to revise the concealment laws in favour of Sydney’s sexual assault victims. But with a qualified legal team on your side, rest assured, you can register a fair acquittal from your assault charges without hurting your reputation in Sydney’s high society.