Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) Solicitors
What is Actual Bodily Harm?
Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) is the causing of a physical injury to another person. Injuries are less severe than that of grievous bodily harm but more than a transient or trifling injury such as grazes. ABH is an offence contrary to Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
The offence may arise either through deliberate intent to inflict actual bodily harm or through conduct deemed reckless in nature. Injuries typically considered ABH can include damage to teeth and bones, severe bruising, lacerations and loss of consciousness, among others.
ABH charges can result serious penalties, including fines, a community order or a custodial sentence of up to five years, making expert legal representation essential.
Specialist Solicitors for ABH Charges
Allegations of Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) can be an overwhelming and worrying experience. At KANGS, we understand the gravity of such allegations and the disruption they can cause to your personal and professional life. Our specialist criminal defence solicitors are committed to supporting you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way.
Whether you have been charged with ABH, are attending a police station interview, or require representation in the Magistrates’ Court or Crown Court, our defence solicitors will provide clear, effective, and comprehensive legal support.
Why Choose Our Criminal Defence Solicitors
Expert Legal Representation: Our experienced criminal defence solicitors specialise in defending allegations of violent crime and ABH.
Tailored Defence Strategies: We build personalised defence strategies that reflect the unique circumstances of your case, always protecting your interests.
Police Station Representation: Our solicitors provide immediate support during interviews under caution, whether voluntary or under arrest.
Courtroom Advocacy: We represent clients in both Magistrates’ and Crown Courts, and when needed, instruct leading counsel and forensic experts to strengthen your case.
Dedicated Client Support: We keep you informed throughout the legal process, ensuring clear communication and ongoing support.
Know Your Rights
If you are facing an allegation of actual bodily harm, it is essential to understand your legal rights and the potential challenges. Contact us for a confidential consultation where our skilled defence solicitors will provide expert legal advice and guidance.
Trust KANGS to stand firmly by your side when it matters most.
For further information regarding allegations of actual bodily harm, please see our Frequently Asked Questions.
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ABH Explained | Defences, Sentences & FAQs
Contact KANGS
The expert lawyers at KANGS are available to assist you. We can arrange initial consultations in person, by video call or telephone.
Please contact one of our experts listed below or contact us at:
How can KANGS help?
The KANGS 24-hour Rapid Response Team comprises expert solicitors available to represent clients at any police station in the country. We provide comprehensive support to both individual and corporate clients across all types of police interviews, including those concerning grievous bodily harm, actual bodily harm and common assault.
Our criminal defence solicitors offer a discrete, sensitive and professional service.
What defences are there against ABH charges?
Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, a range of legal defences may be applicable. Our experienced criminal defence solicitors will conduct a detailed analysis of the facts and advise you of the most effective strategy.
Examples of defences but not limited to:
Injuries do not constitute ABH
It may be possible to challenge the classification of the alleged injuries. In some cases, a guilty plea to a lesser offence may be appropriate. It may be an option to instruct independent medical experts to assess the nature and severity of the injuries and provide evidence that they do not meet the threshold for ABH.
You were acting in self-defence
If the injuries occurred while you were defending yourself or another person, a defence of 'reasonable force' may be available. Given the complexity of this area of law, it is essential to seek advice from a solicitor with expertise in defending violent crime cases.
Injuries were caused by accident
Where harm was not intended and the injury occurred accidentally, such as during participation in a lawful sporting activity conducted within the rules, and without reckless behaviour, it may be possible to argue that the incident does not constitute ABH.
What is the difference between ABH and GBH?
Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) is considered a less serious offence than Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). ABH is committed when a person intentionally or recklessly assaults another, thereby causing actual bodily harm. The injuries must be more than transient and trifling, for example, severe bruising, damage to teeth or bones, cuts requiring sutures, and loss of consciousness.
In contrast, GBH injuries caused by an assault are regarded as serious harm, where significant medical treatment is required or the victim sustains life-changing injuries.
What are the sentences for ABH?
When sentencing for Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) the Court will determine the offence category which factors in the offender’s level of ‘culpability’ and the ‘harm’ sustained by the victim. With racial or religious aggravated offences, an uplift in the sentence can be applied.
Sentencing for Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) falls under Section 47 of the Against the Person Act 1861. A Section 47 offence carries a custodial sentence not exceeding five years, whereas a Section 29, racially and religiously aggravated ABH carries a maximum sentence of seven years.
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