EV Law
Assault Charges on the Gold Coast
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Assault Charges Lawyer Gold Coast
Being charged with assault can be overwhelming, particularly if you have been arrested, contacted by police, served with a Notice to Appear or told that domestic violence-related allegations may also be involved. Assault charges can carry serious consequences for your freedom, your employment, your family relationships and your future, so it is important to get advice before making decisions that could affect your matter.
At EV Law, we assist clients across the Gold Coast with assault charges and other criminal law matters. We provide clear, practical advice from the early stages of a police investigation through to court representation. Whether your matter involves common assault, assault occasioning bodily harm, grievous bodily harm, serious assault or a related offence, we can help you understand the allegation, the evidence and the options available to you.
Our approach is professional, compassionate and focused on helping you feel informed at each stage. From your first consultation through to resolution, we work with you to provide steady guidance and representation tailored to your circumstances.
Facing an Assault Charge in Queensland?
Assault charges can arise from a wide range of situations, including arguments, public incidents, workplace disputes, family or relationship conflict, self-defence situations and allegations involving injury or threats.
In Queensland, assault offences are dealt with under the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld). The seriousness of the charge will usually depend on the alleged conduct, whether injury was caused, whether a weapon was involved, whether the incident occurred in company with another person, and whether the matter is connected to domestic violence.
Because assault matters can move quickly, it is important to get legal advice early. What you say to police, whether you participate in an interview, and how the evidence is reviewed can all affect the direction of the case.
At EV Law, the focus is on clear communication, compassionate guidance and ethical representation. The original onboarding information for EV Law identifies the firm’s values as quality, compassion and integrity, with legal services offered across criminal law, domestic violence and family law.
What Is an Assault Charge?
An assault charge does not always require serious injury. Depending on the allegation, assault may involve physical contact, an attempted application of force, or a threat to apply force in circumstances where the other person believes it may be carried out.
Assault allegations may involve:
- pushing, striking, grabbing or restraining another person
- threatening physical harm
- attempting to apply force
- causing bodily harm or injury
- using or allegedly using an object as a weapon
- incidents involving police, security, health workers or other protected people
- domestic violence-related allegations
- public incidents involving alcohol or a group of people
The prosecution must prove the elements of the specific offence. In many cases, important issues include what actually happened, whether the alleged conduct was intentional, whether there was consent, whether the accused was acting in self-defence, and whether the evidence supports the charge.
Common Assault Charges We Assist With
Common assault:
Common assault is generally the least serious assault category, but it can still have significant consequences. In Queensland, common assault is dealt with under section 335 of the Criminal Code and carries a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment.
Common assault may involve allegations such as pushing, grabbing, threatening violence or applying force where no significant injury is alleged.
Assault occasioning bodily harm:
Assault occasioning bodily harm, often called AOBH, involves an allegation that an assault caused bodily harm. Section 339 of the Criminal Code provides that a person who unlawfully assaults another and does bodily harm is liable to imprisonment for seven years, with higher maximum penalties in some circumstances.
AOBH charges can involve injuries such as bruising, cuts, swelling, fractures or other harm that interferes with health or comfort.
Serious assault:
Serious assault can apply in specific circumstances, including allegations involving police officers, public officers, people performing certain duties, or vulnerable people. These charges are treated seriously and should be considered carefully before any plea is entered.
Grievous Bodily Harm:
Grievous bodily harm, often called GBH, is a serious offence involving significant injury. It may involve allegations of permanent injury, serious disfigurement, loss of a body part or an injury that could be life-threatening if untreated.
Wounding:
Wounding allegations generally involve the breaking of the skin. These matters can be serious even where the incident was brief or occurred in the context of a sudden confrontation.
Domestic violence-related assault:
An assault allegation may also be connected to a domestic violence matter. This can mean there are criminal proceedings, domestic violence order issues, bail conditions and family law considerations happening at the same time. EV Law’s broader work across criminal law, domestic violence and family law can be useful where these issues overlap.
What Should You Do If Police Contact You About an Assault Allegation?
If police contact you about an assault allegation, it is important to stay calm and get legal advice before making a formal statement or participating in an interview.
Before speaking with police, it may help to:
- ask whether you are being charged, investigated or requested to attend voluntarily
- get legal advice before answering questions in an interview
- avoid discussing the allegation with the complainant or witnesses
- keep any relevant messages, photos, videos, medical records or screenshots
- write down your version of events while it is fresh
- make a note of any possible witnesses or CCTV locations
- avoid posting about the incident on social media
EV Law can assist before a police interview, after an arrest, after you receive a Notice to Appear, or once your matter is already before the court.
Why Choose EV Law?
At EV Law, we provide criminal law advice and representation for clients facing assault charges on the Gold Coast. Our firm’s process is built around Consultation → Evaluation → Representation → Resolution, helping clients understand each stage of the matter.
We can assist with:
- urgent advice after arrest or police contact
- advice before participating in a police interview
- reviewing the charge, QP9 and police material
- bail applications and bail variation applications
- negotiating with police or prosecution where appropriate
- preparing guilty pleas and sentencing material
- defended hearings and trials
- domestic violence-related criminal allegations
- appeals where appropriate
Every assault matter turns on its own facts. The outcome may depend on the evidence, the level of injury alleged, the surrounding circumstances, and whether issues such as self-defence, intent, or conflicting accounts are involved. Our role is to give you clear, practical guidance based on the information available and help you understand each step before the matter progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak to police if I am accused of assault?
You should get legal advice before participating in a police interview. Even if you believe there is a simple explanation, what you say may affect the investigation or any later court proceedings.
Can I be charged with assault if no one was seriously injured?
Yes. Assault charges can arise even where there is no serious injury. Some allegations involve threats, attempted force, pushing, grabbing or other physical contact.
What is the difference between common assault and assault occasioning bodily harm?
Common assault usually involves an assault where no significant injury is alleged. Assault occasioning bodily harm involves an allegation that the assault caused bodily harm, making it a more serious charge.
Contact Us
If you are facing assault charges, or if police have contacted you for information, you can speak with
EV Law for guidance. Call
(07) 5626 0052 to arrange a confidential consultation.
