What to Expect When Facing Violence Charges.

Charged with Assault in Brisbane?

If you’ve been charged with a violence offence in Queensland, it’s vital to get legal help early. These charges can can affect your job, relationships, and future with serious penalties, including imprisonment

At Valeston Lawyers, our experienced criminal lawyers in Brisbane provide skilled, local defence for people charged with assault and other violent offences. We know how Queensland courts operate and will fight to protect your rights and your reputation.

---

COMMON VIOLENCE OFFENCE CHARGES IN QUEENSLAND

Violence offences range from minor altercations to serious assaults causing long-term harm. The three most common offences include:

Common Assault (s335 Criminal Code)
Occurs when a person unlawfully strikes, touches, or threatens another without consent. Injury is not required for the offence to apply.
Maximum penalty: 3 years imprisonment.

Assault Occasioning Bodily Harm (AOBH) (s339)
Applies when an assault causes physical injury (e.g. bruising, cuts, or swelling).
Maximum penalty: 7 years imprisonment, or up to 10 years if committed in company or while armed.

Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) (s320)
Involves causing serious or permanent injury to another person.
Maximum penalty: 14 years imprisonment.

Each of these offences has specific legal requirements that the prosecution must prove. An experienced criminal lawyer for assault can identify weaknesses in the case and work to have the charge reduced or dismissed.

---

See Other Violence Offices

---

POSSIBLE DEFENCE STRATEGIES

​Every assault case is different, but common defences to violence charges may include:

Self-defence: You acted to protect yourself or another person.
Defence of another or property: You were defending others or preventing damage.
Consent: The other person agreed to what occurred (in limited circumstances).
Mistaken identity or false allegation: You were not the person involved, or the event did not occur as alleged.

​At Valeston Lawyers, we examine police evidence, witness statements, and CCTV footage to build the strongest possible defence for you.

About Trials & Hearings

About Sentences

About Appeals

---

WHAT TO DO IF CHARGED

You are under no obligation to attend a police station or go with police unless you are under arrest.

At not time do you have to agree to an interview. You may be told that giving an interview will help "to clear things up" or to "help your case". Remember that the role of police is to collect evidence against you, and giving any statement can be used against you, even if it's "informal" or "off the record".

If police have charged you with a violence or assault offence:

• Do not give a statement without legal advice.
• Contact a lawyer immediately.
• Keep any evidence, messages, or witness information that may help your case.

Early legal advice can make the difference between a conviction and a successful defence.

---

About Police Interviews

---

WHY CHOOSE VALESTON LAWYERS?

At Valeston Lawyers, we’re proud to be trusted criminal defence lawyers. We defend clients across greater Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and through Regional Queensland in all types of violence offences, from minor assaults to serious indictable matters.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Local Brisbane expertise - we know how Queensland courts and prosecutors work.
• Straightforward, practical advice - no jargon, just clear guidance.
• Personal support - we stand by you from police questioning to court resolution.
• Strong advocacy - we fight to protect your freedom and future.
• Free Case Appraisal - contact us for a 30 minute discussion about your specific case.

---

​If you’re facing assault or other serious charges in Queensland, don’t go it alone. Contact Valeston Lawyers urgent arrest line on 0432 881 530 or visit www.valestonlawyers.com.au to book a free consultation. 

This blog post is for general information only and is not legal advice.
​For specific advice about your situation, contact Valeston Lawyers today for a free consultation.

Phone 1300 10 30 70  |  Level 10, 95 North Quay, Brisbane, QLD 4000  |  www.valestonlawyers.com.au