Assault Lawyer
Northern Beaches
If you have been charged with assault on the Northern Beaches, it is important to get legal advice as soon as possible.
Assault charges can carry serious consequences, including a criminal record, fines or more significant penalties depending on the circumstances.
At Wallen Family Law, we provide clear, strategic advice to clients facing assault charges. We focus on helping you understand your position early and taking the right steps to protect your outcome.
Assault Charges in NSW
Assault offences in New South Wales range from common assault through to more serious offences such as assault occasioning actual bodily harm (AOABH).
These charges can arise in a wide range of situations and do not always involve serious injury. However, they are treated seriously by the court.
The outcome of your matter will depend on the evidence, the circumstances of the incident and how the matter is prepared from the outset.
We regularly assist in matters where criminal allegations overlap with family law proceedings, including parenting disputes.
Types of Assault Charges
We assist clients with:
Common assault
Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (AOABH)
Assault charges arising from domestic incidents
Matters involving both criminal charges and ADVOs
Each type of charge requires a careful and considered approach.
What Should You Do If You Are Charged with Assault?
If you have been charged, it is important to seek advice early.
Early legal advice can help you:
understand the allegations and evidence
decide whether to plead guilty or not guilty
identify possible defences
prepare your matter properly from the outset
Taking the right approach early can significantly affect the outcome.
Do You Have to Plead Guilty?
Not necessarily.
Whether you plead guilty or defend the charge depends on:
the available evidence
the circumstances of the incident
your instructions and objectives
We will provide clear advice on your options and the most appropriate strategy for your situation.
What Happens If You Plead Guilty?
If you plead guilty, the matter will proceed to sentencing.
The outcome will depend on a range of factors, including:
the seriousness of the offence
your personal circumstances
any prior history
Proper preparation is critical to ensure your case is presented in the strongest possible way.
Defending an Assault Charge
If you plead not guilty, the matter will proceed to a defended hearing.
This involves:
reviewing the prosecution evidence
identifying weaknesses in the case
preparing your defence
presenting your case in court
Careful preparation and a clear strategy are essential.
We assist clients across the Northern Beaches, including Manly, Dee Why, Mona Vale, Brookvale and surrounding suburbs.
We provide advice that is practical, realistic and tailored to your circumstances.
Know your legal fees upfront with our fixed fee options
We offer fixed fee pricing for selected assault matters.
Assault matters from $13,900 + GST (including Barrister Fees)
We will confirm whether your matter is suitable for a fixed fee and clearly explain what is included.
Experienced Representation
Your matter will be handled by Melody van der Wallen, Principal Solicitor and Director of Wallen Family Law.
Melody has extensive litigation experience in contested court proceedings, including complex criminal and family law matters involving serious allegations, urgent applications and defended hearings.
This experience is directly relevant in criminal and ADVO matters, where:
allegations must be carefully analysed
evidence must be tested and understood
strategy must be considered from the outset
Melody is known for providing clear, practical advice and taking a measured, strategic approach to litigation.
We work with experienced criminal defence barristers, including those with backgrounds as former police prosecutors - Barristers We Brief.
Our approach is focused on helping clients understand their position, reduce uncertainty and move forward with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Legal advice is strongly recommended. It can significantly affect how your matter is prepared and the outcome achieved.
-
That depends on the circumstances of your matter. In some cases, it may be possible to avoid a conviction.
-
In some cases, charges may be withdrawn or downgraded, depending on the evidence and circumstances.
-
It can. Assault charges and related ADVOs may impact parenting arrangements and family law proceedings.
-
As soon as possible. Early advice can help you avoid mistakes and ensure your matter is handled properly from the outset.
If you have been charged with assault or have a court date coming up, it is important to act quickly.