Assault & Violence Cases

Facing assault or violence charges is a highly stressful experience with severe potential consequences. A conviction can jeopardize your freedom, your career, and your family life. Whether you are dealing with an isolated incident, a misunderstanding, or complex family violence allegations, you need a formidable criminal defense barrister to protect your rights. I provide robust, non-judgmental legal representation designed to challenge the prosecution's case and secure the best possible outcome.

Type of assault cases I handle

Common & Aggravated Assault

Defending against standard assault, assault on police, and assault with intent to injure.

Family Violence

Navigating sensitive domestic disputes, Male Assaults Female charges, and Protection Order breaches.

Serious Violence Offenses

Strategic defense for Wounding with Intent, Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), and Assault with a Weapon.

Threats & Intimidation

Legal counsel for charges involving threatening to kill or do grievous bodily harm.

Self-Defence & Provocation

Proving lawful justification, defending your actions, and fighting false accusations.

Contact us

Strategic Defense

Every case is highly fact-specific. We meticulously analyze police disclosure, witness statements, medical reports, and CCTV footage to identify procedural errors and weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence. Our priority is building a bespoke defense strategy, whether that involves proving self-defence, lack of intent, or factual innocence.

Protecting Your Future

A conviction for a violent offense carries heavy penalties under the Crimes Act, ranging from substantial fines to imprisonment. We aggressively explore all avenues to mitigate these consequences. This includes negotiating charge withdrawals, advocating for reduced charges, or pursuing a discharge without conviction to protect your livelihood.

Expert Guidance

The New Zealand criminal justice system can be incredibly daunting. From your initial police interview and bail applications to trial preparation and court appearances, we are in your corner. We provide clear, pragmatic, and confidential legal counsel every step of the way, ensuring you are never left in the dark.

Defending against assault charges in New Zealand

Being charged does not equate to a conviction. The police must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. A skilled criminal lawyer will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your case to establish robust legal defenses, which may include:

Self-Defence

Under New Zealand law, you are permitted to use reasonable force to defend yourself or another person from an imminent threat.

Consent

In certain specific scenarios, such as organized contact sports, consent can act as a valid defense against assault charges.

Lack of Intent

Accidents happen. If the physical contact was unintentional, careless, or a reflex action without the mens rea (guilty mind), it may not constitute a criminal assault.

False Accusations

Unfortunately, assault charges are sometimes fabricated during contentious family court proceedings or interpersonal disputes. We work to uncover the truth and clear your name.

Assault & violence FAQs

Not necessarily. It depends on how serious the charge is, your history, and the circumstances involved. Many assault matters resolve with fines, community work, or diversion, especially for first time or lower level offending.

Common assault covers general unwanted physical contact or the threat of it. Aggravated versions, like assault on police or assault with intent to injure, carry higher penalties because of the specific circumstances or who was involved.

Not automatically. In New Zealand, the decision to continue a prosecution sits with the police and the Crown, not the complainant. That said, a complainant's wishes can still be a relevant factor along the way.

Get legal advice before you say anything further to police. Family violence allegations are treated seriously and often come with immediate bail conditions or protection orders, so it helps to understand your rights early.

It's possible if you can show the consequences of a conviction would be out of proportion to how serious the offending was. This is assessed case by case, and having a lawyer build that argument properly makes a real difference.