Assault Offences Lawyer Parramatta, Sydney & NSW - Expert Criminal Defence

Charged with an assault offence in Parramatta, Sydney, or NSW? Assault charges range from common assault (maximum 2 years) to causing grievous bodily harm with intent (maximum 25 years imprisonment). Whether you're facing charges for a pub fight, domestic violence assault, street altercation, or assault police, you need immediate expert legal representation from an experienced Parramatta or Sydney assault lawyer.

At Barsha Defence Lawyers, we have offices in Parramatta (5 minute walk to Parramatta Local Court) and Norwest (serving Castle Hill and the Hills District). We regularly defend assault charges in Parramatta courts, Sydney Downing Centre, and across NSW. Our experienced criminal defence team has successfully defended hundreds of assault cases and achieved Section 10 dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and minimal penalties for our clients.

Assault Offences We Defend in Parramatta, Sydney & NSW

We defend all assault offences under the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW):

Assault Offence Penalties NSW - Summary Table

Common Assault Scenarios in Parramatta, Sydney & NSW

We regularly defend assault charges arising from:

Domestic Violence Assaults

• Assault between current or former partners
• Family violence incidents
• Assault in breach of Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO)
• Choking or suffocation in domestic context

Pub & Nightclub Fights

• Alcohol-fueled altercations in Parramatta, Sydney CBD, or Western Sydney venues
• One-punch assaults outside bars
• Brawls involving multiple participants (affray)
• Security guard altercations

Street Altercations

• Road rage incidents
• Disputes escalating to violence
• Mutual combat situations (both parties fighting)
• Assaults at sporting events, concerts, or public gatherings

Assault Police Charges

• Resisting arrest
• Pushing, striking, or kicking police during arrest
• Spitting on police officers
• Struggles during searches or detentions

School & Youth Assaults

• Schoolyard fights
• Assault between young people
• Youth violence cases

Common Defences to Assault Charges NSW

An experienced Parramatta or Sydney assault lawyer can raise several defences:

1. Self-Defence

You were defending yourself, another person, or property from unlawful violence. This is the most common defence to assault charges and requires proving you had a reasonable belief that your actions were necessary.

2. Accident

The contact was accidental and not intentional or reckless. You did not mean to make contact with the other person.

3. Lawful Correction (Parents/Teachers)

Parents and teachers can use reasonable force to discipline children. The force must be reasonable and proportionate.

4. Consent

The other person consented to the physical contact (e.g., contact sports, consensual roughhousing, agreed-upon physical activity).

5. Duress

You were forced to commit the assault due to threats or coercion from another person.

6. Necessity

Your actions were necessary in the circumstances (e.g., preventing greater harm, medical emergency).

7. Mistaken Identity

You were not the person who committed the assault. The complainant or witnesses have misidentified you.

8. Assault Did Not Occur

No assault took place. The allegation is fabricated or exaggerated.

9. Mental Health Defence (Section 14)

You were suffering from mental illness or cognitive impairment at the time. Requires expert psychiatric evidence and Mental Health Application.

Why Choose Barsha Defence Lawyers for Assault Charges?

• Parramatta & Norwest Offices: 5 min walk to Parramatta Local Court, FREE parking at Norwest for Castle Hill clients
• 15+ Years Assault Defence Experience: Successfully defended hundreds of assault cases
• Section 10 Specialists: Achieved Section 10 dismissals (no conviction) for many first-time assault offenders
• Not Guilty Verdicts: Won numerous assault hearings through effective cross-examination and self-defence arguments
• Domestic Violence Expertise: Experienced in complex domestic violence assault cases
• Available 24/7: Immediate assistance for police interviews and urgent bail applications
• Fixed Fees: Transparent pricing for Local Court and District Court matters
• Free Consultation: No obligation case assessment

Assault Court Process in Parramatta & Sydney

The typical court process for assault charges:

1. Police Investigation: Complainant reports assault, police investigate and take statements
2. Charge or Arrest: Police charge you with assault offence
3. Bail: Released on bail or held in custody pending bail application
4. First Appearance: Matter listed at Parramatta or Sydney Local Court for mention
5. Brief of Evidence: Police provide facts, witness statements, photos of injuries, CCTV footage
6. Negotiations: Your lawyer negotiates with police prosecutor for withdrawal or facts amendment
7. Plea: Plead guilty (sentencing) or plead not guilty (defended hearing)
8. Hearing or Sentence: If not guilty, hearing before magistrate. If guilty, sentencing hearing
9. Outcome: Verdict and penalty

Most assault matters in Parramatta and Sydney Local Court are finalized within 4-8 months.

Can I Get Section 10 for Assault?

Yes, Section 10 dismissals (no conviction recorded) are possible for assault charges, particularly:

• Common assault (first offence): Good prospects with strong character references
• Minor AOABH: Possible for first offenders with minimal injuries
• Low-level assault police: Rare but achievable in exceptional circumstances

Section 10 requires:

• No prior criminal history (or minimal history)
• Early guilty plea
• Strong character references
• Evidence of remorse (apology, compensation, counselling)
• Good employment/education record
• Expert legal representation presenting comprehensive Section 10 submissions

Related Criminal Offences

• Domestic Violence Offences — assault in domestic context, ADVO breaches
• Breach AVO / ADVO — contravening protection orders
• Resist Arrest — resisting police without assault
• Public Disorder Offences — offensive conduct, affray, riot
• Sexual Offences — sexual assault and touching offences
• Bail Applications — urgent bail for assault charges
• Mental Health Applications — Section 14 mental health defences

External Resources - Assault Law NSW

• Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) — full assault offences legislation
• NSW Judicial Commission - Criminal Benchbook — sentencing guidance
• Legal Aid NSW - Assault — general information
• NSW Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions — prosecution guidelines