Did you know that there are different types of assault in NSW? Do you know the difference between common assault and aggravated assault? These are all relevant questions you’ll need the answers to if you happen to be accused of assault.
Fortunately, we’re here to help and, in this post, we’ll look at the different types of assault and their penalties in more detail.
What are the Different Types of Assault?
There are a few different types of assault which all vary based on the severity of the injuries or harm inflicted on the victim and the penalties they carry. Before looking at these penalties, let’s first consider the different types of assault.
Common Assault
Common assault happens when the victim is not seriously injured and can also include a mere threat of violence that might occur in the future. Cases of common assault are typically less serious and, as such, are typically dealt with in the local courts.
Aggravated Assault
In contrast to common assault, aggravated assault typically refers to more serious cases of assault. These cases are generally categorized by the degree of harm the victim has suffered because of the assault. This degree of harm also plays a role in the penalty, as the higher the degree of harm, the more severe the penalty tends to be.
Actual Bodily Harm
Assault occasioning actual bodily harm happens when the victim suffers a physical or mental injury because of the assault. To successfully prosecute an offender for this type of assault, the prosecuting team must prove that the injury interferes with the way the victim lives their daily life.
Grievous Bodily Harm
As the name implies, grievous bodily harm refers to assault cases where the victim suffers serious injuries. It’s important to remember, though, that these injuries do not necessarily have to lead to lasting effects. Also, due to the seriousness of this type of assault, it almost always results in a term of imprisonment if the offender is found guilty.
Wounding
Wounding involves assault cases where the victim’s skin is broken beyond the first layer. As is the case with grievous bodily harm, these cases also typically result in a term of imprisonment if the offender is found guilty. To succeed with a prosecution, the prosecuting team needs to prove that the victim’s wound was caused by the accused.
What are the Penalties for Assault?
Now that we’ve looked at the different types of assault, it’s time we consider the penalties. Understandably, as the seriousness of the assault increases, so too does the penalty. This means that the maximum penalty for:
- Common assault is 2 years imprisonment.
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm is 5 years imprisonment.
- Wounding varies between 7 and 10 years.
- Grievous bodily harm varies between 10 and 25 years.
It’s important to remember that the penalties for assault might vary based on several factors. For example, if the offender has any previous convictions, a longer penalty might be imposed. Likewise, if the victim is a police officer the penalty could also increase. Ultimately, every case will be adjudicated on its own merits.
To learn more about assault or if you need assistance with an assault charge, get in touch with Riviere Law. We’re your preferred criminal law experts in New South Wales.