Have you been charged with a Grievous Bodily Harm Offence?

Grievous bodily harm offences are among the most serious assault-related charges under NSW law. GBH refers to very serious harm, including permanent or severe injury. Offences such as reckless GBH, wounding with intent, or causing GBH with intent carry heavy maximum penalties and are frequently dealt with in the District Court. If you have been charged with a GBH offence in Byron Bay or anywhere in NSW, immediate legal advice is critical.

GBH cases often involve complex medical evidence, witness accounts, forensic findings, and disputed versions of events. Police may rely on CCTV, expert reports, phone data, or digital communications. A strong defence begins with analysing whether the alleged injury legally qualifies as GBH and whether the accused intended or foresaw the level of harm.

Common defences include self-defence, accident, lack of intent, or arguing that the injury constitutes a lesser harm such as “actual bodily harm”. In many cases, there is room to negotiate with the prosecution to reduce a serious GBH charge to a lower-level assault, significantly reducing potential penalties.

Sentencing for GBH offences focuses heavily on the seriousness of the harm, the accused’s role, any provocation, level of intent, and whether the incident was spontaneous or prolonged. Character evidence, remorse, rehabilitation, and background factors can be crucial in reducing the severity of the sentence.

Representing clients across Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore, Tweed Heads and throughout NSW, our goal is to protect your rights, minimise risk of imprisonment, and secure the best achievable outcome in a highly complex and serious area of criminal law.