Arrested or charged with ABH? You need immediate legal advice from specialists who understand how much is at stake. At MMA Law, our ABH solicitors have decades of experience defending clients facing Actual Bodily Harm charges across England and Wales. We know that a single mistake or accusation can change your life. Our team moves fast, protects your rights from day one, and fights to get you the best possible outcome—wherever you are. Confidential advice, urgent help, and a proven track record. Speak to a leading ABH defence solicitor today.
Get Your Free ConsultationIf you’ve been arrested, interviewed, or charged with Actual Bodily Harm (ABH), you need urgent legal advice from experts who act fast. The sooner you speak to a specialist ABH solicitor, the stronger your defence will be. We understand how stressful and confusing this situation can feel—your future, career, and reputation may all be on the line.
At MMA Law, you’ll get confidential, judgement-free support from an experienced defence team. We’ll listen to your side, explain your options in plain English, and move quickly to protect your rights. Our solicitors are available now, ready to help you—day or night.
Worried about cost or privacy? Your first consultation with MMA Law is completely free and always confidential. We never judge or share your details without permission.
Choose how you want to meet us:
We’ll explain what to expect and what to do next, so you feel more in control from the very start.
MMA Law is based in Middlesbrough, with deep roots in the North East. But our expertise isn’t limited by geography. We successfully defend clients facing ABH charges all over England and Wales.
No matter where you live, you’ll get the same expert legal support:
Wherever you are, you can count on us for straightforward advice and robust defence.
Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) is a type of criminal assault that causes injuries more serious than common assault, but less severe than Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). ABH is defined under Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
If you are facing ABH charges, the police or prosecution believe the alleged assault resulted in injuries such as cuts, bruises, or psychological harm—not just minor or passing discomfort.
How does ABH differ from other assault offences?
Being charged with ABH means the courts consider the alleged harm significant, and the consequences can be serious. Understanding the law—and your rights—is essential.
Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 makes it a criminal offence to assault someone and cause “actual bodily harm.” This means any assault that leads to more than a minor injury could be prosecuted as ABH. The law is broad and covers a range of situations, including:
The key point: if the injury is more than “trifling” or temporary, ABH charges may apply—even if you didn’t intend serious harm.
You could face ABH charges for a wide range of incidents, including:
Facing an ABH charge can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At MMA Law, we use a proactive, strategic defence approach to protect your future at every stage. Our early intervention often leads to reduced charges, case dismissals, or minimised penalties. Even before a case reaches court.
We’re with you from the moment you’re contacted by police, through every interview and court appearance. By acting quickly, gathering evidence, and building your defence from day one, we give you the best possible chance of a positive outcome.
If you’ve been arrested or asked to attend a police interview about an ABH allegation, it’s vital to get expert advice straight away. Having a solicitor present from the start can stop you from saying anything that could harm your case.
Don’t wait to get help. Early legal advice can be the difference between charges being dropped or pursued.
We take a hands-on approach to defending ABH charges, focusing on gathering all the evidence and challenging every part of the prosecution’s case. Our defence strategy includes:
With MMA Law, every detail is checked, and no stone is left unturned to protect your interests.
ABH cases can be heard in either the Magistrates’ Court or Crown Court, depending on the seriousness of the allegation. We will advise you on where your case is likely to be heard and what this means for you.
Wherever your case is heard, you’ll have robust representation from specialist criminal defence solicitors with decades of experience fighting violent crime allegations.
If you’re facing an ABH allegation, understanding the legal process can help you feel more in control. Here’s what you can expect, and how MMA Law will support you at every stage.
What happens after an arrest?
Your rights:
Early legal advice is crucial - never attend a police interview alone.
After investigation, if the police decide to charge you with ABH, your case will go to court. Where your case is heard depends on its seriousness and complexity:
Key points:
If convicted of ABH, the sentence you receive will depend on several factors, including the seriousness of the injuries, your intent, and any previous convictions.
Possible sentences for ABH include:
Aggravating factors (which can lead to harsher sentences):
Mitigating factors (which can reduce a sentence):
Alternatives to custody may be available for less serious cases, especially with early legal intervention.
Yes, Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) is classed as a serious offence under UK law. It sits between common assault and Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) in terms of severity. ABH usually involves injuries that are more than minor, such as cuts, bruises, or psychological harm.
A conviction can result in a criminal record, prison sentence, and long-term impact on your reputation and future opportunities.
The sentence for ABH depends on the seriousness of the injury, the circumstances of the offence, and any previous convictions. Sentences can range from a community order to up to five years in prison if the case is heard in the Crown Court.
Key factors that affect sentencing include:
Lesser offences may result in a fine or community service, but more serious cases often carry the risk of immediate custody.
Not always. Many ABH cases are dealt with in the Magistrates’ Court, particularly if the offence is less serious or straightforward. However, if the case involves significant injury, use of weapons, or complex circumstances (like multiple defendants or joint enterprise), it may be sent to the Crown Court. There, the potential penalties are higher, and a jury will decide the verdict.
You may be eligible for Legal Aid if you are facing ABH charges, depending on your financial situation and the seriousness of your case. Legal Aid can cover some or all of your legal costs, especially if there is a risk of imprisonment.
Getting Legal Aid means you can access specialist legal representation without worrying about the cost.
There are several possible defences to ABH, and the right strategy depends on your circumstances. Common defences include:
Our solicitors will review all evidence and advise you on the best defence for your case.
Yes, you have the right to change solicitors at any stage of your case if you’re not happy with your current representation. The process is straightforward:
Many clients come to us after starting their case elsewhere, looking for a more proactive or specialist approach.
These offences differ mainly in the seriousness of the injury:
The greater the injury and intent, the more serious the charge and the higher the possible penalty.
If you’ve been accused of Actual Bodily Harm, don’t wait. Getting expert legal advice quickly can make a real difference to your case. Our ABH solicitors are ready to give you clear, confidential guidance and support—without judgement or delay.
Whether you prefer to call, email, or use our quick enquiry form, your details will always be kept private. We understand how stressful this time can be, and we’ll treat your case with the urgency and respect you deserve.
We will assess your eligibility for Legal Aid and if you are not eligible, we will provide you with an agreed fee to represent you to conclusion of your case.
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