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At MMA Law, our specialist GBH solicitors are here to help you from day one. We defend both s18 wounding with intent and s20 unlawful wounding charges.
Get Your Free 30 minute consultationBeing arrested or charged with grievous bodily harm (GBH) is frightening. You may feel overwhelmed, confused, and unsure where to turn. GBH is a serious offence that can lead to long prison sentences if not handled correctly. At MMA Law, our specialist GBH solicitors are here to help you from day one. We defend both s18 wounding with intent and s20 unlawful wounding charges. With decades of serious crime experience, we provide clear, expert advice and strong legal representation across England and Wales.
Get Your Free ConsultationA GBH charge can have life-changing consequences. Whether you’ve been arrested, charged, or asked to attend a police interview, it’s vital to get legal help straight away. Early advice can protect your rights, reduce the risk of mistakes, and give you the best possible defence.
At MMA Law, we offer immediate, confidential advice from experienced grievous bodily harm solicitors. We act quickly to protect you, explain your options, and guide you through every stage of the legal process.
We offer a free no-obligation 30-minute legal appointment with a qualified solicitor. You can speak to us:
Our team responds quickly, providing honest legal advice without pressure. We listen, explain your situation clearly, and outline your next steps. All in total confidence.
MMA Law is a trusted criminal defence firm based in Middlesbrough, close to Teesside Crown Court and Middlesbrough Police Station. While we are proud to serve our local community, we also represent clients facing GBH charges across England and Wales.
Wherever you are in the country, you can count on fast, reliable legal advice from specialist GBH solicitors with national experience.
Grievous bodily harm (GBH) is a serious criminal offence involving significant injury to another person. GBH charges are brought under two main sections of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861:
Both offences are treated seriously and usually heard at Crown Court. The difference between s18 and s20 lies in intent and the level of blame.
s18 GBH is the most serious assault offence below murder and attempted murder. To be found guilty, the prosecution must prove:
Common examples include attacks involving weapons, deliberate violent assaults, or repeated blows causing serious injuries.
Sentencing for s18 GBH is severe, with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Cases always go to Crown Court and often result in lengthy prison terms, especially if a weapon was involved or the attack was planned.
s20 GBH is a lesser offence, though still serious. It applies where someone causes significant injury but without intent to cause serious harm.
This offence covers situations like:
s20 GBH sentencing has a maximum of five years imprisonment, although sentences vary depending on the injuries caused and the circumstances.
Offence
Intent
Court
Maximum Sentence
s18 GBH
Intent to cause serious harm
Crown Court
Life imprisonment
s20 GBH
No intent to cause serious harm
Usually Crown Court
5 years imprisonment
In simple terms, s18 GBH is charged when the prosecution claims you deliberately caused harm, while s20 GBH applies when harm was caused but without intent.
Getting legal advice early can help reduce the charge from s18 to s20, or defend it altogether.
At MMA Law, we understand how stressful facing a GBH charge can be. From the first phone call to the final court hearing, we guide you through the process with clear advice and strong legal defence. Our specialist grievous bodily harm solicitors fight to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and secure the best outcome possible.
Getting the right advice from the start is crucial. We provide round-the-clock representation at police stations, including:
Do not face police interviews alone. Early mistakes can harm your defence.
Our proactive defence starts immediately:
Early action can lead to charges being reduced or dropped before trial.
Most GBH cases are sent to Crown Court. Our experienced solicitors will:
We regularly defend cases at Teesside Crown Court, Newcastle Crown Court, and courts across England and Wales.
Many GBH cases involve custody before trial. We:
Our goal is to keep you out of custody while we fight your case.
When you are facing a serious charge like GBH, you need a legal team you can trust. At MMA Law, we offer specialist legal defence built on experience, honesty, and personal care. We help clients across Middlesbrough, Teesside, and throughout England and Wales to secure the best possible results in serious assault cases.
Our solicitors have decades of combined experience defending violent crime cases, including complex s18 GBH and s20 GBH charges. We regularly represent clients in Crown Court cases involving serious assaults, joint enterprise allegations, and self-defence claims. Whether your case involves Teesside Crown Court, Newcastle Crown Court, or any court nationwide, we have the knowledge and court experience to protect your future.
At MMA Law, we believe in giving you clear, honest advice from the start. You will always receive:
We cut through legal jargon and help you understand your options, so you feel confident in every decision.
We treat every client with respect, regardless of the charge they face. When you choose MMA Law, you can expect:
Our team is here to guide you through the legal process, reduce stress, and fight for the best possible result.
Facing a GBH investigation or charge can feel overwhelming. Understanding the key stages can help ease some of that worry. Here’s what to expect:
If suspected of grievous bodily harm, you may:
You have the right to free legal advice during questioning. This is vital — early mistakes can harm your defence. Always request a solicitor before answering police questions. MMA Law offers 24/7 police station representation across England and Wales.
Following police interviews, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will decide whether to:
If charged, you will attend a Magistrates’ Court hearing. Bail may be granted or refused. We will apply for bail where possible and represent you during this first court appearance.
Due to their seriousness, most GBH cases proceed to Crown Court, especially for s18 charges.
In Crown Court you will face:
Sentencing depends on the charge:
Our role is to guide you through each stage, fight for bail, challenge the evidence, and achieve the best possible result.
The difference between s18 and S20 GBP is intent. s18 GBH involves deliberate intent to cause serious harm and carries harsher penalties, including life imprisonment. s20 GBH involves serious injury without intent, with a lower maximum sentence of 5 years.
GBH is a serious criminal offence, often leading to Crown Court trials and lengthy prison sentences. s18 charges are among the most severe assault offences, while s20 charges still carry significant penalties.
Yes, most GBH cases go to Crown Court. s18 offences are always sent to Crown Court. s20 cases can start in Magistrates’ Court but often proceed to Crown Court, especially for more serious injuries.
Yes, Legal Aid is usually available for GBH cases. You will need to pass a means test and a merits test, but most serious offence cases qualify for Legal Aid support.
s18 GBH carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. s20 GBH carries a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment. Actual sentences vary based on intent, injuries caused, and aggravating factors.
Yes, you can change solicitors at any stage, and MMA Law can take over your defence. We handle the transfer process smoothly and ensure no disruption to your case.
If you are facing a GBH charge, early legal advice can make a huge difference. Do not delay. Get clear, confidential guidance from specialist grievous bodily harm solicitors today.
At MMA Law, we offer:
All enquiries are confidential and without pressure. Call us now, use our quick contact form, or email us for immediate advice. Our Criminal Defence Solicitors are ready to help.
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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