Services

About The Service

Violent Crime

If you have been arrested, charged or under investigation for serious violent offences such as GBH, ABH, robbery or assault, the legal stakes are high. At Powell Spencer & Partners our specialist criminal defence team provides immediate, expert representation for clients facing Crown Court proceedings across England & Wales.

What Are GBH, ABH, Robbery & Assault?

Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) refers to very serious physical injuries (or intent to cause them) under sections 18 and 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) covers non-trivial physical injuries but is a lesser offence than GBH.
Robbery involves theft combined with force or threat of force, carrying severe penalties and often involving other serious offence types.
Assault (including common assault, assault and battery) can rapidly escalate to higher charges depending on harm, weapons, or vulnerability of victim.

Each of these offences carries significant prison risk, complex legal issues (evidence, intent, mitigation, plea strategy) and requires early specialist advice.

Why Choose Us for Your Defence?

We are London-based, accredited criminal defence solicitors with considerable experience in serious violence cases, including gang-related violence, firearms, robbery, and Crown Court trials.
We provide 24/7 urgent access for clients arrested or facing interrogation, bail hearings or early police station representation.
Our team works alongside senior barristers skilled in serious violence, ensuring you have top-tier advocacy for trial or plea negotiations.
We deliver clear, strategic advice on your rights, the strength of the prosecution’s evidence (CCTV, forensic, medical), realistic outcomes (custody, plea discount) and how to minimise risk.
We manage both legal aid and privately-funded cases, giving transparent costs and tailored service.

Our Services – Defence for Violent & Theft-Related Offences

Police Station, Bail & Pre-Charge Advice

Whether you’re under arrest or on bail, we provide immediate representation, protect your rights, advise on interview strategy, bail conditions, and early disclosure.

Charged & Crown Court Representation

From initial charge to Crown Court trial or hearing we guide you through the process: case strategy, preparation of defence, witness briefing, trial advocacy or mitigation at plea/sentence.

GBH & ABH Defence

We defend serious bodily harm charges by challenging evidence of intent, causation, voluntariness, self-defence and proper categorisation (ABH vs GBH).

Robbery & Violent Theft Offences

We defend robbery charges which often interlink with violence, weapons, gang activity or serious harm – analysing theft elements, force/threat, and mitigating factors.

Sentencing, Appeals & Post-Conviction Support

We assist with sentencing strategy, post-conviction reviews, appeals and rehabilitation pathways, supporting you beyond the trial.

Key Considerations & What You Should Know

Early action is vital: Arrest, disclosure obligations, preservation of evidence and legal advice at the outset can make or break a defence.
Custodial risk is high: Offences like GBH with intent or aggravated robbery carry lengthy prison terms; mitigation and robust defence strategy are essential.
Evidence is complex: Injuries, intent, weapons, vulnerability of victim, prior convictions – all interplay in serious offence cases.
Plea vs trial: Choosing whether to fight a charge or negotiate a plea involves advice on likely outcome, sentence range and defence cost.
Broader consequences: A serious conviction impacts immigration status, employment, travel, family and reputation – full-service representation matters.

Our Process & Transparent Fees

Initial urgent consultation – We assess your situation: offence type (GBH, ABH, robbery, assault), arrest or charge stage, funding options, immediate steps.
Strategy & case preparation – We review prosecution file, forensic/medical evidence, witness statements, instruct expert reports (medical, injury, forensic), develop defence plan.
Representation & hearings – We handle police station, bail applications, hearings, plea negotiations, trial preparation and court appearances.
Outcome & next steps – We guide you through verdict, custody or community outcome, sentencing or acquittal, and teach you about post-trial rights, rehabilitation or appeal.

Fees are clearly explained at the outset. If you qualify for legal aid, we assess eligibility immediately; if privately funded, we provide fixed-fee or structured payment options tailored to serious crime cases.

Contact Our Serious Crime Defence Team – London If you are under investigation or charged for GBH, ABH, robbery or assault, time is of the essence.Get specialist legal defence now – early instruction gives the best chance of protecting your future.

FAQs – GBH, ABH, Robbery & Assault Defence UK

Q: Can I be charged with robbery even if nothing was stolen?

A: For robbery the prosecution must show theft plus use of force or threat of force immediately before or during the theft. The absence of theft may change the charge to assault or attempted robbery.

Q: Will a guilty plea reduce my prison sentence?

A: Yes – early guilty plea generally gives a reduction in sentence (up to one-third earlier plea stage) but the discount depends on timing and the seriousness of the offence.

Q: Do I qualify for legal aid in serious crime cases