Serious Assaults Offences
When Violence Allegations Threaten Your Freedom
Serious Assaults Defence Specialists
Skilled Representation in High-Risk Violence Cases
- Section 18 GBH – Wounding with intent cases
- Section 20 GBH – Serious assault allegations
Real Results in High-Stakes Cases
R v C: Section 18 GBH Acquittal – We defended a client charged with wounding with intent alongside two co-defendants, arising from an alleged machete attack and prosecuted on a joint enterprise basis, with extensive forensic evidence relied upon.
By advancing a robust self-defence case and rigorously challenging the prosecution’s forensic interpretation, we exposed key weaknesses in their case.
Following the trial, our client was acquitted, reflecting meticulous preparation and effective advocacy in a serious violence matter.
R v M: Section 18 Wounding with Intent Acquittal – We represented a client accused of inflicting serious, life-changing injuries by allegedly stabbing the complainant to the face and back, in an incident in which our client also sustained significant injuries, including a broken arm and multiple lacerations.
From the outset, we advanced a clear case of self-defence, supported by detailed analysis of the blood-spatter evidence and the nature and location of the injuries sustained by both parties.
This forensic analysis demonstrated that the incident was not a targeted stabbing as alleged, and our client was ultimately acquitted, reflecting the strength of the defence and the careful preparation of the case.
Self-Defence and Justification Arguments
Serious assault trials often depend on:
- Self-defence claims requiring detailed circumstance analysis
- Reasonable force assessment based on perceived threat
- Mistaken belief arguments about danger levels
- Lawful response justification to provocation or attack
Fraser Masood has successfully argued self-defence at trial, demonstrating to juries that clients’ actions were justified responses to genuine threats.
Expert Evidence and Reconstruction
Complex serious assault cases require:
- Forensic specialists to examine injury patterns and weapon effects
- Medical experts to assess harm levels and causation
- Digital analysts to establish timelines and communications
- Scene reconstruction to challenge prosecution versions
The Stakes in Serious Assault Cases
These allegations carry:
- Immediate custody upon charge in many cases
- Substantial prison sentences measured in years
- Criminal record consequences affecting employment forever
- Reputation damage that impacts family and community standing
Fraser Masood understands that serious assault defence is about preserving your entire future, not just avoiding the maximum sentence.
For immediate advice serious assault allegations, contact Fraser Masood. These cases require specialist intervention from day one.
Criminal Offences
Real Results for Real People
Notable Wins
- R v W: Murder Acquittal at the Old Bailey - Youth client acquitted after 6-week trial
- R v B: Drug Importation Acquittal - Modern slavery defence for trafficking victim
- R v C: Section 18 GBH Acquittal - Self-defence in serious wounding case
- R v S: Honour-Based Stalking - Crown discontinued at trial after evidence challenge
- R v L: Arson Acquittal - Joint enterprise case dismissed after digital evidence challenge
- R v M: Section 18 Stabbing Acquittal - Serious assault case won at trial
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Section 18 and Section 20 GBH?
Section 18 requires intent to cause serious harm and carries up to life imprisonment. Section 20 requires only that serious harm was caused (not intended) and carries maximum 5 years. The distinction is crucial for sentencing.
Can I claim self-defence if I used a weapon?
Yes, if the force used was reasonable in the circumstances as you perceived them. We’ve successfully argued self-defence in weapon cases, including our Section 18 stabbing acquittal, where justified force was established.
Will I get bail for serious assault charges?
Bail is possible but often contested by prosecution. We’ve secured bail even in serious cases by demonstrating strong community ties, addressing prosecution concerns, and providing robust bail packages.
How do you prove self-defence in serious assault cases?
We reconstruct events to show you faced genuine threat, had honest belief in danger, and used reasonable force. This requires detailed evidence analysis, witness statements, and often expert testimony.
What if the other person was seriously injured?
Serious injury doesn’t automatically mean guilt. We challenge causation, examine medical evidence, and present alternative explanations for injuries. Outcome doesn’t determine whether your actions were justified.
Can CCTV footage help or harm my case?
Both. We analyse all footage frame-by-frame with experts to identify evidence supporting self-defence, reasonable force, or alternative explanations for events. Context is everything in assault cases.
What expert witnesses do you use in assault cases?
Forensic specialists for injury analysis, weapons experts for force assessment, medical professionals for causation, and digital experts for CCTV and phone evidence reconstruction.
How long do serious assault cases take to reach court?
Typically 6-12 months from charge to trial, depending on court availability and case complexity. We use this time for comprehensive preparation and evidence gathering.
Can serious assault charges be dropped?
Yes, through effective pre-charge intervention or by demonstrating self-defence/lack of evidence. Early engagement allows us to present your version before charging decisions are made.
What should I do if arrested for serious assault?
Contact Fraser Masood immediately and remain silent until we arrive. Serious assault cases often depend on your initial account – having expert representation from the first interview is essential.
Why Fraser Masood
A Different Kind of Criminal Solicitor
Fraser Masood brings fresh energy to criminal defence. Whilst other solicitors play it safe, we challenge the system with a dynamic approach.
Track Record:
- One of the youngest qualified criminal duty solicitors in West London
- Built practice from startup to major regional provider in 3 years
- Excellent outcomes at the most prominent courts in the country.
Youth meets experience
Hungry for wins, skilled in strategy
Personal service
Fraser Masood handles serious cases personally
Direct approach
We tell you the truth, not what you want to hear
Professional focus
We understand what you have to lose
Get In Touch
Your Future Depends on What You Do Right Now
Every hour you wait makes this situation harder to resolve.
The investigation is happening whether you’re prepared or not. The only question is whether you’ll have expert protection fighting for you.
Don’t face this alone. Don’t wait for charges to be filed. Act now.