13 Reasons Why is currently making waves as a much watch Netflix Original Series. But would you believe that there are at least 13 offences committed throughout the 13 episodes? Over the next 12 days I will be continuing to post blogs about the 13 different offences I have found and what could happen should you be arrested or charged with them.
The Sentencing Council website can be found here.
2. Common Assault (Section 39 of the Offences Against a Person Act 1988)
The charge of Common Assault is a Summary Only matter, meaning that it can only be dealt with in the Magistrates Court unless there are other charges which are Either Way or Indictable Only involved which are allocated to the Crown Court.
If you are arrested on suspicion of Common Assault, we can ensure that you are represented at no cost to yourself as all costs incurred are met from public funds via the Legal Aid Agency under the Advice and Assistance Scheme. One of our Solicitors or Police Station Representatives will be able to go through any witness statements with you before an interview with the Police. We will be able to advise you as to whether you should answer the Police Officer’s questions or exercise your right to silence.
If you are charged and bailed or held on remand to appear at the Magistrates Court in relation to a Common Assault offence, we may be able to represent you at Court under a Representation Order as Common Assault is an imprisonable offence and you may be entitled to Legal Aid, depending on your income. If you are not entitled to Legal Aid, we will happily agree a fixed fee with you.
The Magistrates can sentence someone for Common Assault to a Conditional Discharge, a fine or Community Order, or they could impose a custodial sentence of up to 26 weeks. If you were to plead guilty to Common Assault, you would receive the maximum credit which would reduce the sentence imposed.
Help
We at Ringrose Law understand how worrying it can be if you are arrested in relation to any offence. We would always recommend that you obtain Legal Representation if you are arrested or interviewed. You are entitled to free and independent Legal advice at the Police Station.
Contact our Criminal Defense team who will be able to represent you at the Police Station on any matter, covered by the Legal Aid Agency’s Advice and Assistance Scheme. We have offices in Boston, Lincoln, Spalding, Sleaford, Grantham and Newark.
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