Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers is a powerful female-founded law firm with a core value system that puts people first. Our reputation as the legal business of choice in New South Wales is recognised by our many awards.
The team at Coutts have the expertise and experience to stand behind you and give you legal advice in a language you understand... without the legal jargon.
Coutts welcomes the opportunity to help you start a business, purchase a business, or sell a business in Australia.
Coutts Commercial and Business team takes pride in providing comprehensive legal services to businesses of all sizes.
At Coutts, our legal team offer the best service in a time where you feel at odds with the law.
Coutts provide expert legal advice in all employment related matters for both employers and employees including, but not limited to the following key areas.
Coutts provide legal advice in all areas of family law including; property settlements, divorce settlements, all types of parenting matters and the drafting of binding financial agreements and binding child support agreements.
At Coutts, we understand the devastating impact personal injuries can have, not only in a physical capacity, but also your emotional, mental and financial well-being also.
The important role conveyancers plays when people are buying and selling of property.
Have you been called as a witness by the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability? If so, you may be eligible to receive government funded legal representation.
A will is a legal document that specifies how you wish your assets and liabilities to be distributed following your death.
DEALING WITH ASSAULT CHARGES? WE STAND BY YOU
At Coutts, we offer specialised legal representation for individuals accused of Assault. Our team has a wealth of experience in dealing with various assault cases, ranging from minor altercations to serious bodily harm incidents. We recognise the complexities of assault law and are dedicated to robustly defending our client’s rights. Our approach is meticulous and client-focused, prioritising a thorough review of all evidence, strategic legal argumentation, and proactive defence planning to strive for the best possible resolution.
Luisa Gaetani Partner
Assault has been defined as any act, and not a mere omission to act, by which a person intentionally or recklessly causes another to apprehend immediate and unlawful violence (R v Ireland [1998] 1 AC 147). Assault may or may not include physical contact, and physical contact need not necessarily be present to prove the offence of assault (The Queen v Phillips (1971) 45 ALJR 467).
There are various types of assault offences that you may be charged with. The most common assault offences include:
To secure a conviction for common assault, the prosecution must prove the following elements beyond reasonable doubt:
If you have been charged with assault, there may be a defence available to you, including:
If you have been charged with assault, it is important to obtain professional legal advice as soon as possible.
Reach out to Coutts Lawyers via our website, phone, or in person. Briefly describe your matter.
Schedule and attend a meeting with a Coutts lawyer to discuss the specifics of your matter and desired outcomes.
Share all related documents and information. Your lawyer will review everything, clarify aspects as needed, and then advise on the best action course.
Based on the advice, an appropriate action plan will be formulated. This may involve communication, documentation processes, or further legal steps.
Execute the action plan, addressing a range of legal scenarios as necessary.
Navigate towards a resolution, with the path determined by the nature of the matter. Your Lawyer will outline any final actions or considerations.
Meet Luisa, a Partner at Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers, and an Accredited Family Law specialist. Luisa is the head of our esteemed Family Law & Criminal Team. Boasting over a decade of expertise, Luisa blends sensitivity with practicality, forging deep connections and trust with her clients. Her reputation as a foremost authority in Criminal and Family law is well-deserved.
Conviction for an assault charge can result in severe consequences, including imprisonment, probation, fines, community service, imprisonment and a permanent criminal record, which can affect employment and other life opportunities.
No, once a charge is made, the decision to proceed with or drop the charge is typically in the hands of the prosecutor or the state, not the victim. The victim may express a wish not to proceed, but the final decision rests with legal authorities.
Yes, self-defence can still be claimed even if you struck first, provided it can be proven that there was a genuine belief of imminent harm, and the force used was reasonable and proportionate to the perceived threat.
Establishing duress involves proving that the accused was compelled to act due to threats, violence, constraints, or other forms of pressure, making them reasonably believe they had no alternative but to commit the assault. It requires substantiating evidence and credible legal arguments.
Common assault involves causing someone to fear immediate and unlawful violence without necessarily inflicting physical harm. In contrast, assault occasioning actual bodily harm involves causing physical injuries to the victim, which are more than merely transient or trifling.