Our expert criminal law solicitors advise and represent clients in relation to a range of Assault charges
- If you have been charged with any form of Assault, access to the right advice and representation is important
- Being convicted of an Assault charge may limit future job opportunities or prevent you from travelling to certain countries
- Our criminal law solicitors have expertise in the full range of Assault offences that are heard in both the Victorian Magistrates’ and County Courts
Need immediate assistance in relation to an Assault charge?
Call James Dowsley & Associates 24/7 on (03) 9781 4900

Types of Assault Charges
There are various types of Assault charges under different laws in Victoria. Less serious charges, known as summary offences, are heard in the local Magistrates’ Court, whilst more serious indictable offences may be heard in the County Court.
The penalties for Assault and related charges range from small fines to criminal convictions and jail sentences.
See below for more detail on some of the common types of Assault charges that exist.
Assault
Assault (also referred to as Common Assault) is defined in Section 23 of the Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic). Most cases are heard in the Magistrates’ Court and can incur a maximum fine of around $2,500 or three months’ imprisonment.
Extremely serious cases of Assault may come under Common Law and be heard in the County Court, in which case a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment may be given.
Read moreAggravated Assault
Aggravated Assault is listed in Section 24 of the Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic) and includes the willful attempt to cause serious injury, with or without the use of weapons.
It is generally considered to be a more serious crime than Common Assault.
Two kinds of Aggravated Assault exist in Victoria:
Read moreStalking
The crime of Stalking in Victoria is listed in Section 21A of the Crimes Act 1958.
It is considered a serious offence, with a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment.
Several amendments have been made to the Crimes Act in recent years to include cyberstalking, threats, and psychological harm.
Read moreIntentionally or Recklessly Causing Injury
Sections 15A to 19A of the Crimes Act 1958 outline the offence of Intentionally or Recklessly Causing Injury. These cases are generally heard in the County Court, however less serious instances may be dealt with in the Magistrates’ Court.
The multiple offences which come under these sections range in severity and include premeditated attacks, group attacks and life threatening injuries. These charges do not cover threats to inflict injury.
Read moreOther Specific Assault Related Offences Include:
- Intentionally, Recklessly or Negligently Endangering Life
- Threatening Injury and Extortion
- Resisting Arrest and Rioting
- Kidnapping
Need a Criminal Lawyer in Melbourne for an
Assault Offence?
For 24/7 advice on Assault related charges you can contact JDA Law on (03) 9781 4900
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