Serious Violent Offences Defence Lawyer Auckland

Understanding Serious Violent Offences in New Zealand

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Serious violent offences in New Zealand encompass a range of charges, each with specific legal elements and potential defences:

Wounding with Intent to Cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH)
GBH charges involve causing serious physical harm to another person. The prosecution must prove both the act and the requisite intent, creating potential avenues for defence based on challenging either element.

Injuring with Intent to Cause GBH
These charges involve causing injuries with the specific intention to cause serious harm. The prosecution's burden to prove intent provides significant opportunities for strategic defence.

Robbery and Aggravated Robbery
These offences combine theft with violence or threats of violence, with aggravated robbery involving weapons, multiple offenders or causing serious harm. These cases often involve identification issues and questions about the level of force used.

Kidnapping and Unlawful Detention
These serious charges involve allegations of restricting another person's freedom of movement against their will, often with significant factual disputes about consent and intent.

Family Violence Offences
Serious family violence cases involve complex interpersonal dynamics and often require specialised approaches to both legal defence and potential resolution options.

Assault with Weapon
Includes charges where the assault involves weapons, serious injury, or was committed against vulnerable victims. These cases often involve complex evidence regarding intent, causation of injuries, and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Each violent offence case presents unique circumstances, evidence challenges, and potential defence strategies. The severity of these charges demands legal representation with specific experience in violent crime defence.

How Daniel Schellenberg Can Help

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A skilled violent offences lawyer provides crucial guidance and representation throughout every stage of your case:

Comprehensive Case Analysis
Daniel meticulously examines every aspect of the allegations, including:

Forensic evidence and medical reports regarding injuries
Witness statements and credibility issues
Police investigation methods and potential procedural errors
CCTV footage and other visual evidence
Self-defence and defence of others claims

Strategic Defence Development
Based on thorough investigation, Daniel develops defence strategies that may include:

Self-defence claims: Establishing legitimate fear for your safety or the safety of others
Identity challenges: Questioning whether you were correctly identified as the perpetrator
Consent issues: Demonstrating consent in appropriate cases
Intent challenges: Proving absence of the required mental state for the offence
Provocation evidence: Contextualising the incident (relevant to sentencing)

Expert Witness Coordination
Violent offence cases may require specialised expert testimony. Daniel works with medical experts, forensic specialists, and other professionals to strengthen your defence when appropriate.

Skilled Court Representation
With extensive courtroom experience in serious criminal matters, Daniel provides powerful advocacy throughout bail hearings, pre-trial proceedings, trial, and if necessary, during sentencing and appeals.

Useful Tips & Advice

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What should I do if I'm charged with a violent offence?

If you're charged with a violent offence:

Exercise your right to legal representation immediately
Do not speak to police without your lawyer present
Avoid discussing your case with anyone except your lawyer
Preserve any evidence or information that might support your defence

Follow your lawyer's guidance carefully throughout the process

What defences are available for violent offence charges?

Depending on the specific circumstances, potential defences may include:

Self-defence or defence of others
Absence of intent to cause harm
Mistaken identity
Alibi evidence
Consent (in appropriate cases)
Lack of evidence meeting the required standard of proof

Procedural violations during investigation

How are violent offence cases investigated?

Violent offence investigations typically involve:

Collection of medical evidence regarding injuries
Witness interviews and statements
Analysis of CCTV and other visual evidence
Forensic examination of weapons or other relevant items
Review of communications between involved parties
Background checks on all parties involved

What penalties exist for violent offence convictions?

Violent offence convictions carry severe penalties in New Zealand:

Wounding with intent GBH: Up to 14 years imprisonment
Injuring with intent GBH: Up to 10 years imprisonment
Aggravated robbery: Up to 14 years imprisonment
Assault with weapon: Up to 5 years imprisonment
Permanent criminal record affecting future employment and travel opportunities
Potential protection orders and other ongoing restrictions

Why Choose Daniel Schellenberg

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When facing serious violent offence allegations, your choice of legal representation will significantly impact the course of your case. Daniel Schellenberg offers:

Specialised expertise in violent offence defence
Comprehensive case investigation and preparation
Strategic approach to complex legal and evidential challenges
Respectful, non-judgmental representation
Complete confidentiality and discretion
Clear communication throughout the legal process
Dedicated advocacy focused entirely on protecting your rights and securing the best possible outcome

Contact For Urgent Consultation

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Violent offence allegations require immediate legal attention. Contact Daniel Schellenberg today for a confidential consultation to discuss your situation and understand your legal options.

Contact Daniel here.