Criminal Law · European Union
Charged With Assault? Get Legal Advice Before It Escalates
An assault allegation can arise from a single heated moment, yet carry consequences that follow you for years — a criminal record, a fine, or in serious cases imprisonment. We match you, free of charge, with a criminal defence lawyer who handles assault cases in the relevant European country, so you understand the charge and your options before you respond.
- Specialist criminal defence lawyers
- Advice across the EU & EEA
- No fee to get matched
No commitment. No hidden fees.
Get matched with a lawyer
Tell us about your situation and receive a free, confidential case review.
Who this is for
For defendants, complainants and witnesses alike, timing changes the case
Assault is a broad offence that ranges from a push or a threat with no physical injury to serious bodily harm, and European legal systems define and punish it very differently. The same conduct may be treated as a minor public-order matter in one country and a serious criminal offence in another, with penalties that can include fines, community measures or imprisonment. Cases often turn on detail: what was said beforehand, whether there was self-defence, whether anyone was injured, and what witnesses actually saw. People frequently make the situation worse by giving a statement before they understand the charge, or by assuming the matter will simply go away. Whether you have been accused, are considering reporting an incident, or have been called as a witness, an experienced criminal lawyer in the relevant country can clarify your position and protect your interests.
Why cases go wrong
An assault charge is emotional.
Emotion is the enemy of a good defence.
What happened in the moment is rarely how the law records it — and your first statement shapes everything that follows.
A statement given too early
In the heat of the moment, people give accounts that are incomplete or inaccurate, and those words become difficult to walk back. What you say before legal advice can define the case against you.
Self-defence left unproven
Many assault charges involve a claim of self-defence, but it has to be established properly with evidence and consistent detail. Without a lawyer, a legitimate defence can be overlooked.
Underestimating the consequences
People assume a minor scuffle carries no serious penalty. In many countries an assault conviction can mean a criminal record that affects travel, work and residence status for years.
What you get
A criminal defence lawyer who handles assault cases in your country
We only match you with lawyers who regularly defend and advise on assault charges in the relevant jurisdiction.
Clear assessment of the charge
Your lawyer explains exactly what offence you face, how serious it is under local law, and what the realistic range of outcomes looks like — before you give any further account.
Your version, properly presented
Facts matter, but so does how they are framed. Your lawyer helps you give a complete, accurate and consistent account of what happened, including any claim of self-defence or provocation.
Evidence and witnesses examined
Statements, medical reports and witness accounts are reviewed and tested in detail, so any weaknesses or inconsistencies in the case against you are identified and pursued.
Representation from day one
From the first interview through hearings and, where necessary, trial, your lawyer speaks for you with the authorities and argues your position at every stage.
Coverage
Assault lawyers across Europe
Assault is defined and penalised nationally, so the right lawyer is one who practises in the country where the incident occurred. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Assault — common questions
What counts as assault under the law?
Definitions vary by country, but assault generally covers causing or threatening unlawful physical contact or injury, ranging from a shove or a threat to serious bodily harm. The exact offence, and how seriously it is treated, depends on the jurisdiction and the circumstances.
What should I do if I am accused of assault?
Do not discuss the incident with the other side or give a detailed statement before seeking legal advice. Contact a criminal defence lawyer promptly, so your account is prepared carefully and your position is protected from the start.
Can I claim self-defence?
Self-defence is a recognised defence in most European countries, but it must be established with evidence and usually requires that the force used was necessary and proportionate. A lawyer can assess whether the defence is available and how best to present it.
What are the possible penalties for an assault conviction?
Penalties depend on the seriousness of the offence and the country involved, and can range from a fine or community measure to imprisonment in more serious cases. A conviction may also create a criminal record with wider consequences.
Can an assault complaint be withdrawn?
In some jurisdictions a complainant may withdraw a complaint, but many assault charges are prosecuted by the state regardless, so the case can continue even without the complainant’s cooperation. A lawyer can advise how withdrawal works in the specific country.
How long does an assault case take?
The timeline varies widely by country and by the seriousness of the charge, from a few months to considerably longer where the matter proceeds to trial. Your lawyer can give you a realistic indication for your particular situation.
Free case review
Don’t let one moment define the next few years
Tell us what happened and we’ll connect you with a criminal defence lawyer who handles assault cases in the relevant country — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.