Grievous Bodily Harm Charges in New Zealand: What You Need to Know

31 July

If you’ve been charged with grievous bodily harm (GBH) in New Zealand, you’re facing one of the most serious violent offences in our legal system. The consequences can be severe up to 14 years in prison and the impact on your family, job, and future can be devastating if it’s not handled with care.

But being charged does not mean you’re guilty. You’re still entitled to a full defence, a fair process, and someone in your corner who knows how to fight for your future. That’s where I come in.

What Is Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH)?

Under Section 188 of the Crimes Act 1961, GBH refers to causing someone serious harm, either:

With intent to injure (Section 188(1)), or
Recklessly causing injury, knowing serious harm could result (Section 188(2))

Examples can include:

Stabbings or serious assaults
Group violence or street fights
Injuries involving weapons
Permanent or long-term physical harm

Police treat GBH charges with high priority. Bail may be opposed. Custody is common. And the court will be watching closely.

How I Defend GBH Charges

This isn’t a case where you want a generalist. With over 22 years of courtroom experience, I know how to handle high stakes violence charges from plea strategy to expert witnesses.

I Break Down the Evidence

I examine:

CCTV footage
Witness statements (including inconsistencies)
Medical reports and injury classifications
Forensic or DNA evidence
Your version of events

Just because the injury was serious doesn’t mean the charge is automatically correct—or fair.

I Explore All Possible Defences

Depending on the facts, your defence might involve:

Self-defence
Defence of another person
No intent to cause serious harm
Mistaken identity
Overcharging (e.g., reducing from GBH to common assault)

I Build Your Case Strategically

Every move matters in GBH cases. I work with:

Private investigators
Medical experts
Cultural report writers
Youth advocates (for younger defendants)

If a guilty plea is appropriate, I work to minimise the sentence with strong submissions and supporting evidence focusing on rehabilitation, remorse, and your personal circumstances.

GBH Charges Don’t Just Go Away

If you’re reading this and hoping the charge will be dropped or downgraded on its own don’t wait. Serious charges like GBH need immediate, strategic action.

📞 Contact Us Now: Call me now if you’ve been charged with grievous bodily harm. Whether it’s your first offence or you’ve been through the system before, I’ll give you calm, honest, and clear advice from day one.

Your life, your freedom, and your future are worth defending.

Disclaimer: This blog is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. GBH cases are complex and fact specific. For advice about your situation, contact a qualified criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible.

anj singh