Being charged with assault is stressful, confronting, and often fast-moving. At Podmore Legal, we understand how quickly things can escalate and how vital it is to have clear legal support from the outset.
Led by seasoned barristers with decades of courtroom experience, we provide no-nonsense advice, committed representation, and a strong defence built to protect your rights and your future.
Whether the charge is common assault, grievous bodily harm, or something in between, an accusation of violence can affect your livelihood, your relationships, and your freedom. What you do (and don’t do) in the early stages of an investigation can significantly impact the outcome.
Even a single conversation with police without proper advice can harm your defence. Before saying anything, speak to a lawyer who knows how to navigate these situations with precision.
At Podmore Legal, we act quickly and with purpose. From the moment you contact us, you’ll receive calm, expert guidance and strategic legal representation tailored to your specific case.
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Justin Podmore and Rebekah Sleeth have spent more than 20 years working through Western Australia’s assault laws and court procedures, and that experience shows in how a case gets handled from the first meeting onward.
Every piece of evidence gets checked, cross-checked, and tested for weaknesses. Inconsistencies in a police brief or witness account rarely go unnoticed, and that groundwork often shapes the defence strategy long before a matter reaches court.
Clients are kept informed at every stage, from police questioning through to trial, and treated with respect throughout. Facing an assault charge is difficult enough without feeling shut out of your own case.
At Podmore Legal, we offer something many firms don’t: experienced in-house trial advocacy. We don’t brief external barristers and stack on extra fees. We act as both solicitor and barrister, drawing on decades at the Bar in Victoria and WA. That means you’re represented in court by someone who knows your case inside and out, and you only pay for one legal expert, not two.
This practical edge is backed by a personal, down-to-earth approach. We take the time to listen, without judgement, and support you through every step. Whether it’s a minor dispute or a serious allegation, we’re here to guide you with clarity, care and proven courtroom skill.
Justin Podmore has spent over 20 years defending clients against violence-related charges, from common assault through to grievous bodily harm and complex multi-defendant matters. A former Victorian Bar barrister, he built much of his early career on serious criminal trials before establishing Podmore Legal in Perth, where he now handles some of WA’s most sensitive assault cases, including domestic violence allegations and group altercation charges.
His courtroom record includes securing reduced sentencing outcomes in cases involving co-accused violence, and successfully raising self-defence arguments where clients were wrongly cast as the aggressor. Justin has been named in the Doyles Best Barrister Awards for five consecutive years, and colleagues describe his approach as direct, unflinching in cross-examination, and focused on picking apart the prosecution’s version of events before it reaches trial.
Justin brings this same direct, trial-tested approach to every assault matter he takes on, from the first consultation through to the final hearing.
Assault charges in Western Australia fall under the Criminal Code Act Compilation Act 1913 (WA), with the seriousness of a charge largely determined by the harm caused and the circumstances surrounding it.
The main assault-related charges you’re likely to encounter include:
Not every confrontation amounts to a criminal offence. In some cases, what the police call “assault” may in fact be a lawful act of self-defence.
Under Western Australian law, you’re entitled to protect yourself or others but the force used must be reasonable and proportionate to the threat faced. That’s where the details matter.
At Podmore Legal, we examine the evidence to determine whether self-defence can be raised. This may involve analysing CCTV, medical records, and witness accounts to show your actions were justified. If the legal criteria are met, self-defence can lead to a full acquittal.
We don’t just assert self-defence, we build the case for it, piece by piece.
No two assault cases play out the same way, and the law treats a drunken scuffle between friends very differently to a deliberate act of violence. At Podmore Legal, we look closely at the details that can shape your defence or lead to charges being downgraded or dismissed.
The level of force used, whether a shove, a punch, or an injury involving weapons, largely determines how severe the charge is, from common assault through to grievous bodily harm.
Previous convictions for violence can affect bail and often lead to harsher sentencing, while a clean record can work strongly in your favour.
Domestic assaults draw particular scrutiny from the courts, with the history between parties and any past allegations shaping how the case is approached.
CCTV, messages, medical records, and witness accounts can support or undermine either side, and we test all of it for inconsistencies or gaps.
Stress, trauma, intoxication, or a diagnosed condition at the time can influence how the court assesses responsibility, and we make sure this is properly presented.
Errors in how an arrest was handled or evidence collected can affect the outcome, sometimes supporting a challenge to the charge itself.
How We Build Your Assault Charge Defence at Podmore Legal
Every assault charge is different, that’s why we never take a one-size-fits-all approach. We focus on crafting a legal strategy that responds to the facts, people, and pressures surrounding your case.
While every case is different, most follow a recognisable path. Here’s what you can generally expect once a charge has been laid and how we support you at each stage:
Police gather evidence and may arrest you or invite a voluntary interview. You have the right to remain silent and speak with a lawyer first, and early advice at this stage can shape your entire case.
Your matter usually starts in the Magistrates Court. We’re there to make sure you understand the charges, enter the right plea, and secure any necessary bail arrangements.
We act quickly to argue for release under fair conditions, and if bail is refused, we can prepare a fresh application or appeal. Podmore Legal specialise in bail applications and appeals.
We request the full brief from the prosecution, including police statements, medical reports, and forensic material, to identify weaknesses in their case.
Once we’ve reviewed the evidence together, we advise on negotiating a plea or fighting the charges, and prepare witnesses and arguments if you plead not guilty.
We represent you in court if the matter proceeds to trial, or work to mitigate the outcome at sentencing by presenting your circumstances and any steps taken toward rehabilitation.
Every detail matters in these cases. Getting the right legal advice early on can make a real difference in shaping your defence.
It comes down to the level of injury and seriousness of the alleged conduct. GBH involves life-threatening or permanent injury, while common assault is more minor.
Yes. Assault includes threats and physical contact even without injury, particularly if there was intent to cause fear or harm.
Self-defence is a legal defence. We’ll assess whether it applies based on the evidence and present this where appropriate.
In many professions, yes. A criminal record can affect licensing, visas, or background checks, especially for those in security, health, or government roles.
Possibly. Charges may be dropped or downgraded if evidence is weak, witnesses are unreliable, or procedural errors occurred.
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