The maximum penalty for an AOBH offence is 7 years imprisonment, however, if the offender pretends to be or is actually armed with any dangerous weapon or is in the company of at least one other person, the maximum penalty increases to 10 years imprisonment.

Assault Occasioning Bodily Harm offences are ordinarily heard in the Magistrates Court. Depending on the seriousness of the offence, and the existence of other offences connected to the Assault Occasioning Bodily Harm offence, the matter may also be heard in the District Court.

In Queensland, if a person is convicted of an Assault Occasioning Bodily Harm offence, then the court could impose one of the following penalties:

• Jail (suspended, parole or actual time);
• Intensive Corrections Order;
  Probation;
• Community Service Order;

The actual penalty will depend on the circumstances of the matter including the seriousness of the Assault Occasioning Bodily Harm offence and the individual circumstances and background of the Defendant.

Yes. The following offences may be available to you:

• Necessity;
• Self-defence or defence of another person;
• Intoxication;
• Provocation;
• Accident;

You have the right to remain silent. You DO have to provide the police with your name, date of birth and contact details. You should NOT answer any questions, make any statement or participate in any interview with the police. You should be polite to the officer but insist that you want to talk to your lawyer. You have the right to telephone a friend, relative or lawyer.