Common assault is the most frequently laid assault charge in New South Wales. It arises from pub altercations, family arguments, workplace disputes, road-rage incidents and neighbour disagreements—and for many people, it is their first contact with the criminal justice system. What surprises most people is this: you can be charged with common assault even if you never laid a finger on anyone. This article explains what the offence actually involves, what the police must prove, and what can be done about it.
Common assault is an offence under section 61 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), which provides that a person who assaults another—without causing actual bodily harm—is liable to imprisonment for two years.
The offence covers two distinct types of conduct:
That second limb is the one that catches people out. Raising a fist, lunging at someone, throwing an object in their direction, or making a threat you could realistically carry out on the spot can all amount to common assault. No injury is required. No touching is required.
To convict you, the prosecution must prove each of the following beyond reasonable doubt:
If the prosecution cannot prove any one of these elements, you must be found not guilty. An assault that is genuinely accidental, where there was no intention and no recklessness, is not a common assault.
The maximum penalty under section 61 is two years’ imprisonment. In practice, common assault is almost always finalised in the Local Court, where the sentencing limits are lower and a fine is also available.
That said, a maximum penalty is not a likely penalty. Outcomes for common assault range widely—from a fine or a good behaviour bond, to a Community Correction Order, to imprisonment in the most serious cases. For a first-time offender with no record, in circumstances that are not aggravated, a non-custodial outcome is the norm. What drives the result is the seriousness of the conduct, your prior record, and how well your case is prepared and presented.
If the alleged assault involves a current or former partner, or a family or household member, it is treated as a domestic violence offence. This changes things significantly. Police will usually apply for an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order alongside the charge, which can restrict where you live and whether you can contact your family. Courts also approach sentencing for domestic violence assaults more sternly, with greater weight given to protecting the victim and to general deterrence. If your matter has a domestic violence element, early legal advice is especially important.
Self-defence is the most commonly raised defence, and it is a complete defence—if it succeeds, you are found not guilty. Under section 418 of the Crimes Act, you act in self-defence if you believed your conduct was necessary to defend yourself or another person, and your response was reasonable in the circumstances as you perceived them. Importantly, once self-defence is properly raised, the burden shifts: it is for the prosecution to disprove it beyond reasonable doubt, not for you to prove it.
Other defences include:
Yes—even if you plead guilty. The court has power under section 10 of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 to find the charge proved but dismiss it without recording a conviction, or to impose a Conditional Release Order without conviction. For someone whose employment, professional registration or travel could be jeopardised by a criminal record, this is often the single most important goal in the case.
A Section 10 is never automatic. It must be argued for, with properly prepared material—character references, evidence of remorse, and submissions addressing the statutory criteria. You can read more in our guide to avoiding a criminal record under Section 10.
Do not assume the charge is minor simply because no one was injured. A common assault conviction is a criminal conviction, and it can follow you for years. Equally, do not assume you have no defence because police have charged you—police charge on their assessment of the evidence, and that assessment is regularly wrong or overstated.
Before speaking to police, understand your rights when questioned. You are not obliged to participate in a police interview, and what you say in the heat of the moment can be difficult to undo later.
Common assault matters are won and lost on detail—whether the prosecution can actually prove intent, whether self-defence is available, whether witness accounts hold up, and how persuasively your case for leniency is put. Our experienced criminal lawyers can review the police brief, advise you on whether to plead or defend, negotiate with prosecutors to have charges withdrawn or facts amended, and fight to protect your record. Contact NS Criminal Lawyers for a confidential discussion about your matter.
This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. The law referred to is current in New South Wales as at the date of publication. For advice about your circumstances, please contact a qualified criminal defence lawyer.
