Understand Your Situation
Attempted murder is harder to prove than murder itself. We exploit the high burden of proof regarding 'intent' to build your defence.
Challenging Attempted Murder Allegations
To convict you of attempted murder, the prosecution has a very high hurdle: they must prove you intended to *kill* the victim, not just hurt them. Intent to cause grievous bodily harm is not enough for this charge.
We focus heavily on this distinction. By analysing the medical evidence, the weapon used, and your actions before and after the incident, we argue against the 'intent to kill'. Often, we can successfully negotiate a downgrade to GBH (Section 18 or 20), significantly reducing the potential sentence, or achieve an acquittal if self-defence applies.
Charged with Attempt?
The prosecution must prove you intended to kill. We challenge that narrative. Call us.
Plan Your Defence
The Specific Intent Requirement
Under the *Criminal Attempts Act 1981*, a person is guilty of attempting to commit an offence if they do an act which is 'more than merely preparatory'.
Crucially, for attempted murder, the mens rea is higher than for murder. In murder, intent to cause GBH suffices; for *attempted* murder, there must be an *intent to kill* (*R v Whybrow*). This is a vital technical legal point. We scrutinise every piece of evidence to show that, while harm may have been intended, death was not the objective.
Reduce the Charge
We fight to downgrade charges to GBH or dismiss them entirely. Get advice now.
Legal Aid Availability
For many criminal matters, from police station interviews to Crown Court trials, public funding (Legal Aid) may be available to cover your legal costs.
Eligibility is determined by the seriousness of the case and, in some instances, a means assessment. Our team will conduct an immediate, confidential assessment of your eligibility to ensure that financial constraints do not stand in the way of a robust defence.
