I really need help.

[tombolorolo]

I have just been charged for affray and abh and i'm currently on bail. What started out as a drunken argument turned into a fight, the man man hit me, i hit him back a few times then began to walk away, another man then jumped in and started attacking the original victim. The man ended up in hospital with serious injuries and nobody seems to know which one of us is the the one responsible. Every witness statement is unreliable as the were all different and my memory is hazy. I've never been in trouble with the police before, i've never been a violent person in the past and i was not originally the one who provoked the initial argument. I need to know what i'm likely to be sentenced with, i think i've made the stupidest mistake of my life and i need to prepare for what may come, i'ved never been so ashamed. I have a very good job and i'm a single parent, going to prison would destroy my life, no matter what the length of time. If anyone has any ideas what the usually punishment would be, or even just some advice as to what i should do, it would be greatly appreciated.

[ronnietoon]

doesn't matter what you did in the fight you are leagaly responsible under the joint enterprise law.there are many cases where people have been convicted of murder under the law.

you say the guys injuries are serious they cant of been that serious for you to have been charged with abh and affray.

what did you say in your police interview?

[tombolorolo]

He had a dislocated shoulder, cracked ribs, missing teeth, broken nose and a few bruises on his chest, back, face and arms, in my opinion, they're bad. I told the police exactly what happened as far as I could remember it, he provoked me, attacked first, I fought back before walking away.

[Oldhamer24]

Looking at the sentencing guidelines the most likely sentence would be some sort of community order (a custodial sentence is possible but unlikely).

Just make sure you turn up at court, and follow your advice from your solicitor there - and things shouldn't get any worse then they already are.

I hope it all works out alright.

[tombolorolo]

Thankyou, i've spent the past few days getting character references and advice from my solicitor, hoping i can make things right. Many thanks.