At Corker Binning, we understand that anyone can find themselves facing a serious allegation.

Accusations of violence or public disorder often arise suddenly. They may come from misunderstandings or disputes that escalate quickly in social settings, bars, clubs, or at home.

For those in the public eye or in regulated professions, the impact can be severe. Even before a prosecution or conviction, an allegation can damage your reputation, affect your employment, restrict travel, and put your professional standing at risk.

We represent high net worth individuals, professionals, businesspeople, public figures, and young people. Our advice is discreet, strategic, and focused on early resolution wherever possible. Protecting your reputation and minimising wider risks is central to our approach.

We have extensive experience in defending allegations including:

• Common assault
• Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
• Grievous bodily harm (GBH)
• Murder
• Attempted murder
• Affray, violent disorder, and riot under the Public Order Act 1986
• Offences linked to protests or public gatherings
• Assault on emergency workers or public officials
• Possession of offensive weapons or firearms
• Youth violence and group-related allegations

No case is too big or too small. Whatever the allegation, we provide clear, practical guidance and a first-class service at every stage.

Many of these cases involve first-time allegations. They are often complicated by alcohol, mental health issues, or both. We understand these sensitivities and respond with care, discretion, and urgency.

We also address the wider consequences that can follow from an allegation, including:

• Professional regulatory risk, such as referrals to the SRA, GMC, or FCA.
• Enhanced DBS and disclosure risk, particularly for those in finance, law, or academia.
• Visa and immigration issues, including restrictions on travel to the US, Canada, Australia, and the UAE.
• Media and reputational fallout, especially for clients in the public eye or connected with well-known brands.

Our lawyers have substantial experience engaging with the Crown Prosecution Service at both pre-charge and post-charge stages. Where possible, we make proactive representations to persuade the CPS to discontinue proceedings or to pursue a lesser charge.

We know how important early legal advice is. Our lawyers are available 24 hours a day to represent clients at the police station. We are recognised for our calm, focused approach in situations that often feel overwhelming and uncertain.

We work closely with leading barristers to ensure every client receives the strongest possible representation at trial. Where a client pleads guilty, we apply the same commitment to preparing and presenting mitigation so that the court hears the full picture and the fairest sentence can be achieved.

If you are under investigation or facing charges for violence or public disorder, early advice is critical. We provide immediate, confidential support and representation.

Recent cases include:

• Representing a banker cleared of being drunk on an aircraft and assaulting cabin crew during a long-haul British Airways flight. We successfully argued that the combination of alcohol and sleeping pills amounted to non-insane automatism (a sleepwalking defence).
• Successfully representing a high net worth individual accused of bomb hoax offences at Gatwick Airport.
• Advising a client in relation to an allegation of ABH.
• Representing a client whose referral to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) resulted in his murder and attempted murder convictions being quashed by the Court of Appeal.
• Advising a client interviewed under caution for alleged racially aggravated public order offences at a well-known private members’ club. He was not charged.
• Representing a client accused of inflicting GBH through the transmission of a sexually transmitted infection. He was not charged.
• Persuading the CPS to discontinue proceedings against a man accused of assaulting a teenager during what he believed to be a burglary attempt at his home.