Hi all, my first post here and I'm looking for help..firstly the situation..

a few months ago my 17 year old daughter (never in trouble before) was a passenger in a car which stopped at traffic lights, a drunk (female) in late teens attempted to get in the car to get a lift..
My daughter decided (mistake 1), to get out the car and confront the woman.
A row ensued, the woman starts hitting my my daughter with a rolled up umbrella. Daughter being trained in self defence, quick as a flash punches the woman several times in the face till she stops and hits the deck.(mistake 2, as it's now classed as retaliation and not self defence..)

Problem over?? no, woman complains to Police as her nose was broken.
Daughter charged with ABH, offered a final warning.. she plans to join either the Fire Service or the army next year and a warning hangs about for 5 years and would screw her chances..rejects offer

The appointed Solicitor says accept warning as they are very busy (just seems like they cant be bothered)..

CPS have decided there is a case that needs to be answered..so it's going to court

Questions...
1. can my daughter still claim for assault.
2. what are her chances of defending her actions
3. we need a GOOD lawyer or Barrister who specialises in this sort of thing and is in the South East, any ideas on a good person or firm..

thanks for all your help....my dad always said 'kids, there is only 2 good times with them, when your making them and when they leave home' now I see what he means..