P ublic Order Offences

Public Order Offences relate to offences that occur in the public realm. Situations can range from a large-scale public riot to a fight between two individuals in the street, from an altercation with a police officer to your rights in a demonstration or protest. 

Belgravia Solicitors can advise at any stage of an investigation or proceedings when charged with a public order offence, these can includes charges relating to: 

• Affray 
• Criminal damage (including graffiti) 
• Firearms and weapons offences 
• Harassment 
• Incitement to racial hatred 
• Incitement to religious hatred 
• Racially / Religiously aggravated Public Order Act Offences 
• Riot 
• Violent disorder 
• Violence against the person (eg assault) 
• Sending a malicious communication 
• Bomb Hoaxes 

Public order offences may also involve obstructing a member of the emergency services – including parking a vehicle to restrict free movement of vehicles on the public highway. 

At Belgravia Solicitors we go through all of the evidence the prosecution have and advise on the possible defences available. In some cases, self-defence may be applicable in an allegation involving a public order offence – however, it is necessary to prove that you were entitled to use force or threaten violence in defence of yourself, another person or property. 

Allegations or charges relating to a public order offence are extremely complex, it is vital to take expert legal advice from Belgravia Solicitors as soon as possible. 

Public order convictions can result in heavy financial penalties and in some cases imprisonment. 

Conviction of a Public Order offence can lead to a criminal conviction. At Belgravia Solicitors we can advise clients on alternative disposal in public order offences, if prosecution is not in the public interest. 

At Belgravia Solicitors, we have a vast wealth of knowledge, skill, and experience in defending people accused of all types of public order offences. to cross-analyse the material held by the prosecution, searching for weaknesses and illegalities, and mount a persuasive counterstrategy in your defence. We also search for evidence which will directly undermine the prosecution case. 

At Belgravia Solicitors we aim for the best possible outcome for clients facing charges relating to public order offences. We have expertise knowledge in case building based on a sound knowledge of the criminal justice system with an ability to assemble compelling evidence and documentation in criminal cases. 

If you, a family member / relative, or a friend are accused of public order offences, it is important to seek legal advice. Discussing your case with a specialist lawyer who understands the law on public order offences at an early stage is essential to help understand what can be done to prepare a proper defence. The sooner you make contact the sooner we can help!