Public Order Offences
If you (or someone you care for) have been charged with a Public Order Offence, it is important that you seek the best possible legal representation. At LAC Lawyers, we have experience in this area of the law. They are committed to making the legal process facing their clients as straight-forward as possible, while focusing on achieving the best possible results given the circumstances in each particular case.
In NSW "public order offences" are generally taken to mean offences that relate to a person's conduct in public or other places.
Within the range of all criminal offences, "public order offences" are at the less serious end of the scale, and includes offences such as,
The Summary Offences Act 1988 (NSW) has a range of offences of this type, and as the title of the legislation suggests are dealt with in the Local Courts before a magistrate in a summary way (cross-reference Summary hearings). The Act also gives police a range of powers including the power to give directions for the protection of the public in public places and schools.
Although offences of this nature are on the lower end of the scale of criminality, they are still criminal offences and should be treated seriously if you have been charged with such an offence. A criminal record can have far reaching consequences for future employment or travel plans.
Another significant feature about a "public order offences" is that they can rely on a police officer's perception of a person's behaviour constituting an offence under the Act. It may well be that the police officer's perception was wrong, and if so then the charge cannot be established. If you are charged with a "public order offence" it would be prudent to speak to lawyer who can advise you of your options.
Public Order Offences Articles
Criminal Law - Sentencing in the Local Court
Date: October 08, 2010
Author(s): Jana Whitby B.A., LL.B. (Hons.)
Often I am asked by my clients who have been charged with common offences such as assault or drink driving what the likely result will be if they enter a plea of “Guilty”. This is not a question which can be answered with much certainty given that even when to individuals are charged with exactly the same charge, the possible outcome when it comes to that individual’s sentencing can vary according to factors such as in which Local Court the matter is dealt with, which Magistrate determines the sentence, the sentencing options available to the Magistrate and the individual’s subjective circumstances.
Criminal Law - GBH - Grevious Bodily Harm
Date: August 12, 2009
Author(s): LAC Lawyers
These offences are in effect a more serious assault. To have committed these offences what is required is an act of malice that causes the wound or the grievous bodily harm. Such an act would, however, in the ordinary course constitute an assault as well.
Criminal Law - Have you been charged with assaulting police?
Date: April 03, 2009
Author(s): LAC Lawyers
It has been a long week at work, you decide to unwind and have a couple of beers at your local pub. Unfortunately you don’t know when to stop as you’re having a great time but are annoying some of the patrons at the same time. The management ask you to leave and you refuse.
Criminal Law - Affray
Date: December 08, 2008
Author(s): LAC Lawyers
The legislation introducing the offence of Affray into the Crimes Act in 1988, was prompted, among other things, by the difficulties for the prosecuting of the persons involved in the lengthy trials arising out of the clash between outlaw motor cycle clubs at the Viking Tavern, Milperra in September 1984 (“the Milperra Massacre’) and the clash between spectators and Police at Mount Panorama, Bathurst in April 1985 (‘the Bathurst riots’), which had attempted a prosecutions under the then common law offence of affray.
Criminal Law - Does a threat equal an assault?
Date: December 01, 2008
Author(s): LAC Lawyers
What to expect when you call LAC Lawyers
Date: December 13, 2006
Author(s): LAC Lawyers
LAC Lawyers is a full service firm dedicated to the provision of superior legal services in Australia. Our aim is to provide unrivalled client satisfaction coupled with high quality service and advice. When you call LAC Lawyers our friendly reception staff will spend time with you to identify the area of law your enquiry relates to then pass you on to one of our qualified solicitor's who can help you.
Criminal Law - Sentence and penalty options available to courts if convicted of a criminal offence
Date: September 26, 2005
Author(s): LAC Lawyers
Murder. Bigamy. Robbery. Bushfires. Terrorism. Domestic violence. Computer offences. Concealing the birth of a child. Fraud. Rape. The list of criminal offences for which a person may be convicted in any Australian jurisdiction is extensive.