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Public Order Offences

Public order offences cover a wide range of situations, from minor disturbances to serious incidents of violence. These offences can carry severe penalties, including substantial fines, community orders, and custodial sentences. If you are under investigation or have been charged with a public order offence, securing expert legal representation is essential.

At Allen Hoole, we have the largest and most experienced criminal defence team in the South West of England. Our specialist solicitors and in-house advocates regularly defend clients facing public order charges in both the Magistrates’ Court and the Crown Court.

Expert Representation for Public Order Offences

Our expert defence team provides legal advice and representation for all public order offences, including:

Violent Disorder

  • Involves three or more people using or threatening unlawful violence.
  • Considered a serious offence, often resulting in Crown Court trials and custodial sentences.

Affray

  • Involves using or threatening violence in a way that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety.
  • Can be tried in either the Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court, depending on the severity.

Fear or Provocation of Violence (Section 4 Public Order Act 1986)

  • Involves threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour intended to provoke violence.
  • Often charged in cases of fights, arguments in public, and confrontations with police or security staff.

Intentional Harassment, Alarm or Distress (Section 4A Public Order Act 1986)

  • A more serious form of harassment than Section 5, requiring intent to cause distress.
  • Can involve threatening language, gestures, or distributing offensive material.

Harassment, Alarm or Distress (Section 5 Public Order Act 1986)

  • A lesser offence, covering low-level public disturbances.
  • Often issued as a Fixed Penalty Notice but can still lead to a court appearance.

Racially and Religiously Aggravated Offences

  • Public order offences can be racially or religiously aggravated, resulting in harsher sentences.
  • These offences require specialist legal defence to challenge intent, context, and evidence.

Why Legal Representation is Crucial

Public order offences are often based on subjective interpretations of events, witness statements, and CCTV footage. Expert legal representation is vital to:

  • Challenge evidence – We carefully examine police bodycam footage, CCTV, and witness statements.
  • Argue self-defence – Many cases involve individuals acting in self-defence or trying to defuse a situation.
  • Negotiate alternative outcomes – We can pursue out-of-court disposals, cautions, or reduced charges.
  • Secure the best possible result – Whether dismissal, acquittal, or a reduced sentence, we fight for your best interests.

Why Choose Allen Hoole?

  • Largest Criminal Defence Team in the South West – Decades of experience in public order defence.
  • Access to Top Barristers – We work with the best criminal defence barristers, including King’s Counsel (KC).
  • Expert Witnesses – We instruct leading forensic, digital, and psychiatric experts to support your case.
  • Strong Track Record – Proven success in securing acquittals and reducing sentences.
  • 24/7 Legal Support – Immediate advice for police interviews and urgent legal matters.

Contact Allen Hoole Solicitors Today

If you are facing a public order offence, expert legal defence is essential. Contact Allen Hoole Solicitors today in Bristol, Cheltenham and Keynsham, or fill out our online enquiry form.

Call us now on 01454 790672 for urgent legal advice or 01242 522201 to speak with our specialist defence team.

We are here to help you fight your case and secure the best possible outcome.