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Melbourne Criminal Defence Lawyers
Defence for public order charges across Melbourne and Victoria, including affray, riot, violent disorder, offensive behaviour, drunk and disorderly, hindering or obstructing police, and assaults on police or emergency workers. Lauren Tye provides urgent advice from arrest through to bail, plea or trial.
Free initial consultation. Confidential advice. Available 24/7.
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Years Criminal Defence Experience
Public order offences in Victoria can range from minor infringements to serious charges such as trespass and protest-related offending to obstruction, affray and violent disorder. These cases often depend on identification, group conduct, your role and intent.
It is important to get early advice so you fully understand the nature of the charges you are facing and any possible defences available to you.
Lauren Tye regularly appears in court to defend public order offences. Getting advice and representation early is crucial to obtaining the best outcome. Even in circumstances where there may not be a full defence to your charge, it may be possible to negotiate a lesser charge if your involvement in the conduct was limited.
Lauren Tye defends clients charged with affray, violent disorder, offensive behaviour, offensive language, hindering or resisting police, assaulting emergency workers. Lauren Tye Legal also frequently appear for protesters charged with trespass and protest-related offences.
These cases often turn on identification, group conduct, intent, CCTV, body-worn footage and witness accounts.
Charges of this nature often involve significant negotiations with police, especially where the public order offences caused significant disruption or where the charges relate to a high level of violence causing the apprehension of fear in members of the public.
Defence for serious public order charges under the Crimes Act 1958, including allegations involving coordinated unlawful violence by a large group or threats of violence. CCTV and witness statements are common forms of evidence in these allegations.
Representation for offensive behaviour, disorderly conduct, and obscene, indecent, and threatening language and behaviour in Public pursuant to the Summary Offences Act 1966, where context and witness statements are highly probative.
Defence for charges alleging interference with police duties, including disputes about what occurred and whether police were acting lawfully.
Defence for assault-related charges involving police, emergency workers, custodial officers and youth justice workers, including serious allegations under the Crimes Act 1958.
Representation for trespass, besetting, move-on directions and protest-related offences arising in public places, workplaces, licensed venues or private property disputes.
Defence for controlled weapon, prohibited weapon and dangerous article charges under the Control of Weapons Act 1990, including disputes about lawful excuse and whether the item is covered.
Maximum penalties under the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic) and Control of Weapons Act 1990 (Vic). Outcomes depend on the seriousness of the conduct, the presence of violence or weapons, the number of people involved and any prior offending.
| Charge | Legislation | Max Penalty | Typical Court |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Public Order — Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) | |||
| Affray | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 195H | 5 years; 7 years with face-covering aggravation | Magistrates' / County Court |
| Violent disorder | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 195I | 10 years; 15 years with face-covering aggravation | Magistrates' / County Court |
| Grossly offensive public conduct | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 195K | 5 years' imprisonment | Magistrates' / County Court |
| Common law unlawful assembly | Common law; penalty via Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 320 | 5 years' imprisonment | Magistrates' / County Court |
| Public-Place & Protest — Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic) | |||
| Good-order offences, including obstructing footpath or roadway | Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 4 | 5 PU | Magistrates' Court |
| Disorderly conduct in a public place | Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 17A | 10 PU | Magistrates' Court |
| Obscene, indecent, threatening, abusive or insulting words in or near a public place | Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 17(1)(c) | 10–25 PU or 2–6 months, depending on prior offences | Magistrates' Court |
| Riotous, indecent, offensive or insulting behaviour in or near a public place | Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 17(1)(d) | 10–25 PU or 2–6 months, depending on prior offences | Magistrates' Court |
| Fail to comply with move-on direction | Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 6 | 5 PU | Magistrates' Court |
| Fail to comply with direction to remove face covering at public protest | Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 6D | 5 PU | Magistrates' Court |
| Locking or securing person to person or thing at public protest | Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 6F | 120 PU or 12 months, or both | Magistrates' Court |
| Wilful trespass / refusal to leave / related property interference | Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 9 | 25 PU or 6 months | Magistrates' Court |
| Besetting premises | Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 52 | 15 PU or 3 months | Magistrates' Court |
| Religious-Assembly Public Order — Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic) | |||
| Disturbing religious assembly | Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 21 | 15 PU or 3 months | Magistrates' Court |
| Assaulting person attending religious assembly | Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 21A | 15 PU or 3 months | Magistrates' Court |
| Intimidating, menacing or harassing persons attending religious assembly | Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 21B | 15 PU or 3 months | Magistrates' Court |
| Hindering or obstructing persons attending religious assembly | Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 21C | 15 PU or 3 months | Magistrates' Court |
| Official-Interference Adjacent | |||
| Assault, resist, obstruct, hinder or delay emergency worker, custodial officer, youth justice worker, local authority staff or assisting person | Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 51 | 60 PU or 6 months | Magistrates' Court |
| Assault, threaten, resist or intentionally obstruct emergency worker, custodial officer or youth justice custodial worker on duty | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 31 | 5 years' imprisonment | Magistrates' / County Court |
| Violence Adjacent — Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) | |||
| Intentionally cause serious injury | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 16 | 20 years' imprisonment | County Court |
| Recklessly cause serious injury | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 17 | 15 years' imprisonment | County Court |
| Intentionally cause injury | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 18 | 10 years' imprisonment | Magistrates' / County Court |
| Recklessly cause injury | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 18 | 5 years' imprisonment | Magistrates' / County Court |
| Vilification & Hate-Conduct Adjacent | |||
| Serious vilification — incitement | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 195N | 3 years' imprisonment | Magistrates' / County Court |
| Serious vilification — threat of physical harm or property damage | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 195O | 5 years' imprisonment | Magistrates' / County Court |
| Public display or performance of Nazi symbols or gestures | Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 41K | 120 PU or 12 months, or both | Magistrates' Court |
| Public display of terrorist organisation symbol | Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 41Q | 120 PU or 12 months, or both | Magistrates' Court |
| Weapons & Public Safety Adjacent | |||
| Possess, carry or use prohibited weapon | Control of Weapons Act 1990 (Vic), s 5AA | 240 PU or 2 years | Magistrates' Court |
| Possess, carry or use controlled weapon without lawful excuse | Control of Weapons Act 1990 (Vic), s 6 | 120 PU or 12 months; 240 PU or 2 years in licensed-premises-related circumstances | Magistrates' Court |
| Possess, carry or use dangerous article in public place | Control of Weapons Act 1990 (Vic), s 7 | 60 PU or 6 months; 120 PU or 12 months in licensed-premises-related circumstances | Magistrates' Court |
| Possess, carry or use loaded firearm in public place, or with reckless disregard for safety | Firearms Act 1996 (Vic), s 130 | 10 years' imprisonment | County Court |
| Event & Licensed-Premises Adjacent | |||
| Throw lit distress signal or firework in event venue or event area | Major Events Act 2009 (Vic), s 64 | 40 PU | Magistrates' Court |
| Drunk, violent or quarrelsome person refusing or failing to leave licensed premises | Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 (Vic), s 114(2) | 50 PU | Magistrates' Court |
| Remaining near, or returning to, licensed premises after being refused entry or directed to leave | Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 (Vic), ss 114(3)–(4) | 20 PU | Magistrates' Court |
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 195H
5 years; 7 years with face-covering aggravation
Magistrates' / County Court
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 195I
10 years; 15 years with face-covering aggravation
Magistrates' / County Court
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 195K
5 years' imprisonment
Magistrates' / County Court
Common law; penalty via Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 320
5 years' imprisonment
Magistrates' / County Court
Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 4
5 PU
Magistrates' Court
Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 17A
10 PU
Magistrates' Court
Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 17(1)(c)
10–25 PU or 2–6 months, depending on prior offences
Magistrates' Court
Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 17(1)(d)
10–25 PU or 2–6 months, depending on prior offences
Magistrates' Court
Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 6
5 PU
Magistrates' Court
Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 6D
5 PU
Magistrates' Court
Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 6F
120 PU or 12 months, or both
Magistrates' Court
Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 9
25 PU or 6 months
Magistrates' Court
Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 52
15 PU or 3 months
Magistrates' Court
Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 21
15 PU or 3 months
Magistrates' Court
Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 21A
15 PU or 3 months
Magistrates' Court
Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 21B
15 PU or 3 months
Magistrates' Court
Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 21C
15 PU or 3 months
Magistrates' Court
Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 51
60 PU or 6 months
Magistrates' Court
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 31
5 years' imprisonment
Magistrates' / County Court
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 16
20 years' imprisonment
County Court
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 17
15 years' imprisonment
County Court
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 18
10 years' imprisonment
Magistrates' / County Court
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 18
5 years' imprisonment
Magistrates' / County Court
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 195N
3 years' imprisonment
Magistrates' / County Court
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 195O
5 years' imprisonment
Magistrates' / County Court
Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 41K
120 PU or 12 months, or both
Magistrates' Court
Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 41Q
120 PU or 12 months, or both
Magistrates' Court
Control of Weapons Act 1990 (Vic), s 5AA
240 PU or 2 years
Magistrates' Court
Control of Weapons Act 1990 (Vic), s 6
120 PU or 12 months; 240 PU or 2 years in licensed-premises-related circumstances
Magistrates' Court
Control of Weapons Act 1990 (Vic), s 7
60 PU or 6 months; 120 PU or 12 months in licensed-premises-related circumstances
Magistrates' Court
Firearms Act 1996 (Vic), s 130
10 years' imprisonment
County Court
Major Events Act 2009 (Vic), s 64
40 PU
Magistrates' Court
Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 (Vic), s 114(2)
50 PU
Magistrates' Court
Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 (Vic), ss 114(3)–(4)
20 PU
Magistrates' Court
| Charge | Legislation | Max Penalty | Typical Court |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Order (Protection of Persons and Property) Act 1971 (Cth) | |||
| Assembly involving violence or apprehension of violence on Commonwealth premises or in a Territory | Public Order Act 1971 (Cth), s 6(1) | 20 PU | State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction) |
| Violence or property damage while taking part in such an assembly | Public Order Act 1971 (Cth), s 6(2) | 12 months' imprisonment | State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction) |
| Causing actual bodily harm while taking part in assembly | Public Order Act 1971 (Cth), s 7 | 5 years' imprisonment | Higher court |
| Causing property damage over $1,500 while taking part in assembly | Public Order Act 1971 (Cth), s 7 | 3 years' imprisonment | Higher court |
| Unreasonable obstruction while taking part in assembly | Public Order Act 1971 (Cth), s 9 | 20 PU | State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction) |
| Weapons, missiles or similar items at assembly | Public Order Act 1971 (Cth), s 10 | 20 PU for possession-type offence; otherwise 6 months | State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction) |
| Trespass on premises in a Territory | Public Order Act 1971 (Cth), s 11(1) | 10 PU | State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction) |
| Obstruction, offensive or disorderly conduct, or refusing to leave premises in a Territory | Public Order Act 1971 (Cth), s 11(2) | 20 PU | State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction) |
| Trespass on Commonwealth premises | Public Order Act 1971 (Cth), s 12(1) | 10 PU | State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction) |
| Obstruction, offensive or disorderly conduct, or refusing to leave Commonwealth premises | Public Order Act 1971 (Cth), s 12(2) | 20 PU | State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction) |
| Firearm, explosive or offensive weapon on certain authority premises | Public Order Act 1971 (Cth), s 13F | 12 months' imprisonment | State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction) |
| Trespass on protected premises | Public Order Act 1971 (Cth), s 20(1) | 10 PU | State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction) |
| Obstruction, offensive or disorderly conduct, or refusing to leave protected premises | Public Order Act 1971 (Cth), s 20(2) | 20 PU | State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction) |
| Trespass on prohibited Commonwealth land | Crimes Act 1914 (Cth), s 89 | 10 PU | State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction) |
| Official-Interference & Harm — Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) | |||
| Obstructing, hindering, intimidating or resisting Commonwealth public official | Criminal Code (Cth), s 149.1 | 2 years' imprisonment | State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction) |
| Causing harm to Commonwealth public official | Criminal Code (Cth), s 147.1 | Up to 13 years' imprisonment | Higher court |
| Threatening harm or serious harm to Commonwealth public official | Criminal Code (Cth), s 147.2 | 2–10 years, depending on charged form | State/Territory / higher court |
| Hate, Violence-Advocacy & Symbol — Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) | |||
| Advocating force or violence against groups | Criminal Code (Cth), s 80.2A | 7–10 years' imprisonment | Higher court |
| Advocating force or violence against members of groups or close associates | Criminal Code (Cth), s 80.2B | 7–10 years' imprisonment | Higher court |
| Threatening force or violence against groups, members or close associates | Criminal Code (Cth), ss 80.2BA–80.2BB | 7–10 years' imprisonment | Higher court |
| Public display of prohibited Nazi symbols or giving Nazi salute | Criminal Code (Cth), s 80.2H | 5 years' imprisonment | State/Territory / higher court |
| Public display of prohibited organisation symbols | Criminal Code (Cth), s 80.2HA | 5 years' imprisonment | State/Territory / higher court |
| Fail to comply with direction to cease public display of prohibited symbol | Criminal Code (Cth), s 80.2M | 20 PU | State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction) |
| Online Public-Order & Harassment — Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) | |||
| Using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence | Criminal Code (Cth), s 474.17 | 5 years' imprisonment | State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction) |
| Doxxing — making available personal data of individuals in menacing or harassing way | Criminal Code (Cth), s 474.17C | 6 years' imprisonment | State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction) |
| Doxxing — making available personal data of members of certain groups in menacing or harassing way | Criminal Code (Cth), s 474.17D | 7 years' imprisonment | State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction) |
Public Order Act 1971 (Cth), s 6(1)
20 PU
State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction)
Public Order Act 1971 (Cth), s 6(2)
12 months' imprisonment
State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction)
Public Order Act 1971 (Cth), s 7
5 years' imprisonment
Higher court
Public Order Act 1971 (Cth), s 7
3 years' imprisonment
Higher court
Public Order Act 1971 (Cth), s 9
20 PU
State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction)
Public Order Act 1971 (Cth), s 10
20 PU for possession-type offence; otherwise 6 months
State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction)
Public Order Act 1971 (Cth), s 11(1)
10 PU
State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction)
Public Order Act 1971 (Cth), s 11(2)
20 PU
State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction)
Public Order Act 1971 (Cth), s 12(1)
10 PU
State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction)
Public Order Act 1971 (Cth), s 12(2)
20 PU
State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction)
Public Order Act 1971 (Cth), s 13F
12 months' imprisonment
State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction)
Public Order Act 1971 (Cth), s 20(1)
10 PU
State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction)
Public Order Act 1971 (Cth), s 20(2)
20 PU
State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction)
Crimes Act 1914 (Cth), s 89
10 PU
State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction)
Criminal Code (Cth), s 149.1
2 years' imprisonment
State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction)
Criminal Code (Cth), s 147.1
Up to 13 years' imprisonment
Higher court
Criminal Code (Cth), s 147.2
2–10 years, depending on charged form
State/Territory / higher court
Criminal Code (Cth), s 80.2A
7–10 years' imprisonment
Higher court
Criminal Code (Cth), s 80.2B
7–10 years' imprisonment
Higher court
Criminal Code (Cth), ss 80.2BA–80.2BB
7–10 years' imprisonment
Higher court
Criminal Code (Cth), s 80.2H
5 years' imprisonment
State/Territory / higher court
Criminal Code (Cth), s 80.2HA
5 years' imprisonment
State/Territory / higher court
Criminal Code (Cth), s 80.2M
20 PU
State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction)
Criminal Code (Cth), s 474.17
5 years' imprisonment
State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction)
Criminal Code (Cth), s 474.17C
6 years' imprisonment
State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction)
Criminal Code (Cth), s 474.17D
7 years' imprisonment
State/Territory court (federal jurisdiction)
Maximum penalties are drawn from the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic) and Control of Weapons Act 1990 (Vic) (Authorised Versions), and from the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) and Public Order (Protection of Persons and Property) Act 1971 (Cth). Penalties shown are maximums only. PU = Victorian penalty unit, currently valued at $203.51 (2025–26). The Commonwealth penalty unit value differs and is set under the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth). The status of public-drunkenness offences may change as Victoria transitions to a public-health response — verify the current framework. This is general information only. Contact Lauren for advice on your specific matter.
How Lauren Tye has defended real clients facing public order charges in Victorian courts.
Our client was charged with affray following a group altercation outside a licensed venue. The prosecution alleged he had used or threatened unlawful violence likely to cause a person of reasonable firmness to fear for their safety.
Lauren Tye obtained the full brief, including CCTV from multiple angles, witness statements and police body-worn footage. Written submissions were prepared identifying weaknesses in the identification evidence and the alleged conduct attributed to our client.
Following negotiations the affray charge was withdrawn and a plea was accepted to a lesser summary offence. The court imposed a non-custodial outcome.
Our client, a young professional with no prior history, was charged with hindering police and offensive behaviour after a late-night incident.
Lauren Tye prepared character references, evidence of counselling and a written diversion application addressing remorse and the unlikelihood of any reoffending.
The magistrate accepted that the matter was suitable for diversion. Both charges were resolved with no conviction recorded and no further sentencing consequences.
Every case depends on its own facts and circumstances. Past outcomes do not guarantee future results.
Get legal advice before answering questions. The first few hours can affect bail, the charges laid, negotiations with police or prosecutors, and your defence.
Give identifying details if required, but do not answer questions about what happened, who was present, what was said or what you did.
Say: “I want to speak to my lawyer before answering any questions.”
Do not voluntarily agree to searches, phone access, passwords or device unlocking before getting advice. If police use a lawful power, do not obstruct them.
Write down what happened while it is fresh. Include where you were, who was present, what police said, what you said and what was seized. Give the note only to your lawyer.
Keep clothing, footwear, receipts, photos, messages and anything connected to the incident. Do not delete, edit or alter anything.
Do not post online, contact witnesses, speak to media or discuss the incident publicly. Messages and posts can be used in court.
Public order cases often turn on identification, group conduct, intent and what was actually said or done.
Call Lauren Tye on 0451 877 714.
Early advice matters. Public order cases often turn on identification, group conduct, intent and what was actually said and done at the time.
Advice and representation from first police contact to final outcome.
Public order offences can move quickly from a police interaction to serious charges. In Victoria, allegations such as affray, violent disorder, offensive behaviour, resisting police and assaulting emergency workers can carry significant penalties and wider consequences for work, travel, visas and professional registration.
These cases often depend on identification, group conduct, intent, CCTV, body-worn camera footage and what was actually said or done.
Lauren Tye represents clients in the Magistrates’ Court and County Court in matters under the Crimes Act 1958, Summary Offences Act 1966 and Control of Weapons Act 1990.
Lauren can assist with:
Public order matters can move quickly. Early legal advice can affect the charge, the evidence, negotiations and the final outcome.
Police may issue an infringement, arrest you, take you to a watch-house, request an interview or charge you on summons. A charge is not a conviction.
Get advice before answering questions, making a statement or giving your version of events. What you say early may affect bail, negotiations and defence strategy.
Lauren reviews the brief, CCTV, body-worn camera footage, witness statements, identification evidence and other prosecution material.
Lauren identifies weaknesses, available defences and negotiation points. Where appropriate, she seeks withdrawal, charge reduction, diversion or resolution without conviction.
Lauren appears in the Magistrates' Court and County Court for bail, contest mentions, committals, pleas, sentencing and trials, and advises on consequences for work, travel and licensing.
Available 24/7 including nights, weekends, and public holidays.
All enquiries are strictly confidential.
Direct access to your lawyer, not a call centre or junior associate.
Call Lauren directly on nights, weekends, and public holidays.
Melbourne Magistrates' Court, County Court, Supreme Court, and regional Victoria.
Your initial consultation is free. All enquiries are strictly confidential.
Public order charges range from summary offences to serious indictable charges. Affray and violent disorder are serious offences under the Crimes Act 1958. They often involve allegations of group conduct, threats of violence, CCTV, body-worn camera footage and disputed identification.
The prosecution must prove every element beyond reasonable doubt. Common issues include identification, what was said or done, intent, whether any violence or threat was unlawful, and whether police were acting in the execution of duty.
Many public order matters are heard in the Magistrates’ Court, including offensive behaviour, disorderly conduct, hindering or resisting police, and some affray matters. More serious charges, including violent disorder and serious assaults on police or emergency workers, may proceed to the County Court.
Bail depends on the charge, the alleged facts, the evidence, prior history, personal circumstances and proposed bail conditions. Matters involving alleged violence against police or emergency workers may raise more complex bail issues.
Early advice is important before any police interview, bail application or first court appearance.
Get legal advice first. Give identifying details if required, but do not answer questions about what happened before speaking to a lawyer.
Yes. Affray can involve threatening unlawful violence, not just physical violence.
The court looks at the words or conduct, where it happened, who was present and the full context.
It involves interfering with police while they are carrying out a lawful duty. The lawfulness of police conduct is often important.
Assault police is more serious and may involve force, threats or intentional obstruction of police or emergency workers.
Yes. Depending on the evidence and circumstances, a matter may be withdrawn, reduced, diverted or resolved without conviction.
No. Public intoxication is no longer a criminal offence, but related conduct may still lead to other charges.
It involves three or more people gathering with a common purpose in a way that threatens public peace.
Yes. Identification, body-worn footage, witness accounts, injury evidence and whether police acted lawfully may affect negotiations.
Yes. These cases often turn on the item, the location, the reason it was carried and whether there was a lawful excuse.
Yes. A conviction may affect employment, professional registration, visas, travel, licensing and security checks.
It depends on the charge, evidence and whether the case is negotiated, pleaded or contested. Serious or contested matters usually take longer.
This information is general only and not legal advice. If you need advice about your situation, contact Lauren directly.
Most public order matters in Victoria start in the Magistrates’ Court. Offensive behaviour, disorderly conduct, hindering or resisting police, trespass, protest-related charges and many affray matters are often finalised there.
More serious charges, including violent disorder and serious assaults on police or emergency workers, may proceed to the County Court.
Lauren Tye appears in the Magistrates’ Court and County Court across Melbourne and regional Victoria, representing clients from arrest through to bail, plea, sentence, trial and appeal.
Lauren Tye appears in Magistrates’ Courts, the County Court, and the Supreme Court of Victoria for assault and violence matters across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Other practice areas: Traffic & Driving Offences · Drug Offences · Family Violence
