Public Order Act offences: Violent disorder: Christian Khan.

Intended to prevent public disturbances and to ensure that members of a community feel safe, the Public Order Act defines offences such as riot and violent disorder - as well as how to deal with them.

Whether you're being investigated for offences under the act, or have been charged with violent disorder, the solicitors at Christian Khan can provide legal advice and assistance. We will also ensure that you are treated fairly and we can help you to take action against the police if you feel your human rights or civil liberties have been neglected.

Explaining the UK's Public Order Act

Originally, the Act was a piece of legislation passed in 1936 with a primary purpose to control the political movements of extremist organisations. In 1963, this was amended to increase the penalties.

In 1986, a new act was created, which included amendments to large parts of the original document. It abolished some parts, defined others and added a number of new offences, including:

Riot - This is when twelve or more people who are together use or threaten to use violence in a way that could lead others to feel that their own personal safety is at risk.
Violent disorder - Similar to riot, this is applicable to smaller groups of three or more people.
Affray - When two or more people fight in public, it could lead to other people at the scene to feel that their personal safety is at risk. Those found guilty of affray may also be charged with assault, riot, or unlawful assembly.
Fear or provocation of violence - This could include threatening, abusing or insulting another person with violent words or behaviour.
Harassment, alarm or distress - Anti-Social Behaviour Orders - more commonly known as ASBOs - were introduced to the UK in 1998 to deal with these offences. They can include drunk and disorderly behaviour, as well as criminal activity like arson, drugs offences, vandalism, intimidation and racism.

Further changes and clarifications were made as part of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, as well as the Public Order Amendment Act 1996.

Legal help from Christian Khan

To find out more about how we can help you, contact us as soon as possible. Our criminal defence lawyers are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and you'll speak to fully qualified solicitors who are knowledgeable about riot law and Public Order Act offences.

Depending on the situation, cases can be legally aided or privately In addition, our violent disorder solicitors regularly work in both the Criminal Court Duty Scheme and the Police Station Scheme.

::Christian Khan Solicitors