Experienced criminal litigation solicitors in Gateshead and Washington
A Section 4 public order offence is one involving the use of threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, harassing someone or causing alarm or distress.
It can result in a prison sentence and if you are arrested or charged in relation to a Section 4 offence, you should speak to a criminal defence solicitor as soon as possible.
At John Donkin Solicitors, we can provide immediate representation and advice in respect of public order offences. We will make sure that you do not inadvertently damage your defence when dealing with the authorities and that you are prepared for any interview you are asked to attend.
If you have been arrested, contact us straightaway and, if necessary, we will come to the police station to assist you during interview. Any interview under caution undertaken by the police permits free independent legal advice at the police station.
We have wide experience of defending clients charged with public order offences, including under Section 4 of the Public Order Act 1986 (the Act), and a proven track record of success.
We hold the Law Society’s criminal litigation accreditation as well as a Legal Aid contract, allowing us to represent clients eligible for Legal Aid funding.
To speak to one of our expert public order solicitors, call us on 0191 416 2182 (Washington) or 0191 495 2896 (Gateshead) or complete a Free Online Enquiry today.
“Very efficient, with a swift approach to all issues.”
Our Section 4 Public Order Act Services
We provide a full service to those facing allegations of committing a public order offence, including:
- Police station representation
- Advice and representation for an interview under caution
- Putting together evidence in your defence
- Advising you of the strength of your case and your options
- Court representation for public order offences
What Is A Section 4 Public Order Act Offence?
Section 4 of the Public Order Act makes it an offence to use threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour or to distribute or display to someone any writing, sign or similar which is threatening, abusive or insulting, with the intent to make that person believe that immediate violence will be used against them or to provoke them to violence.
The offence can be committed in public or in private, but not when both parties are in a dwelling.
Section 4A makes it an offence to intentionally cause harassment, alarm or distress.
Section 4 Public Order Act Defence
There are several points to be satisfied if the prosecution is to prove a Section 4 offence, including:
- The intention to cause someone to believe violence will be used against them
- The level of words, behaviour or writing must be considered threatening, abusive or insulting
- The individual must believe that unlawful violence will be used
- The threat of violence must be immediate and not at some point in the future
We can go through what happened with you and gather relevant evidence in support of your defence. For example, we may be able to obtain witness statements that will help your case or there may be CCTV footage available.
It may be the case that the action in question was intended to stop someone from acting in a certain way. This could mean that there is no intention to make them believe that there will be violence and that they have no reason to fear violence. Alternatively, we might be able to show that the actions were not sufficient to cause someone to fear violence.
“Excellent service nothing was a problem everything explained to enable us to fully understand the process.”
What Is The Sentence For Section 4 Public Order Act Offence?
The maximum sentence for a Section 4 public order offence is six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.
If your case goes to court, it will be heard by magistrates. They also have the option of imposing a community sentence.
Contact Our Section 4 Public Order Solicitors In Gateshead And Washington
If you have been arrested in connection with a Section 4 public order offence, you should contact a solicitor as soon as possible. Our criminal defence solicitors can put together a robust defence on your behalf and give you the advice and representation you need.
To speak to one of our expert Section 4 public order lawyers, call us on 0191 416 2182 (Washington) or 0191 495 2896 (Gateshead) or complete a Free Online Enquiry today.
“Can highly recommend John Donkin Solicitors. Excellent service and friendly people”
