Understand Your Situation
Affray is a serious public order charge used when violence erupts. We ensure your role is not exaggerated by the police.
Defending Affray Charges
Affray involves using or threatening unlawful violence that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety. It is often charged after bar fights or street brawls.
We scrutinise the CCTV. Who started it? We rely heavily on *Self-Defence*. If you were protecting yourself or another, your use of force was lawful. We also challenge the 'hypothetical bystander' test—if the violence wasn't severe enough to terrify a bystander, it is not Affray, but perhaps a lesser Section 4 offence.
Pub Fight?
Was it self-defence? We analyse the CCTV to prove it.
Plan Your Defence
Downgrading Charges
Police often overcharge Section 4 (Threatening Behaviour) as Affray.
We fight to downgrade the charge. Section 4 carries a maximum of 6 months; Affray carries 3 years. This distinction is vital for your record and liberty. We negotiate with the CPS to accept lesser pleas where appropriate.
Overcharged?
Affray is serious. We fight to reduce it to a minor public order offence.
Legal Aid Availability
For many criminal matters, from police station interviews to Crown Court trials, public funding (Legal Aid) may be available to cover your legal costs.
Eligibility is determined by the seriousness of the case and, in some instances, a means assessment. Our team will conduct an immediate, confidential assessment of your eligibility to ensure that financial constraints do not stand in the way of a robust defence.
