Public Order Offences – Staunton Caulfield & Co.

Image of the back of two Gardai in uniform.

Public Order offences in Ireland are legislated for under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994, as amended.

While some public order charges attract penalties at the lower end of the criminal law sentencing spectrum, they can still have serious consequences for individuals who may be left with a criminal record and visa/ travel restrictions. You may be charged with a public order offence in the District Court, and sometimes in more serious cases, it may be sent forward to the Circuit Court. In more serious cases, high fines and a custodial sentence may be imposed by a Court if you are convicted.

If you are charged or summonsed for an offence under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994, it is vital you seek legal advice at the earliest opportunity.

Common public order offences include:

Section 4 – Intoxication in a public place
Section 6 – Threatening, abusive, insulting behaviour in a public place
Section 8 – Failure to comply with a direction of a member of An Garda Siochana
Section 9 – Wilful obstruction
Section 5 – Disorderly conduct in public places
Section 11 – Trespass on a building
Section 12- Affray
Section 13 – Violent disorder
Section 14 – Blackmail, extortion and demanding money with menaces

How we can help:

Review evidence and provide advice about your case;
Advise on legal aid and apply on your behalf
Represent you in court – whether by entering a plea of guilty on your behalf or defending you at a hearing if you decide to plead not guilty;
In the event of a guilty plea or a conviction, advice on relevant mitigating conditions or circumstances to get you a better result;
Assist you with an appeal if needed;
Instruct a barrister to assist with your case as necessary.