What is an Affray Charge?

Affray is a criminal offence that arises when someone uses or threatens violence in a way that causes others nearby to feel alarmed or unsafe. Unlike assault, this charge does not require physical contact. The focus is on how a reasonable person observing the situation would interpret the conduct. This offence is designed to protect public peace and deter group violence from escalating. Typically, affray cases involve the individuals involved in the incident, any witnesses affected by the behaviour, and police who respond to restore order.

What Are the Penalties for Affray?

The consequences for affray can be severe. If the case proceeds to a higher court, the maximum sentence is up to 10 years in prison. In the Local Court, the highest penalty is capped at two years. However, sentencing still takes into account the seriousness of the charge and any aggravating factors involved. Penalties may also include fines, community-based orders, or good behaviour bonds depending on the circumstances of the offence and your prior record.

What Should You Do if Charged with Affray?

Affray charges carry long-term consequences, including a criminal record that may impact employment, travel, or professional licensing. Acting quickly can make a significant difference in how the matter is resolved. If you are facing this charge, contact Patrick Schmidt on 0410 593 059 at any time. He offers confidential, around-the-clock advice and representation across Shellharbour. Your first consultation is free.

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Affray

AFFRAY LAWYERS SHELLHARBOUR

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Criminal Law Specialists

We handle a wide range of criminal matters, including traffic offences, drug-related charges, drink driving, theft, assault, fraud, and serious indictable crimes such as homicide.

24/7 Criminal Law Advice

We provide criminal law advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week across Shellharbour. You can speak with our team any time you need urgent assistance. The initial consultation is offered at no cost.

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Our team is led by a former police officer and senior police prosecutor. With deep insight into police procedures and court operations, we approach each case with a well-informed legal strategy.

Extensive Experience

We have appeared in countless criminal proceedings and handle most summary matters directly, without needing to engage external counsel. This allows us to deliver strong courtroom representation while reducing additional legal expenses.

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A single confrontation can quickly turn into a criminal matter. Being charged with affray places your reputation, job prospects, and future at risk. Early legal advice and decisive action are critical to protecting your rights.

Our affray lawyers assist clients in Shellharbour who are facing these serious allegations. Whether disputing the charge entirely or working to reduce the consequences, we focus on building a strong defence aimed at achieving the best available result.

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How We Can Help You with Affray Charges

Affray is more than a court appearance. A conviction can leave you with a permanent record, affect employment opportunities, and prevent overseas travel. These matters often depend on complex legal arguments, such as whether your actions could reasonably have caused fear in others, whether self-defence applies, or if the evidence has been misinterpreted.

Our team reviews the facts with precision, identifies weak points in the prosecution’s case, and prepares clear legal strategies to contest the charges. With oversight from a former police prosecutor, we bring valuable insight into how these matters are investigated and prosecuted, giving you an advantage in both preparation and defence.

Whether your case involves a misunderstanding or a heated situation that got out of hand, we work with you to resolve the matter with a clear legal plan based on your rights and best interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Affray Charge?

Affray is a criminal offence that arises when someone uses or threatens violence in a way that causes others nearby to feel alarmed or unsafe. Unlike assault, this charge does not require physical contact. The focus is on how a reasonable person observing the situation would interpret the conduct.

This offence is designed to protect public peace and deter group violence from escalating. Typically, affray cases involve the individuals involved in the incident, any witnesses affected by the behaviour, and police who respond to restore order.
What Are the Penalties for Affray?

The consequences for affray can be severe. If the case proceeds to a higher court, the maximum sentence is up to 10 years in prison. In the Local Court, the highest penalty is capped at two years. However, sentencing still takes into account the seriousness of the charge and any aggravating factors involved.

Penalties may also include fines, community-based orders, or good behaviour bonds depending on the circumstances of the offence and your prior record.
What Should You Do if Charged with Affray?

Affray charges carry long-term consequences, including a criminal record that may impact employment, travel, or professional licensing. Acting quickly can make a significant difference in how the matter is resolved.

If you are facing this charge, contact Patrick Schmidt on 0410 593 059 at any time. He offers confidential, around-the-clock advice and representation across Shellharbour. Your first consultation is free.

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If you would like to discuss your affray matter with our criminal law team, please get in touch. We are available 24/7 to help you and offer a free initial consultation.

Call 0410 593 059

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