Criminal Law Experts
Our criminal lawyers handle a wide range of cases, which include affray matters, traffic offences, drink driving, drug-related charges, theft, fraud, assault, and even serious offences like murder.
24/7 Criminal Law Advice
Legal matters don’t always happen during business hours. Our team is available 24/7 to provide legal advice, with an initial consultation offered at no cost.
Top-Tier Team
With a former police officer and senior prosecutor leading our criminal law team, we have a deep understanding of court processes, allowing us to develop strong defence strategies suited to each case.
Extensive Experience
Our lawyers have extensive courtroom experience, so we handle most summary offences without the need for a barrister. This keeps costs reasonable while maintaining effective legal representation.
Here to Support You
Being charged with affray can put your reputation, livelihood, and freedom at risk, so getting legal advice is crucial to challenge the allegations or minimise the penalties. Our affray lawyers in Fairfield provide expert legal advice and representation, working to protect your rights and fight for the outcome that benefits you most.
How We Can Help You with Affray Charges
An affray charge isn’t just about the immediate legal battle. It can have lasting effects on your criminal record, employment prospects, and even travel opportunities. These cases often involve complex legal arguments about intent, self-defence, and the presence of bystanders, which is why legal advice is critical.
At Kells, our experienced affray lawyers in Fairfield provide clear legal advice and build a defence strategy that challenges the prosecution’s case. Our team, led by a former police officer and prosecutor, examines the evidence closely so we can dispute weak claims, identify legal defences, and secure the outcome that favours you the most.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is an Affray Charge?
Affray is a public order offence which applies when violent or threatening behaviour in a group setting causes a bystander to fear for their safety. Unlike other violent offences, affray does not require direct harm to a victim — only that an uninvolved third party perceives a genuine threat.
The offence exists to maintain public order and prevent dangerous situations from escalating. It involves three key parties: those engaged in the altercation, bystanders affected by the incident, and law enforcement responding to the situation.
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What Are the Penalties for Affray?
Affray carries significant legal consequences, including a maximum prison sentence of 10 years. If the case is dealt with in the Local Court, the highest penalty that can be imposed is two years' imprisonment. However, Magistrates must still consider the full 10-year maximum when determining an appropriate sentence.
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What Should You Do if Charged with Affray?
If you have been charged with affray, seek legal advice immediately. Contact Patrick Schmidt at 0410 593 059 for 24/7 confidential legal advice. He represents clients across Fairfield, and 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.
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