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Public Order Offences

Public Order Offences

Charged After a Night Out?

The WA Police Force takes a “zero-tolerance” approach to antisocial or disorderly behaviour — particularly in entertainment precincts such as Northbridge, Fremantle, and Scarborough.
Unfortunately, this means that a Saturday night out can sometimes end with an arrest, and not always fairly.

At Perrella Legal, we have extensive experience representing people charged with public order and police-related offences. Whether you believe you were wrongly accused, acted in self-defence, or simply want to resolve the matter with minimal impact, our team can help.

Common Public Order Offences

We regularly defend clients charged with offences such as:

  • Disorderly behaviour in a public place;
  • Failing to obey a police order or “move-on notice”;
  • Refusing to provide personal details to police;
  • Obstructing a public officer;
  • Assaulting a public officer; and
  • Liquor Control Act offences (including consuming or supplying alcohol in restricted areas).

Penalties and Consequences

While many public order matters can be finalised with a fine or community-based order, several offences carry imprisonment as a sentencing option — particularly those involving violence, obstruction, or assault on police.

Beyond the immediate penalty, a criminal conviction for a public order offence can have lasting effects on your:

  • Employment prospects, especially in security, hospitality, and liquor-licensed venues;
  • Working With Children Check or Police Clearance; and
  • Travel or visa applications.

It’s therefore important to seek legal advice early, even for what might appear to be a “minor” charge.

How Perrella Legal Can Help

Our experienced criminal defence lawyers can:

  • Assess whether your alleged conduct meets the legal definition of the offence;
  • Advise on available defences, including self-defence, mistake, or reasonable excuse;
  • Identify any evidentiary weaknesses in the prosecution’s case; and
  • Negotiate with prosecutors to withdraw, reduce, or amend charges if appropriate.

Even if you wish to accept responsibility for your actions, we can help ensure the charges accurately reflect what occurred and that you receive the fairest and most lenient outcome possible.

Contact Perrella Legal today for confidential advice from an experienced public order lawyer in Perth. We’ll guide you through the process with professionalism, discretion, and practical experience — helping you put the incident behind you and move forward.

Recent Cases

Frequently Asked Questions

A move-on notice (also known as a move-on order) is a direction from police requiring you to leave a public place — often issued in entertainment districts like Northbridge or Fremantle. It’s designed to prevent disorderly or antisocial behaviour.
If you fail to comply, you can be charged under the Criminal Investigation Act 2006 (WA). Penalties can include fines or imprisonment, particularly if you were intoxicated, argumentative, or returned before the notice expired.

Yes — but not always. Swearing or being verbally abusive on its own isn’t necessarily a criminal offence. However, if your conduct is disorderly, offensive, or likely to cause fear or public disturbance, police may charge you with disorderly behaviour under the Criminal Code (WA).
This charge is frequently laid after alcohol-related incidents in public or licensed premises.

“Obstructing a public officer” includes interfering with, hindering, or resisting a police officer (or another authorised person) performing lawful duties.
Examples include refusing to comply with directions, physically resisting arrest, or obstructing an investigation. Depending on the conduct, this can carry significant penalties, including imprisonment.

If you used reasonable force to protect yourself or another person from unlawful aggression or excessive force, you may have a defence under the Criminal Code (WA).
Whether self-defence applies depends on the proportionality of your response and the circumstances leading up to the incident. Our lawyers can assess your situation and determine if self-defence or a reasonable excuse is available.

Yes. Most public order offences are criminal offences, and a conviction will appear on your criminal record unless the court grants a Spent Conviction Order (SCO).
Even a minor conviction can affect your employment, security licences, and police clearances — particularly in hospitality, transport, or defence industries.

Yes. Under the Criminal Investigation Act 2006 (WA), you must provide your name, address, and date of birth when lawfully requested by police. Refusing or providing false details can result in fines or arrest for obstruction.

Yes. Many public order charges rely on subjective police interpretation of behaviour.
Our lawyers can:

  • Challenge whether your conduct met the legal definition of the offence;
  • Identify procedural errors or insufficient evidence; and
  • Negotiate with prosecutors to have charges withdrawn or reduced.

Even if you accept responsibility, we can help you achieve the fairest and most lenient outcome possible.

Our experienced criminal defence team can:

  • Assess the strength of the case and your available defences;
  • Negotiate directly with police or prosecutors;
  • Represent you in court and argue for the most favourable result; and
  • Seek a spent conviction where appropriate to protect your record.

We act with discretion, compassion, and practical experience — helping you resolve the matter and move forward.

Contact Perrella Legal today for confidential advice from an experienced public order lawyer in Perth.

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