A lawyer can help you to understand your rights if the police have issued you with an on-the-spot fine, given you a move on direction or if they have charged you with a public order offence. They can help you by:

• providing you with legal advice and representation;
• speaking on your behalf;
• negotiating with police;
• representing you in court; or
• making sure the court hears your side of the story.

They can also advise you about police powers in your jurisdiction and whether the police acted within the law. A lawyer can give you advice if you believe the police have done something they should not have done or have acted outside the law. They can advise you about your legal position including whether:

• you have a legal defence to the charge;
• you can make a complaint about the police involved; or
• you can make a claim for compensation for any pain and suffering you have experienced.

A lawyer from your jurisdiction is the best person to provide you with legal advice about how the law applies to your situation.