Old Bailey Solicitors

Affray Solicitors in Horley

Specialist Affray Solicitors in Horley

If you are facing a charge of affray in Horley or the surrounding Surrey/South-East region, you need a local criminal defence team who understand the nuances of your case and the local court processes. At Old Bailey Solicitors our affray solicitors in Horley combine national criminal defence expertise with dedicated local service to help secure the best possible outcome.

For timely, specialist advice from affray solicitors in Brighton, please call us on 01293 220768.

We have experience of defending criminal allegations in the following offences:

What is Affray?

Affray is a public order offence under Section 3 of the Public Order Act 1986. It occurs when someone uses or threatens unlawful violence in a way that would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for their safety.

It is an either-way offence – meaning it can be dealt with in the Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court depending on the severity. Typically, penalties can include imprisonment (up to 3 years), a fine or a community sentence.

Affray vs Other Public Order Offences

Affray is distinct from other public order offences such as:

Common Assault or Battery, which involve lower-level violence
Violent Disorder, which requires three or more people using or threatening violence together
Threatening Behaviour or Section 4/5 Public Order Act offences, which involve verbal threats or disorderly conduct

Understanding these differences can make a major difference to the strategy and eventual outcome of your case.

Bespoke advice, when you need it the most

Our team of Affray Solicitors in Horley achieve the best possible results for our clients.

Common Defences to Affray

Our Horley-based affray lawyers will explore every relevant line of defence:

Acting in self-defence or defence of another person.
Lack of intent or lack of fear – did the conduct genuinely meet the test of “a person of reasonable firmness”?
Mistaken identity in a busy or poorly lit environment.
Duress or coercion — you were threatened or forced into the situation.

Sentencing & What to Expect

Sentencing for affray depends on the facts: use of weapons, the degree of violence, risk to the public, prior convictions. In Horley and the surrounding jurisdictions the court will look closely at whether the behaviour caused fear and disorder, and will treat public-order offences seriously given the commuter and transport-link context. Our team works proactively to reduce the chances of custody, manage bail conditions and mitigate long-term consequences.

Local Context: Horley & Surrounding Areas

Horley lies in Surrey, just north of the West Sussex border and within easy reach of Crawley, Gatwick Airport and London. Affray charges in this region often stem from nightlife hotspots, transport hubs (such as near Gatwick) or commuter zones. Given this local context, our solicitors are familiar with the policing patterns, court listings (including local Magistrates’ Courts) and how evidence (CCTV, rail/airport records, witness-statements) is handled in the Horley area.

How Our Affray Solicitors in Horley Can Help

When you instruct our local team, you benefit from:

24-hour police station attendance across Surrey/South-East including Horley and Gatwick-adjacent areas.
A specialist review of evidence: CCTV, mobile phone footage, witness statements, transport/airport logs.
Assessing whether an affray charge is appropriate given the circumstances and whether a lesser offence might apply.
Advising on potential defences such as self-defence, mistaken identity or duress.
Preparing strong mitigation to manage reputational impact and sentencing risk.
Representation at local courts, including Horley-vicinity listings, and liaising with the CPS on your behalf.

“Just wanted to say a massive thank you to you and Yvette today for keeping my son out of prison. I really appreciate your time and professional support in his case. It has really shaken my son up and I really hope we can now move forward to support and help him to get better and stay out of trouble. Sometimes things like this need to happen for them to realise they do have to change there ways. But again thank you to you and Yvette.”

Client 2025

Contact our Affray Solicitors in Horley

If you or someone you know has been arrested, charged or invited to attend a police interview concerning an affray offence in Horley, act quickly. Early advice matters.
Call our Horley-compatible service line now for urgent representation or make an online enquiry today.
Our experienced affray solicitors in Horley will listen, advise, and act on your behalf with discretion and skill.

Contact details

3 Hereford House

Massetts Road

Horley RH6 7PR

Phone: 01293 220 768
DX: 200400, Horley
Email: [email protected]

How to find us

Arriving by train

We are a five-minute walk away from Horley Station, which is just on the edge of the centre of Horley.

Arriving by bus

Our office on Massetts Road is a short walk away from a number of bus stops served by the numbers 20, 22, 26, 100, 324, 422, 424, 524 and 624.

Arriving by car

There are a number of car parks located near our office, including Victoria Rd Car Park and Horley Central Car Park.

Accessibility

We strive to make our offices as accessible as possible, so if you have specific requirements, please don’t hesitate to get in touch so we can make arrangements to accommodate you.