Move on Direction
Getting told by police to “move on” can feel sudden, confusing, and downright annoying. Yet a Move On Direction is a real legal power under the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 (LEPRA). Misunderstand it and you risk a fine—or worse, a criminal record. Understand it and you keep your record, your wallet, and your plans intact.
Whether you’re dealing with a Move On Direction, we have the legal support you need to protect your rights.
What exactly is a Move On Direction?
A Move On Direction is when police tell you to leave a public place and not return for a set time—usually up to six hours. This happens if they reasonably believe you’re causing trouble, like blocking others, being threatening, involved in drug activity, or behaving badly while drunk.
For example, yelling outside a pub and blocking the doorway might get you moved on to stop disruption or risk.
What rules must police follow?
Police can’t give these directions without reason. They must explain why they’re moving you on and warn you that not following it is an offence.
They also need to identify themselves if asked. If you’re part of a peaceful protest, they usually can’t issue a move on unless there’s a safety or order issue.
What should you do if directed?
If you’re told to move on, you must leave straight away and stay out for the set time. Even if you think it’s unfair, it’s smarter to comply and deal with it later through a lawyer.
Take note of what the officer says. If they didn’t follow proper steps, it could help your case. Ignoring the direction can mean a $220 fine—or worse, a criminal charge with much bigger penalties.
Can a Move On Direction be challenged?
Yes. A direction can be challenged if the officer didn’t have valid reasons or failed to follow the correct process.
You might also have a lawful excuse—like needing to go home or care for someone nearby. If the direction was vague or the officer didn’t identify themselves, it could be invalid.
Why this matters more than you might think
A move on direction might seem minor, but ignoring it can lead to a criminal record. That can affect job offers, rental checks, or even travel visas. It can also impact your reputation and cause stress in everyday life.
A $220 fine is just the start—having a record makes future police contact more serious and can lead to harsher penalties down the track.
CIA Lawyers can help you challenge a move on direction
At CIA Lawyers, our criminal defence team handles these cases regularly. We know how to examine the fine print, challenge unlawful police actions, and protect your record. We can review body‑worn footage, question the officer’s reasoning, and negotiate with police to have charges withdrawn or downgraded.
If it goes to court, we’ll represent you and argue for a non‑conviction outcome wherever possible—so your future stays clean and clear.
Whether it’s your first encounter with the law or you’re facing repeat issues, we’ll treat your case seriously and give you practical advice you can trust. If you’ve been issued a Move On Direction and think it was unfair or wrong, contact us. We’re here to help.
FAQs
Q: Can police issue a Move On Direction just because I’m standing around?
A: No. They need reasonable grounds to believe you’re obstructing others, intimidating someone, involved in drug activity, or being intoxicated and disorderly. Simply standing in public or waiting for someone is not enough.
Q: What if I need to enter the area I was banned from—to go home or to work?
A: Tell the officer immediately. Police can make exceptions, especially if you have a genuine reason to be in that area. It’s better to raise this at the time than risk breaching the direction later.
Q: Will the move on direction go on my criminal record?
A: No, the direction itself won’t appear on your record. But if you fail to comply and get charged, a conviction for that offence can go on your criminal history—and that’s what we help you avoid.
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