Youth Crime Solicitors and Youth Court Representation

If your child or a young person you care about has been accused of a criminal offence, it's vital to get the right legal support as early as possible. The Youth Court system in the UK is designed to handle cases involving young people aged 10 to 17, and it operates differently from adult courts.

At Moeen & Co. Solicitors, we specialise in Youth Court representation, providing expert legal advice and support for young people facing criminal charges.

If your child is facing criminal charges, contact our youth crime solicitors at 0203 959 7755 for Youth Court representation and expert legal guidance.

Table of Contents

What Is a Youth Court?

A Youth Court is a special type of magistrates' court that deals specifically with young defendants aged between 10 and 17. Unlike adult courts, youth courts:

• Are closed to the public for privacy
• Do not have a jury
• Are typically overseen by either three specially trained magistrates or one district judge
• Use the young person's first name throughout the proceedings

If the child is under 16, a parent or guardian must attend. For those aged 16 or 17, attendance by a parent or guardian is strongly recommended and can be ordered by the court.

The Youth Offending Team (YOT) is also usually involved to support the child and their family throughout the process.

Who Can Represent a Child at the Youth Court?

A young person is entitled to be represented by a criminal defence solicitor. Having a solicitor with experience in youth cases ensures your child's rights are protected and that they are given the best chance of a fair outcome.

Do You Need a Solicitor at the Youth Court?

Yes, absolutely. Having professional legal representation at the Youth Court is essential. A conviction can seriously impact a young person's future, including education and job opportunities.

Our youth criminal defence solicitors have experience dealing with a wide range of youth cases and can guide your family through what can be a stressful and confusing process.

What Types of Cases Are Heard in the Youth Court?

The Youth Court addresses a wide range of criminal offences committed by young people aged 10 to 17. These cases can vary from minor offences to very serious crimes, and the court is specifically designed to manage them while considering the age and maturity of the young person.

Some of the most common types of cases heard in the Youth Court include:

• Theft and burglary: such as shoplifting, stealing personal belongings, or breaking into homes or cars
• Drug offences: including possession of illegal substances or intent to supply
• Anti-social behaviour: such as vandalism, harassment, or disorderly conduct
• Assault and violent offences: ranging from pushing and shoving to more serious physical attacks
• Sexual offences: including rape or sexual assault
• Motoring offences: like driving without a licence, dangerous driving, or vehicle theft
• Murder or attempted murder: while extremely serious, these cases usually start in the Youth Court before being transferred to the Crown Court for trial or sentencing

Each case is treated seriously, even if it's the young person's first time in court. The Youth Court's main aim is to address the behaviour and help prevent reoffending, but depending on the nature of the crime, sentences can be strict and long-lasting.

If your child is facing any of these charges, it's important to get expert legal advice as early as possible. At Moeen & Co. Solicitors, our Youth Court defence solicitors are here to protect your child's future and provide guidance every step of the way. Call us now on 0203 959 7755 or contact us online for a free consultation.

What Happens During Youth Court Proceedings?

If your child has been asked to attend the Youth Court, it's natural to feel anxious and unsure about what to expect. The court process can be confusing, especially if it's your first time dealing with the legal system. That's why having the right legal support is so important.

At Moeen & Co. Solicitors, we help families navigate every step of the Youth Court process, making sure young people understand what's happening and feel supported throughout.

Here's a simple breakdown of what usually happens during Youth Court proceedings:

1. Going to Court

If a young person is charged with a criminal offence, they'll receive a court date and be required to attend a Youth Court hearing. A parent or guardian must come with them if they're under 16, and it's strongly recommended for those aged 16 or 17.

The hearing will take place in a closed courtroom, meaning members of the public aren't allowed in, to protect the privacy of the young person.

2. First Hearing: Pleading Guilty or Not Guilty

At the first court appearance, the young person will be asked to enter a plea:

• If they plead guilty, the court will either sentence them straight away or adjourn (delay) the case to gather reports from the Youth Offending Team (YOT) before deciding on an appropriate sentence.
• If they plead not guilty, the case will be adjourned for a trial at a later date.

3. Trial (If Pleading Not Guilty)

At trial, the court will hear evidence from both sides and decide whether the young person is guilty or not guilty. If the court finds them not guilty, the case will be dismissed and the young person will be acquitted.

If the court finds them guilty, they will move on to the sentencing stage.

4. Sentencing

Sentencing depends on the seriousness of the offence, the young person's age, and whether it's a first-time offence. The Youth Court can impose a variety of sentences, from referral orders and rehabilitation programmes to more serious penalties like detention and training orders.

In very serious cases, such as rape or murder, the Youth Court may refer the case to the Crown Court for sentencing, as it has greater powers to impose longer custodial sentences.

5. Appeals

If you believe the court's decision was unfair, your child has the right to appeal the conviction or sentence to the Crown Court. We can help you with this process and ensure your appeal is handled professionally.

The court can be overwhelming for both the young person and their family. Our specialist Youth Court solicitors are here to explain the process in plain English, offer expert legal advice, and fight to protect your child's future.

Call Moeen & Co. Solicitors today on 0203 959 7755 or contact us online to speak with one of our experienced criminal defence solicitors.

What Sentences Can the Youth Court Give?

If your child is found guilty at the Youth Court, the judge or magistrates will decide on a sentence that's appropriate for their age, the seriousness of the offence, and whether it's a first-time or repeat offence. While the court takes the offence seriously, the focus is also on helping young people make better choices in the future.

The Youth Court has a wide range of sentencing options, depending on the seriousness of the offence:

1. Discharges (No Punishment)
2. Referral Orders
3. Youth Rehabilitation Orders (YROs)
4. Conditional Cautions
5. Detention and Training Orders (DTOs)
6. Reprimands, Warnings & Fines

1. Discharges (No Punishment)

These are usually given for very minor offences.

• Absolute discharge: No further action is taken.
• Conditional discharge: No punishment, as long as no other offence is committed within a set time (typically 6–12 months).

2. Referral Orders

For first-time offenders who plead guilty, the court may give a referral order. This involves working with a Youth Offender Panel to create a plan that addresses the behaviour and helps prevent reoffending. Referral orders usually last between 3 to 12 months.

3. Youth Rehabilitation Orders (YROs)

Youth Rehabilitation Orders (YROs) are more serious and may include several conditions, such as:

• Curfews and electronic monitoring
• Attending educational programmes
• Drug or alcohol treatment
• Regular meetings with a youth offending officer
• Staying away from certain people or places

A YRO can last for up to 3 years and is designed to support rehabilitation and reduce reoffending.

4. Conditional Cautions

A young person may be given a conditional caution instead of going to trial, but they must stick to certain conditions (like attending a programme or writing a letter of apology). If they fail to comply, they may be taken back to court.

5. Detention and Training Orders (DTOs)

This is a custodial sentence for serious offences. It involves time in a secure youth facility followed by supervision in the community. DTOs can last from 4 to 24 months, with half the sentence served in custody and the other half under supervision.

6. Reprimands, Warnings & Fines

Reprimands and final warnings (no longer issued after 2013 in England but still relevant for historic cases). Fines are rare and based on the young person's ability to pay, often passed on to parents if under 16.

What If My Child Has Been Convicted of a Serious Crime?

If a young person is convicted of a very serious offence such as rape or murder, their case will be transferred to the Crown Court for sentencing. The Crown Court can impose much harsher penalties, including up to 14 years imprisonment.

It's especially important in these situations to have a solicitor who is experienced in both Youth Court and Crown Court procedures.

Can a Young Person Appeal a Youth Court Decision?

Yes. A young person can appeal a Youth Court conviction or sentence to the Crown Court. We can help prepare and submit the appeal, ensuring the young person has strong legal representation throughout the process.

Contact Our Youth Crime Solicitors

Youth Court sentencing can be complex, but you don't have to face it alone. At Moeen & Co. Solicitors, our experienced Youth Crime Solicitors are here to support young people and their families at every stage of the court process.

Don't delay if your child or a young person you know is facing criminal charges. Contact Moeen & Co. Solicitors at 0203 959 7755 for immediate legal advice.