Y outh Court Representation

A Youth Court is less formal than an adult Magistrates Court or a Crown Court. Members of public are not allowed into the Court room. Young people aged between 10 and 17 years old if charged or summoned for an offence will appear before the Youth Court. 

If you are charged with a crime and have to go to Court, your parents or guardian will also have to attend Court with you. At Court there will be someone from the local Youth Offending Service / Team. 

When the case is called on before the Magistrates or a Judge the charge will be read out and a plea (guilty or not guilty) is recorded by the Court. There is no Jury in a Youth Court. 

If a young person is convicted or pleads guilty to an offence the Youth Court will consider the nature of the crime committed and the level of severity and will also read a report prepared by the Youth Offending Service / Team. 

In the Youth Court the Magistrates or Judge will have regard to the age of the youth, whether remorse has been shown for actions, whether it is the first offence, any relevant health concerns or issues, any other circumstances affecting or influencing their behaviour and other factors. 

The type of sentence which the Youth Court can hand down can include but not limited to the following: 

• Discharge: where a young person is released from Court with no further punishment but they will have a criminal record 
• Fine: if the Court deems this necessary, and the young person is under 16 years of age it will be parent or guardian who will have to pay it 
• Referral Order: these are Orders made by the Court which are designed to give the Youth an opportunity to make amends and change their behaviour for the future 

• Youth Rehabilitation Order: a community sentence which is enforced with a Court Order and can be imposed for up to 3 years, and usually imposes conditions for example drug testing, unpaid work and supervision. 
• Custodial Sentence: these include Detention and Training Order which subject the Youth to a period of detention in a secure training centre, usually followed by a period of supervision. 

If you, a relative or friend, is due to appear at Court, or are under investigation and require assistance at any stage of proceedings, contact us as soon as possible.