Young Offenders and Youth Crime

If your child is arrested or asked to attend a police station as a volunteer, they have the right to speak to an independent solicitor free of charge. We strongly recommend that you insist they receive such legal advice.

Usually, a parent or guardian also has to attend the police station to act as an appropriate adult. In some circumstances, volunteer appropriate adults may be asked to assist. The appropriate adult has the overriding right to request that legal advice is sought on behalf of the youth, even where they may have previously decided that they do not want a lawyer.

Our specialist lawyers are vastly experienced at dealing with youths, both at the police station and the Youth Courts.

There are a number of ways that matters which the police are investigating may be disposed of without your child having to go to court. The chances of securing one of these outcomes are significantly increased if your son or daughter is represented by a solicitor.

The Youth Court is really a branch of Magistrates court and normally sits in the same building as the adult court, although it might have a separate entrance so that youths and adult defendants do not have to mix. Youth court hearings are held in private with only the defendant, their parents or guardians and professionals present.

You should have a solicitor to advise, assist and represent you in respect of any offence that your child is charged with. Being convicted of any offence as a youth may have serious consequences for the future or your child in terms of their current education, university aspirations and career choices, even travel abroad. It is important therefore to obtain legal advice.

If you or a family member has been arrested or are being investigated for an alleged offence, you can get in touch with our Youth Crime solicitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week for assistance. Either call us on 020 3325 7415 or complete our online form and we’ll get right back to you.