Youth Court Representation

If the decision is taken by the Police and CPS to prosecute a young person (10-17 years old) it is usual for hearings to take place at the youth court.  If the offence is very serious the case will start in the youth court and then be transferred to the Crown Court.  Youth Courts are often located within Magistrates’ Courts Buildings but are separate court rooms with separate waiting areas. 

The procedures and layout in the youth court are different from those in the adult Magistrates’ Court.  The environment is less intimidating for the young person.  The court strives to set out the actual court room on one level (in the style of a class room).  The young person is also encouraged to have an appropriate adult with them.  If the young person is under 16 this should be a parent / guardian. The Youth Court does not have a public gallery, meaning only people directly connected to the case can hear the proceedings. In addition there are certain press reporting restrictions. 

More importantly, the youth court has separate powers of punishment to the Magistrates’ Court.  The Judge / Magistrates’ work closely with the Youth Offending Team to try and rehabilitate young people who find themselves involved in the criminal justice system rather than to merely punish (which  is often the focus of the adult court). 

Youth sentences were radically changed on the 30th November 2009, and the government provided guidance for the first time on the sentencing of young people.  We have specially qualified barristers and solicitors who have been fully trained in youth court procedure and the new sentences available. 
Their expertise include;

• Advising on the charges.
• Advising on the evidence in the case and what plea should be entered.
• Negotiating on your behalf with the CPS to see what scope there is to have the case against you dropped or lowered in its severity.
• Advising on the possible sentences should you be convicted.
• In court representation in front of the Judge or Magistrates at pre trial hearings
• In court representation at trials. Youth court trials can range from simple offences through to multi handed violence or sexual offences.  We have barristers and solicitors on hand who specialise in certain offences and can provide expert assistance in these areas. 
• Advise you of appeals should be dissatisfied with the decisions taken by the Judge or  Magistrates’ in respect of either legal arguments, convictions or sentences.

Our youth court team understand that people are often appearing at court for the first time and how intimidating and unfamiliar this can be.  Our team can be contacted in advance of any hearings to discuss the case with you or your family and answer any questions you may have. 

Furthermore, the experience of our youth team has outlined the need to discuss cases with young people in real terms and language that is easily digestible and makes sense.
For 'grave crimes' (really serious matters) involving youths, the case will be transferred to the Crown Court. Our team are able to conduct legal arguments in relation to this transfer and support you and your family with the additional stresses that Crown Court cases naturally attract.

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