Youth offending - before court

Getting a solicitor

It is always best that a solicitor speaks for you in Court. You will need to discuss this with your parent(s)/carer(s). The solicitor will tell the Court about you, put your side of the story to them and can also represent you in a trial. If you are guilty they will explain some of the reasons for your offending. When you go to see the solicitor, take along with you the Court summons or charge sheet relating to the offence that you were given by the police or received in the post.

Legal Aid

A number of solicitors' firms operate the Legal Aid Scheme. If you are on bail you should go straight to your solicitor or the Duty Solicitor (ask at the Court Usher) and get Legal Aid forms. The solicitor will answer any queries you or your parents/carers have about Legal Aid, which may be free of charge.

Most offences will be dealt with in the Youth Court, but for more serious offences you may be dealt with in the Crown Court.