Court Defence
Representation for criminal court hearings, trials, sentencing, and appeal proceedings.
CRIME
Youth Court
SPECIALIST CRIME SERVICES
Representing young people in court
We are expert youth court solicitors, here to represent young people facing criminal charges with specialist legal advice, clear guidance, and free representation in many cases.
Our crime team represents young people aged 10 to 17 in youth court proceedings, from police station advice through to sentencing. Legal advice at the police station is always free, and legal aid covers representation in most cases.
Police station advice
Free legal advice and attendance at police interviews for young people, available day or night.
Youth court representation
Experienced solicitors attending all youth court hearings from first appearance through to verdict and sentencing.
Parent and carer guidance
Explaining the process clearly to parents and carers and advising on their role throughout proceedings.
Legal aid available
Legal aid covers youth court representation costs in most cases, with funding explained from the outset.
Sentencing and outcomes
Presenting your background and personal circumstances to the court to secure the best possible outcome.
YOUTH COURT PROCEEDINGS
How the youth court works
The youth court is part of the magistrates’ court but operates differently. Hearings are held in private, young people are called by their first name, and the room is smaller and less formal. Magistrates are trained to work with young people.
Most cases are dealt with entirely in the youth court. Very serious cases may be sent to the Crown Court, but special rules for young people still apply throughout.
Police station representation
Free legal advice and attendance at police interviews for young people. We ensure all proper procedures are followed and that your rights are protected throughout.
Youth court representation
Experienced solicitors representing young people at all youth court hearings from first appearances through to trials and sentencing, with clear explanations at every stage of proceedings.
Sentencing and outcomes
The youth court has its own sentencing framework specifically designed for under-18s. We present your background and circumstances to secure the most appropriate outcome possible.
OUR SERVICES
Related Services
Youth court cases often involve advice at the police station and ongoing court representation. Our crime team is here to help at every stage.
Fraud Defence
Advice and defence representation for fraud investigations, allegations, and proceedings.
Police Interviews
Immediate legal advice before and during police interviews under caution.
Regulatory Defence
Defence support for regulatory investigations, enforcement action, and professional allegations.
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OUR CREDENTIALS
Expert youth court solicitors
Fosters Solicitors is ranked Top Tier for General Crime by Legal 500 UK, with Damien Moore and Chris Brown recognised as Leading Partners. Our crime team has long-established experience representing young people in youth court proceedings, with free police station advice available around the clock.
Free police station advice
Legal advice and representation at police interviews for young people is always free, whatever your circumstances.
Experienced youth specialists
A long-established team with extensive experience representing young people at every stage of youth court proceedings.
Legal aid available
Legal Aid covers youth court representation costs in most cases, keeping legal fees manageable for families.
FAQs
Youth Court FAQs
The youth court is a specialist magistrates’ court that deals with criminal cases involving young people aged 10 to 17. Hearings are held in private, young people are addressed by their first name, and the room is smaller and less formal than adult courts. Magistrates are trained specifically to work with young people.
Most cases are dealt with entirely in the youth court. Very serious cases can be sent to the Crown Court, but special rules for young defendants continue to apply.
In most cases, yes. Parents and carers are expected to attend youth court hearings. For children under 16, attendance is mandatory. For young people aged 16 or 17, the court may still require a parent or carer to be present.
When a young person is interviewed by the police, an appropriate adult must be present. This is usually a parent or carer, though it can also be a trained volunteer in some circumstances.
The appropriate adult helps the young person understand what is happening and ensures the interview is conducted fairly. They do not provide legal advice – that is the role of the solicitor. It’s important that both roles are fulfilled separately.
This depends on how the case is resolved. Some outcomes, including certain out-of-court disposals such as warnings, do not result in a formal conviction. Others do. The implications also vary depending on the offence and how it is dealt with.
We explain the likely consequences clearly once we know the details of the case, so families can make fully informed decisions at every stage.
Custody is used as a last resort for under-18s. The youth court has its own sentencing framework, with detention reserved for serious cases where no other outcome is appropriate.
Young people in the youth court are usually protected by automatic reporting restrictions. This means their identity cannot normally be published in the press or on social media. In rare cases a court may lift restrictions, but this is unusual.
Some youth court cases can be resolved without court proceedings, such as through warnings or other out‑of‑court outcomes. Whether this is possible depends on the nature of the allegation and the circumstances.
Our experienced youth court solicitors can advise on whether these options may be available.
Meet our crime team
Our team of crime solicitors is comprised of compassionate and skilled legal professionals dedicated to supporting you through the most sensitive and personal legal matters.
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