The Youth Court - The Criminal Justice System for children between 10 and 17 years old

Being prosecuted for a criminal offence can be an unpleasant ordeal for an adult. For a child or youth it can be a terrible experience. But it is not something that a child or young person should have to go through without someone fighting for them. The most important thing is to find a lawyer who is sensitive on the one hand, and on the other hand is a specialist youth court criminal solicitor.

This is a brief guide to help someone who wants to know something about the youth court. It is not a complete guide to absolutely everything that happens, but should give the any parents or carers of children an idea of what to expect in the youth court. If in doubt, we always recommend speaking to a criminal lawyer.

We have also written a free guide for children of around secondary school age or above, telling them how to prepare for a youth court appearance, and who they will see there. It is meant for older children, but we recommend that even parents and guardians look at it. Click here for this free young person's guide.

At Mary Monson Solicitors, our Criminal Solicitors have been representing children in the youth courts, magistrates court and crown court for over 30 years. If you or a family member have to go to the youth court, we are of course happy to advise if you call us on freephone 0808 155 4870. Please ask to speak to one of our Youth Court Solicitors in our London, Birmingham, or Manchester offices.

Young People and the Youth Court - Basic Rules

Children under the age of 10 are too young to be guilty of a criminal offence and so do have to appear in court even if they committed an act which for someone older would amount to a criminal offence.

If a youth from the age of 10 to 17 is charged or summoned for an offence, the case will usually be in the youth court, except in certain circumstances.

Youth justice is different from adult justice. The aim of the court is to prevent offending by young people, not punish them. The youth courts are supposed to consider the youth’s welfare when making decisions about him or her.

What is a Youth Court?

The youth court is a court for people under 18, and it is part of the magistrates court system. It is normally located at the local magistrates court. The youth court is often in a separate part of the building to make sure that children and young people are kept away from adults who may be appearing in the magistrates court.

Youth courts are normally less formal than adult courts. They are also private and there are strict rules as to who is allowed in.

When does a Youth not get to have their case in the Youth Court?

1) When a Youth is charged together with an adult

If a youth is charged together with an adult, the court will often want the youth and adult to be tried together if the proceedings make more sense that way. This may mean that the youth's case will be heard in the magistrates or crown court, depending on whether either he or the defendant choose to go to the crown court, or if the magistrates think the case is too serious for the magistrates.

If the youth is convicted in the adult court or pleads guilty, the adult court will usually send the youth’s case back to the youth court for sentence. If the adult pleads guilty or his case is discharged and the youth pleads not guilty then the youth's case may be sent back to the youth court for trial.

2) When a Youth is charged with Homicide (eg, murder, manslaughter etc.) or certain firearms offences

If any youth is charged with homicide they have to be dealt with in the crown court. If any 16 or 17 year old youth is charged with an offence covered by section 51A of the Firearms Act 1968 they will have to be sent to the crown court to be dealt with because their is a high minimum sentence if they are found guilty or plead guilty.

3) When the offence is a so-called 'Grave Crime'

Certain offences that a youth will face in the youth court may be what is commonly known as a grave crime. This means a serious crime. If the youth court believes that an offence is a grave crime then, even though the youth may not have been charged jointly with an adult, the case may still have to be sent to the crown court to be dealt with. If a case is sent to the crown court as a grave crime the judge at the crown court can sentence the youth outside the limits of the Youth Court sentencing rules. For an offence to be considered a grave crime it has to be either an offence that in the case of an adult carries a maximum sentence of imprisonment of 14 years or more, or is one of a number of sexual offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

The youth court in making a decision whether an offence is a grave crime will consider whether they have sufficient sentencing powers if the youth pleads guilty or is found guilty. So the test is whether there is a real possibility that a sentence of or in excess of two years is required if the youth is convicted.

4) In the case of a 'Dangerous Offender'

If it is possible that a youth could be judged a 'dangerous offender' then his case should be sent to the crown court. For this to happen the youth would have to have committed a 'specified offence' or a 'serious specified offence'. So-called 'specified offences' include many offences involving violence or danger such as Robbery, GBH or Threats to Kill among others. The court would also have to believe that there is a significant risk that the youth would commit further such offences. They would also have to be of the opinion that the sentence the youth would face if convicted would be two years actual time in custody.

Final Note

The complex system of criminal justice that affects youths who have to go to court can be an intimidating one. These rules are designed to protect youths in the courts, but can be quite confusing. We recommend having a specialist youth court criminal solicitor / defence lawyer to help with the process.

If your child or a family member is going through this, we are happy to discuss it with you over the phone on freephone 0808 155 4870 or in person at our London, Manchester, Salford or Birmingham offices. We're glad to be of help to anyone in this situation.