Going to court
Do you have the right to have a lawyer when you go to court?
Do you have the right to have anyone else with you at court?
What will happen at your trial?
What will happen if you are found guilty of a crime?
For more detailed information, follow this link to purchase the Children’s Legal Centre’s detailed publication At the Police Station.
Do you have the right to have a lawyer when you go to court?
Yes, if you have been accused of a crime, you will be provided with a lawyer to defend you in court. If you don’t already know a lawyer, you will be given a lawyer who is on duty. You don’t need to worry about paying for a lawyer because this will be covered by legal aid.
Your solicitor is there to help you so listen carefully to the advice that they give to you and always be honest with them.
Do you have the right to have anyone else with you at court?
Yes, if you are under 16 you must take your parent/s or carer/s with you. You case might be delayed if they don’t come with you. Click here for further details.
What will happen at your trial?
If you are between 10-17 years old, your case will be heard at a youth court, unless the crime committed is very serious (cases that are very serious are heard at the Crown Court- this is also where adults have to go if they commit offences). The Youth Court is more relaxed than courts for adults, for example, the judges and lawyers won’t always wear wigs and gowns.
You will be asked to sit near the judges/magistrates and will be asked questions by both your lawyer and the lawyer for the other side. Stay calm and don’t rush to answer questions. The court may also ask victims and witnesses to answer questions.
What will happen if you are found guilty of a crime?
If you are found guilty of a crime you will be sentenced. A sentence tells you how long you will have to spend in a youth prison or doing community service. Sentences can vary from 4 months to 2 years if you are 10-17 years old. If the case is very serious and is heard in the Crown Court then the sentences can be much longer.
Sentences given by a Youth Court are often divided between a time in custody and a time in the community under the supervision of the Youth Offending Team.
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