Youth Court

A youth court is a specialist magistrates’ court for most children and young people aged 10 to 17 who are accused of an offence. It should explain the process in a way that helps the child take part and understand what is happening.

This guide explains what usually happens at a youth court hearing and where to get help. It is general information, not legal advice. The court process depends on the allegation, the child’s age and circumstances, and the decisions the court makes.

If you have a youth court hearing

What is a youth court?

A youth court normally has three magistrates or one District Judge. There is no jury.

Most cases involving children aged 10 to 17 are dealt with in the youth court. Some serious cases can be sent to the Crown Court. If this may happen, your lawyer should explain why, what will change and what privacy protections may still apply.

If you turn 18 while your case is continuing, the court will decide which court should deal with the rest of the case.

For more information, see GOV.UK: youth courts.

Getting a lawyer

Get legal advice as soon as you can. You can ask for the court duty solicitor or choose your own criminal defence solicitor.

Legal aid for a lawyer is automatic if you are under 16, or if you are under 18 and in full time education. Other children and young people may still qualify depending on their case and financial circumstances.

If your hearing is today and you do not have a lawyer, tell court staff that you need to speak to the duty solicitor. Find out more at GOV.UK: legal aid if you have been arrested or charged.

Who can come with you?

If you are under 16, the court will normally require a parent or guardian to attend unless it would be unreasonable in the circumstances. The court may also require a parent or guardian to attend if you are 16 or 17.

You can ask for a parent, guardian, carer or another suitable supporting adult to attend. If a parent or guardian cannot attend, or you do not feel safe with them attending, tell your lawyer, youth justice worker or court staff before the hearing.

What happens at the first hearing?

The court will explain the allegation and ask about a plea. A plea is whether you say you are guilty or not guilty.

The court may also make decisions about:

If you plead guilty, the court may sentence you that day or arrange another hearing to get more information. If you plead not guilty, the court will usually set the case down for trial.

Speak to your lawyer before entering a plea. Your lawyer will explain what you need to do at each stage, including whether you should give evidence at a trial. You do not have to give evidence, but it can be an important decision.

Bail and remand

The court will usually consider bail first. Bail means you can live at home while the case continues, sometimes with conditions. Conditions may say where you can go, who you can contact or what you must do.

If the court thinks bail is not safe or suitable, it may remand a child to youth detention accommodation while the case continues. This should be a last resort. The court considers the child’s circumstances, including family and community support.

If there is a trial

At a youth court trial, there is no jury. The magistrates or District Judge decide whether the prosecution has proved the case.

The prosecution presents its evidence first. The defence can challenge that evidence and may present evidence of its own. Witnesses may be asked questions by both sides.

The court should use language the child can understand and make suitable arrangements to help them take part fairly. The court may explain things more than once, allow breaks or make other adjustments.

If you find court hard to understand

You can ask for information to be repeated, written down or explained in a different way.

Tell your lawyer or the court if you have a learning disability, autism, ADHD, a speech, language or communication need, a mental health condition, hearing loss, sight loss or another need.

The court may make adjustments to help you take part. In some cases, an intermediary may help. An intermediary is a communication specialist who can advise the court about the support you need to understand questions and take part effectively.

Find out more at GOV.UK: HMCTS intermediary services.

The youth justice service

Your area may call this the Youth Offending Team (YOT) or the youth justice service. It works with children, families, schools, social care, health services and the court.

It may prepare a report for the court, assess the child’s needs and risks, and help with education, housing, family support, speech and language needs, mental health, substance use or restorative work.

The service will not necessarily provide every type of support in every case. Ask who your worker is and how to contact them.

What can happen if you admit the offence or are found guilty?

The court looks at the offence, the child’s age and maturity, their circumstances, any harm caused, previous offending and advice from the youth justice service.

The main aim of the youth justice system is to prevent further offending. The court should consider rehabilitation and the child’s welfare. Custody is a last resort.

Possible outcomes can include:

A referral order involves working with a youth justice panel. A Youth Rehabilitation Order may include requirements such as supervision, activities, treatment, education or, where the legal conditions are met, a curfew or unpaid work.

The court will explain the order and what happens if it is not followed. A child who is sentenced to custody while under 18 is placed in the secure children’s estate, not an adult prison.

For more information, see Sentencing Council: sentencing children and young people and GOV.UK: children in custody.

Privacy, the press and social media

Members of the public are not normally allowed into youth court hearings. The child may be allowed to sit with a parent, carer or other supporting adult.

Accredited journalists may attend. However, there are usually legal restrictions on publishing information that identifies a child or young person involved in youth court proceedings. This can include their name, address, school, workplace or photograph.

The court can change reporting restrictions in some circumstances. The rules are complicated, especially if the case is dealt with in the Crown Court. Speak to your lawyer if you are worried about publicity or social media posts.

The main youth court reporting restriction is in Children and Young Persons Act 1933, section 49.

If you do not feel safe

Tell your lawyer, youth justice worker or court staff immediately if you are worried about seeing another person at court, travelling to court, pressure from co defendants, threats, abuse or a parent or carer attending.

The court may be able to make arrangements to reduce contact or provide a safer waiting space. Do not wait until the hearing starts if you can raise the concern earlier.

Going to court: practical information

Appeals

If you pleaded not guilty and are convicted, you may be able to appeal against the decision, the sentence or both. If you pleaded guilty, you can usually appeal against sentence.

The usual route is an appeal to the Crown Court, but different rules and time limits can apply. Get legal advice immediately if you want to challenge the outcome.

See Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980, section 108.

Key points to remember

Official sources

This guide provides general information, not legal advice. Speak to a qualified criminal defence solicitor or barrister about your own case.