Children are generally liable under criminal law for their own actions from the age of 10 years old, although the younger the child, the less likely it might be that more…

Children prosecuted for criminal offences will be dealt with either in the Youth Court, a specialist division of the magistrates’ court or at a Crown Court. The venue will very more…

Proceedings are heard in a courtroom at the local magistrates’ court, generally before three magistrates. The proceedings lack the formality and pomp of the Crown Court, but it would be more…

No; in fact, there has been far more reporting of cases involving young defendants in recent years, as the balance has shifted from protecting the rights of the child criminal more…

What are the common offences committed by the young? Alcohol: It is an offence to sell alcohol to those under the age of 18 and those young people found in more…

There is an increasing tendency to treat young people’s brushes with the law out of court wherever possible. Young offenders frequently receive warnings or reprimands in relation to their behaviour, more…

Punishment following conviction depends very much on the nature and circumstances of the crime, along with a consideration of the particular characteristics of your child. The courts recognise that the more…

Parents are not directly liable in criminal law for the actions of their children, but consequences will follow, ranging from having to attend court to accompany the child to hearings more…

There are various stages at which you might want to take legal advice from a solicitor. The first stage is on arrest when your child has been taken to the more…

Yes, for a criminal matter. Legal aid is automatic and there is no means test. For non-criminal matters, children are not always entitled to legal aid. Similarly, a child who more…