Young Offenders Solicitors

Young offenders require specialised legal support to navigate the complexities of the justice system. Allegations of criminal behaviour can have a profound impact on a young person’s future, including potential imprisonment, a criminal record, and disruptions to education and personal development. If your child or a young person you know is accused of a crime, seeking immediate advice from experienced young offenders solicitors is crucial to safeguarding their rights and securing the best possible outcome.

At our firm, we specialise in representing young offenders. Our young offenders solicitors understand the sensitivity and importance of these cases, providing professional, discreet, and effective legal representation tailored to the unique needs of young people. We are available 24/7 to offer immediate advice and support.

What is a Young Offender?

A young offender is defined as an individual under the age of 18 who has been accused or convicted of committing a criminal offence. In the UK, young offenders are typically dealt with through the youth justice system, which emphasises rehabilitation and reintegration rather than punishment.

The primary goals of the youth justice system are to:

• Prevent reoffending.
• Support the young person’s development.
• Ensure proportionate consequences for the offence.

Common Offences Involving Young Offenders

Young offenders may be accused of a wide range of offences, including:

• Theft and Burglary: Shoplifting, petty theft, or breaking and entering.
• Violent Offences: Assault, robbery, or fighting in public.
• Drug Offences: Possession, distribution, or use of illegal substances.
• Anti-Social Behaviour: Vandalism, graffiti, or disorderly conduct.
• Driving Offences: Underage driving or driving without a licence or insurance.

Consequences of a Conviction for Young Offenders

The consequences of a conviction for young offenders depend on the severity of the offence and the circumstances of the case. Potential outcomes include:

• Youth Rehabilitation Orders (YROs): Community-based penalties designed to address offending behaviour.
• Fines: Financial penalties proportionate to the offence and the young person’s means.
• Referral Orders: Requiring the offender to work with a Youth Offender Panel to address their actions.
• Custodial Sentences: In serious cases, young offenders may be sent to a secure training centre, youth offending institution, or secure children’s home.
• Criminal Record: A conviction can affect future education, employment, and travel opportunities.

How Our Young Offenders Solicitors Can Help

Our experienced young offenders solicitors provide expert advice and representation at every stage of the youth justice process. We work tirelessly to protect the young person’s rights, challenge evidence, and ensure a fair outcome.

1. Early Legal Advice

Seeking legal advice as early as possible is crucial if a young person is arrested or under investigation. Early intervention can significantly impact the direction of the case.

Our services include:

• Advising the young person and their guardians during police interviews.
• Ensuring the young person’s rights are protected throughout the investigation.
• Reviewing initial evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

2. Representation During Police Investigations

Police investigations involving young offenders often include interviews under caution and the collection of evidence such as CCTV footage and witness statements. We ensure that the process is conducted fairly and lawfully.

Our approach includes:

• Attending police interviews to provide immediate legal representation.
• Ensuring compliance with procedures specific to young offenders, such as the presence of an appropriate adult.
• Challenging the admissibility of improperly obtained evidence.

3. Representation in Youth Court

Most cases involving young offenders are heard in the Youth Court, which is less formal than adult courts and focuses on rehabilitation. For more serious offences, cases may be referred to the Crown Court.

In court, we:

• Present evidence to support the young person’s defence or mitigate the circumstances of the offence.
• Advocate for rehabilitative measures rather than custodial sentences.
• Deliver persuasive arguments to achieve a fair and proportionate outcome.

4. Education and Future Planning

We recognise the importance of education and personal development for young offenders. As part of our holistic approach, we:

• Work with Youth Offending Teams (YOTs) to address the root causes of offending behaviour.
• Advocate for support services that prioritise education, counselling, or family interventions.

5. Appeals and Post-Conviction Support

If a young offender is convicted, there may still be grounds to appeal or seek a more lenient sentence.

Our services include:

• Reviewing trial records for procedural errors or new evidence.
• Preparing detailed appeal submissions to the higher courts.
• Representing the young person in appellate hearings to secure a more favourable outcome.

Why Choose Us as Your Young Offenders Solicitors?

Young offenders require specialised legal representation that considers their age, maturity, and unique circumstances. Our young offenders solicitors are committed to providing the highest standard of legal support and advocacy.

• Specialist Expertise: We have extensive experience representing young offenders in a wide range of cases, from minor infractions to serious allegations.
• Tailored Defence Strategies: Every case is unique. We work closely with the young person and their family to build a defence strategy that reflects their priorities and needs.
• Discreet and Professional Representation: We handle every case with confidentiality, professionalism, and sensitivity.
• Holistic Approach: We focus not only on the legal case but also on the young person’s rehabilitation and future opportunities.
• 24/7 Availability: Allegations against young offenders can arise unexpectedly. Our team is available around the clock to provide immediate support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my child is arrested?

Contact a young offenders solicitor immediately. Ensure that an appropriate adult is present during any police interview, and do not allow your child to provide a statement without legal representation.

Can young offenders avoid a criminal record?

Yes. For minor offences, young offenders may be given cautions, warnings, or diversionary measures that avoid a criminal record.

How long does a youth court case take?

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case. Most youth court cases are resolved within weeks, but more serious cases referred to the Crown Court may take longer.

Can a conviction affect a young person’s future?

Yes. A conviction can impact education, employment, and travel opportunities. Early legal intervention can help mitigate these consequences.

Contact Our Young Offenders Solicitors Today

If your child or a young person you know is facing allegations of a criminal offence, early legal intervention is vital. Call us now on 0208 732 5458 or 07946 424 154, or email admin@makwanas.co.uk.