What does a Specialist Youth Crime Solicitor do?

In the year ending March 2023, 59,000 children were arrested, up 9% on the previous year. That same year, there was just over 11,900 occasions where children were sentenced in all courts and 440 children in custody. Worryingly, over a third of children (32.2%) reoffended. When it comes to youth crime, young people need the specialist representation of Youth Crime Solicitor who has the experience and training required to give them the best legal advice advocacy.

Why is youth crime a specialist area of law?

Youth criminal law is distinct from adult criminal law. It acknowledges that young people are not yet fully mature and that their actions are often influenced by factors beyond their control, such as peer pressure, family issues, and socio-economic conditions. Consequently, the law emphasises rehabilitation over punishment, aiming to steer young offenders away from crime and towards a positive future.

The Youth Justice System operates with different courts, procedures, and sentencing guidelines tailored to young offenders. For instance, children under 10 cannot be arrested or charged with a crime. The Youth Court deals specifically with cases involving people aged 10 to 17 and the identity of those charged with criminal offences cannot be revealed by the media. In addition, the procedures in the Youth Court are adapted to be less intimidating and more supportive, reflecting the system’s focus on rehabilitation.

Youth courts deal with offences including theft and burglary, anti-social behaviour and drugs offences. More serious offences are usually transferred to the Crown Court but can be dealt with in the Youth Court.

What is the role of a Youth Crime Solicitor?

Youth crime solicitors are experts in this specialised field. They possess a deep understanding of the complexities of youth criminal law and are adept at handling the delicate nature of cases involving young people. Their role is multifaceted, encompassing legal representation, advocacy, and support.

Providing robust legal representation is at the heart of a Youth Crime Solicitor’s role. They ensure that their young clients understand the charges against them and the legal processes involved. This is crucial, as the legal system can be overwhelming for young people. Solicitors guide their clients through every step, from police interviews to court appearances, ensuring their rights are protected and their voices heard.

Youth Crime Solicitors go beyond traditional legal representation by acting as advocates for their clients’ best interests. They work closely with families, schools, and social services to create a comprehensive support network. This holistic approach helps address the underlying issues contributing to the young person’s behaviour, such as mental health problems, substance abuse, or educational needs.

In Court, Solicitors present arguments that highlight the young person’s potential for rehabilitation. They might propose alternatives to custody, such as community service or educational programmes, which can provide the young offender with a chance to make amends and improve their future prospects.

The importance of building trust with young people

Every young person is different, and so is every case. Youth Crime Solicitors develop tailored legal strategies that consider the individual circumstances of each client. This personalised approach is crucial for several reasons:

Young offenders often come from challenging backgrounds. Solicitors take the time to understand their clients’ histories, including any factors that may have influenced their behaviour. This understanding allows them to present a more comprehensive picture to the Court, advocating for interventions that address the root causes of offending rather than simply punishing the behaviour.

Establishing trust with young clients is essential. Youth Crime Solicitors are skilled at communicating with young people in a way that is respectful and non-judgemental. By building a rapport, they ensure their clients feel supported and understood, which can significantly impact the outcome of the case.

The importance of rehabilitation

A key goal of the youth justice system is rehabilitation. Solicitors work to identify opportunities for their clients to engage in positive activities and make meaningful changes in their lives. Whether it’s enrolling in educational programmes, receiving counselling, or participating in community projects, these interventions can help young offenders develop new skills and a sense of purpose.

The consequences of a criminal record can be severe, impacting a young person’s education, employment prospects, and overall future. Youth Crime Solicitors strive to minimise these consequences by negotiating for lesser charges or alternative sentencing options. Their aim is to help their clients move forward without the burden of a criminal record hindering their opportunities.

Wrapping up

The importance of protecting the country’s children reaches the highest levels of society. In July, His Majesty, King Charles III and the actor Idris Elba met at St Jame’s Palace to discuss how they “might help address youth violence in the UK”. The palace said the King’s Trust and the Elba Hope Foundation had “pledged to work together on a new ‘Creative Futures’ initiative, to inspire young people through the arts and support them into jobs in the creative industries”.

There are no easy solutions when it comes to dealing with young offenders. What does make a difference is accessing specialist legal help to ensure they get the best support possible and can move forward to a brighter future.

If you require Youth Court Solicitor, please call our office today on 02476 231000 or email enquiries@askewslegal.co

Please note that this article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.