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Criminal
Youth Crimes
Defence for clients under 18 in the Youth Court and, where allocated, the Crown Court. Conducted with the specific procedures and welfare considerations the youth jurisdiction requires.
Police station
If a young person is at a police station, a parent should be on the same call.
Astons Law Chambers attends police stations at any hour. The call comes before the interview.
How attendance works →Available 24/7 for police station support.
- Hourly
- £175–£400 +VAT
- First appearance
- £500–£1,500
- Single day hearing
- £700–£3,500
- Trial brief fee
- £1,500–£3,000+
Indicative only. A written fee is set out in a client-care letter before any instruction is accepted. Full fee schedule →
What Astons Law Chambers does
- Youth Court trials and sentencing.
- Crown Court representation where the case is allocated up.
- Referral orders, youth rehabilitation orders, and detention training orders.
- Liaison with the youth offending team where appropriate.
Process
- A short call, typically with a parent or guardian on the line alongside the young person.
- A written client-care letter setting out scope and fee.
- Pre-court conference in a setting suited to the client, with the parent present where helpful.
- Representation at every hearing in the Youth Court or, where allocated, the Crown Court.
Instructing directly
A solicitor is not required for this work.
Astons Law Chambers is authorised under the Bar Standards Board's Public Access scheme to accept instructions directly from members of the public. Suitability is assessed during the first call; where a solicitor is needed, Astons Law Chambers will say so and refer where useful.
How Direct Access works →Common questions
- My child has been arrested — what do I do first?
- Call 07922 247 999. Police station attendance can be arranged from the same call. The young person is entitled to a parent or guardian present at interview.
- Will the case stay in the Youth Court?
- Most youth matters remain in the Youth Court. Some are sent to the Crown Court depending on the allegation and the client’s age. The first call covers which is likely.
- Can a parent instruct on the young person’s behalf?
- A parent or guardian is involved throughout, but the young person remains the client. The first conference is taken with both on the line.