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. The practice is also authorised to conduct litigation, so the case can be run end-to-end without a separate solicitor. Suitability is assessed during the first call; where a solicitor is needed, Astons Law Chambers will say so and refer where useful.
For matters that qualify for public funding, see how legal aid works at Astons Law Chambers — eligible cases are referred to a partner solicitor firm at no cost.
How Direct Access works →Common questions
- My child has been arrested — what do I do first?
- Call 07922 247 999. Police station support 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.
Youth Court
A different court, a different procedure.
The Youth Court runs on its own timetable. Early instruction creates room to prepare to it, not against it.
Call nowBefore you call
A short, useful first call covers three things:
- The allegation and any charge.
- Any next hearing date.
- What you have been told so far.
If you don't have all three, call anyway — the first call is free.
Related work