What is Youth Crimes?
Youth crime is a criminal allegation against someone under 18. Most cases are heard in the Youth Court, which has its own procedure and considers the young person’s welfare. The most serious go to the Crown Court.
Astons Law Chambers serves as the entity acting as criminal defence support provided by Barrister Ghulam Humayun.
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.
How a youth case proceeds
Many cases involving under-18s are dealt with out of court, through warnings or other disposals meant to keep a child out of the formal system. Where a charge is brought, most are heard in the Youth Court, which sits less formally and expects a parent or guardian to attend.
The most serious allegations, or cases where a young person is charged alongside an adult, can go to the Crown Court. Reporting restrictions usually keep a child’s identity out of the public domain. A parent or guardian can be present when a young person is questioned.
How a young person is defended
Defending a young person starts with making sure they can follow and take part in their own case. The defence checks that the police kept to the extra protections children are entitled to, including the presence of an appropriate adult at the interview.
Where there is neurodivergence or developmental immaturity, the court can be asked for measures that allow a fair hearing. The youth system is built around preventing reoffending, so welfare and the young person’s circumstances weigh heavily in how a case is resolved.
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Common questions
- My child has been arrested — what do I do first?
- Police station support can be arranged straight away. The young person is entitled to a parent or guardian present at the 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.
- 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.
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.
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