What happens at court
If you are under 18 and get into trouble with the police, sometimes you may have to go to court. This can feel worrying, but there are people who can help you through the process.
How you might have to go to court
You could be either:
- kept at the police station overnight and taken to court the next day
- released and told to come back to the police station or go to court on a set date (this is called being bailed)
Bail set by the police or a court might be either:
- ‘conditional’, where there might be rules you must follow, like a curfew
- ‘unconditional’, where there are no stated rules you have to follow
It’s really important to go to court or to a police station when you are told to. If you don’t, you could face further charges.
Getting a solicitor
You have the right to a solicitor to speak for you at a police station and in court.
Most children and young people do not have to pay as legal aid usually covers the cost.
If you don’t already have a solicitor when you arrive at a police station or court, you should ask for one. You should ask the arresting police officer or the custody sergeant in the police station ask for the duty solicitor at court.
You should also ask for an appropriate adult. This could be either:
- an adult you trust like a parent or relative
- someone who is trained to help you
On the day of court
Arrive in plenty of time. If you are late you must make sure the court knows and the reason why. If you don’t turn up, the court can issue a warrant for your arrest.
When you get there, find the court usher (a person who helps organise the cases) and let them know you’ve arrived.
You should bring a parent or carer, or another trusted adult. If no adult comes with you, the court may delay the case and order your parent or carer to attend next time.
Who will be there to help
The Hounslow Youth Justice Service (YJS) will usually have someone in the youth court. Their role is to:
- share information about you with the magistrates, such as how you’ve done on any previous orders
- explain what will happen next and what you need to do
- help arrange reports and assessments if needed
- support you (and your parents/carers) in understanding your responsibilities and keeping track of what happens after court
Remember: The magistrates and court staff are there to make decisions, but the YJS is there to support you. They will guide you through the process and help you stay on track for the future.
Working with you
The YJS will work with you and your parents/carers to develop a plan that reflects your strengths and interests and will:
- help prevent you getting into further trouble or offending
- promote positive change for you
Reports for the court
When a child or a young person appears before the court, the magistrates or judge sometimes need extra information to help them decide on a fair outcome. Hounslow YJS can be asked to prepare a detailed report that covers:
- The young person’s background and circumstances
- Why the offence might have happened
- The impact on victims and the wider community
- Ideas for a suitable sentence that focuses on change and reducing risk
Alternatives to going to court
Not every offence leads to a court case. If a child or young person admits what they have done, the police and YJS may agree on an outcome which means you do not have to return to court if you engage with the YJS. This is a chance to take responsibility for your actions without being formally prosecuted, as long as certain conditions are followed. These might inclide:
- taking part in a programme
- writing a letter of apology
- repairing the harm done
The YJS supports children and young people to complete these conditions successfully.
