What can you expect in the Youth Court – Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What cases go to the Youth Court?

A. If you’re under 18 and you’re charged with a crime, your case will first be heard in the Youth Court. The majority of cases for under 18s can be tried and sentenced in the Youth Court.

Q. What will happen if it is a very serious offence – such as robbery, manslaughter or rape?

A. In these circumstances, you’ll still start off at the Youth Court, but then your case will be referred to the Crown Court.– click here to find out more about what to expect at the Crown Court.

Q. Who will hear my case?

A. Normally there will be three lay Magistrates to hear your case. They’ll be supported by the Court Clerk, who provides guidance on legal matters such as sentencing. However, sometimes your case may be heard by a District Judge instead.

Q. What’s the longest sentence I could get in the Youth Court?

A. The maximum sentence the Youth Court can give for one or more offences is a Detention and Training Order for up to two years.

Q. Where is the Youth Court?

A. There are Youth Courts in cities and large towns. In South Yorkshire, there is a Magistrates Court in Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster. There are also Youth Courts in Leicester and Hull – both cities in which Howells has Criminal departments. You have to attend the Youth Court in the area where the alleged offence happened.

Q. How long will it take between being arrested and charged and going to Court?

A. If you are given bail, you will normally go to Court for your first hearing within a week. If you don’t get bail and have to stay in custody, you’ll go to Court at the next available time – that might be the same day or the next day. The Courts work six days a week – every day apart from Sunday.

Q. Can members of the public come to the Youth Court?

A. No, all Youth Court hearings are held in private.

Q. Will my solicitor be with me all through my case?

A. Not necessarily, as your solicitor may have a number of cases in the same session. Sessions start at 10 am and 2.15pm, and your solicitor will be there to see you at the beginning of the session.

Q.  Do the Youth Court staff wear wigs and gowns?

A. No, people wear ordinary clothes in the Youth Court.