A child below the age of 10 years old cannot be guilty of a criminal offence. A child aged between 10-17 inclusive may find themselves involved with the criminal justice system.
In todays society where children have access to the internet and social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and What’s App, they are much more vulnerable to illegal activity, which they themselves may not realise.
At Eventum Legal our dedicated youth lawyers understand the consequences of a criminal investigation and court proceedings can have on a child, their future and their family.
Our team have undertaken additional legal training in representing and supporting youths throughout the justice system, and we are members of the Youth Justice Legal Centre, a centre of excellence for youth practitioners, enabling us to offer the best legal advice and support to children. You can be assured that when you speak with one of our youth lawyers you are getting the best possible advice and care that you and your family need when dealing with the challenges a police investigation or formal prosecution can bring.
We put the needs of your child first, and work with your child not just for your child.
Our dedicated team have undergone additional training in providing client care and support to youths. We take a non judgemental approach and promise that our advice will not consist of legal jargon when you speak with us.
Going through an investigation or court proceedings is extremely difficult, and the emotions can vary from extreme anxiety and depression through to frustration and anger. Claire Shard is the heard of our Client Support Department and has worked within criminal defence for over ten years, liaising with clients and external agencies to ensure support is in place for the accused and that they are being treated fairly throughout the criminal justice process. Claire will be happy to chat to you about the support that can be offered throughout your case and moving forwards at it is conclusion.
We take pride in the way in which we care for our clients and we excel to achieve successful results.
We pride ourselves on fee transparency and work on a fixed fee basis. You can get an idea of our fees by visiting our Services and Fees page.
The age of criminal responsibility is 10. A child under 10 cannot be charged with a criminal offence, although agencies such as Social Services may still become involved. Children aged 10 to 17 can be investigated and prosecuted, but are dealt with under a separate youth justice system.
The system for under 18s has a stronger focus on the welfare of the child, preventing reoffending and avoiding unnecessary criminalisation. That means greater use of diversion and out of court outcomes, an appropriate adult at the police station, and cases usually being heard in the Youth Court, which is less formal and closed to the public.
In the Youth Court there are automatic reporting restrictions, so a child cannot normally be named or identified. In the Crown Court restrictions are not automatic but are usually ordered by the judge. We make sure the right protections are in place and challenge any attempt to lift them.
Age at the date of the first court appearance often decides which court deals with the case, so turning 18 before charge can mean the case goes to an adult court. Delay by the police or prosecution that causes a young person to lose the protections of the youth system can be raised with the court, and age at the time of the offence remains relevant at sentence.
Not necessarily. Convictions and cautions received under 18 become spent more quickly than adult ones, and many will not appear on standard DBS checks once filtering rules apply. Sexual offences are treated differently and can carry longer term consequences, which is why getting the right advice from the start matters so much.
