Youth Court

• What is the age range for youths in the youth court?

  Youths between the ages of 10 and 17
• Why is the youth court not open to the public?

  To protect the privacy of the youths involved
• What happens if a defendant turns 18 during youth court proceedings?

  The youth court may decide to retain the case or send it to Magistrates
• What types of cases must be sent to the Crown Court?

  Homicide cases, violent/sexual crimes, or firearm offences
• Under what condition may the Magistrates Court decline jurisdiction over a case?

  If it is a 'Grave Crime' punishable by imprisonment for 14 years or more in adult court
• What is the sentencing limit for a custodial sentence in youth court?

  Substantially more than 2 years
• What is a referral order in youth court?

  A court order sent to a Youth Offender Panel to agree on a contract of conduct for 3 to 12 months
• What does a youth rehabilitation order entail?

  It is similar to a community order involving probation service and unpaid work up to 240 hours in 12 months
• What is the maximum duration of a detention training order (DTO)?

  Maximum of 2 years
• Who is not eligible for a DTO?

  A defendant aged between 10-11
• What defines a persistent offender in youth court?

  A youth who has been sentenced on 3 occasions for an offence punishable by imprisonment
• When is a DTO imposed for defendants aged 12-14?

  Only for persistent offenders
• When is a DTO imposed for defendants aged 15-17?

  Whenever the court determines a custodial sentence is justified
• Who is permitted access to the youth court?

  Magistrates, judges, court staff, youth defendant and parents or guardian, CPS and defence lawyers, youth offending team representative, and press (very restricted)
• Is there an interest of justice test for a defendant in youth court applying for legal aid?

  Yes
• Is there a means test for a defendant in youth court applying for legal aid?

  No
• How is advocacy conducted in youth court?

  A solicitor is usually seated
• How do defendants give evidence in youth court?

  Witnesses and defendants promise to tell the truth, with those under 14 giving unsworn evidence
• What custodial sentences are available in youth court?

  Detention and Training Order (DTO)
• What is the maximum custodial sentence length in youth court?

  Maximum of 24 months DTO
• What community sentences are available in youth court?

  Referral order and Youth rehabilitation order
• What is a referral order in youth court?

  A court order for 10-17 year olds who plead guilty to a low-level offence for the first time, including a contract and activities to stop re-offending
• What is a youth rehabilitation order (YRO)?

  A court order for a young person convicted of a crime that can last up to 3 years
• What happens if a youth breaches a YRO?

  They receive 2 warnings, and on the 3rd breach, they return to court
• Which court does a youth defendant appeal to for a rehearing?

  Crown Court