Trials at the Youth Court

If you plead 'not guilty’ and the Crown Prosecution Service want to take the case forward, then a trial will be held. The magistrates in the Youth Court.will hear the trial of all but the most serious offences. During your trial evidence will be given by the Crown Prosecution Service and your solicitor. Then the magistrates will probably leave the courtroom to consider the evidence.

If you are found not guilty on all charges, you are free to leave the Court. If you are found guilty, the Crown Prosecution Service will tell the magistrates about your background, including your previous convictions. If any of the information is wrong you must tell your solicitor and they will alert the magistrates. At this stage the magistrates may put the case off for 2-3 weeks so that the YOT can prepare a report about you.

Reports

Co-operating with the YOT worker who writes your report is most important. Amongst other things they will be aiming to include all the positive things about you as well as the things that aren't so good. Their report should contain all the relevant information about your offence and your attitude to your offending behaviour, plus information about your family, school, employment, income etc. and will propose some possible sentences to the magistrates. The YOT worker will ensure that you and your parents or carers understand the report and that you have agreed to comply with its recommendation. Follow this link to find out more about pre-sentence reports(pdf, 35KB).

Sentencing

After reading the report and hearing from your solicitor (if you have one) on the day of sentencing, the magistrates arrive at their decision. The ways you could be dealt with are described in ‘Court Orders’.

Appeals

Appeal are requests to a higher Court to reconsider your sentence. If you are unhappy with the sentence you should tell your solicitor immediately and they will advise you whether an appeal is possible and the grounds (reasons) for it. You must appeal within 21 days of being sentenced in a Youth Court. If you appeal against a custodial sentence you can apply immediately for bail, though you may not get it. If you get bail, you will be free to go from Court until your appeal is heard. You can appeal either against your sentence (if you think it is too severe) or against being found guilty, if you believe you are innocent.