Much as we want to protect children and young people from getting into trouble with the law, sometimes it happens. If your child has been arrested, asked to attend a police station, or charged with a criminal offence, it is vital to get expert advice immediately.
Our award-winning youth justice team provides specialist criminal defence advice for children and young people, offering clear guidance, legal representation, and support at every stage, from police interviews and youth court hearings to the Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court or Court of Appeal. With Stryders, your child’s rights and future are our priority.
What are the Legal Rights for Children and Young People Charged with a Crime?
Under the law of England and Wales, any young person aged 10 to 17 can be arrested and charged with a criminal offence. However, they are treated slightly differently to adults and are entitled to certain protections designed to help them understand what’s happening and prevent it affecting the rest of their lives. Stryders is a member of the Youth Justice Legal Centre.
Specialist Youth Crime Solicitors
Stryders are specialist solicitors in the complex area of law surrounding children and young people in the justice system. Our empathetic experts are totally committed to making sure young people are effectively defended and that their age, immaturity, curiosity, or impetuousness is not misinterpreted unfairly.
Most importantly, we are there to safeguard their rights and make sure that what’s happening today does not adversely affect their future potential. We understand the needs and importance of their extended family network too. Our team is highly respected by all the court professionals. Many of them, like us, are parents too, and we work hard to find solutions which deliver the best outcome for all involved.
All our discussions are confidential, and we can arrange appointments at the office, at another convenient location, in prison or in custody if necessary.
What to do next if…
My child has been accused of a crime. What should I do?
If you or your child has been accused of a crime then you should contact a specialist youth crime solicitor. Whether you are a young person accused of a knife crime, a drug offence, a theft or robbery, or an assault, we will help you work out the best next steps. Our priority is to avoid you being arrested and convicted which could adversely affect their future prospects.
My child has been arrested or asked to attend a police station for a voluntary interview. What should I do?
If your child has been arrested or asked to attend a police station for a voluntary interview, seek legal advice immediately.
Your child has the right to free legal advice before speaking to the police, and it is usually best not to answer questions – even to deny an allegation – until a solicitor has been consulted. Asking for a solicitor will not make the police assume guilt; it is a normal legal right.
Children must also have an appropriate adult present during police questioning, usually a parent or guardian, and the police will normally inform you as soon as possible.
Our specialist youth justice solicitors at Stryders are available 24 hours a day. Ask the police to contact Stryders instead of the duty solicitor so your child receives advice from an experienced youth defence lawyer. We will speak to the police, attend the station when required, and support your child throughout the interview process.
I have been asked to attend court. What should I do?
If you have been asked to attend court, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
If you do not already have a solicitor representing you, you should contact us urgently. A specialist criminal defence solicitor can explain the court process, review the evidence against you and prepare your case properly before the hearing.
Our experienced team will represent you at youth court, the Magistrates’ Court, the Crown Court or the Court of Appeal, depending on the circumstances of your case. Where appropriate, we can also instruct a specialist barrister to represent you in court and ensure your defence is presented clearly and effectively.
Throughout the process, we will guide you and your family, explain what to expect on the day of your hearing, and ensure your rights are protected at every stage of the criminal justice process. Attending court is taken very seriously, and failing to attend can result in further legal consequences, including a warrant for arrest, so it is essential to obtain legal support as early as possible.
Key facts for young people and their carers
Anyone under 17 who is arrested for committing a criminal offence should be made aware of their rights as soon as they get to the police station. These are that a parent or guardian should be informed straight away and that they have the right to have a trusted adult present with them at the police station, who they can talk to in private if they want to. Stryders are specialist solicitors in youth justice rights. We’ll make sure it happens and rectify it if it doesn’t.
Unless it’s a serious crime, the longest the police can hold someone under 17 is 24 hours. Children under 14 cannot be fingerprinted without the permission of a legal guardian. Stryders specialists will provide guidance and reassurance to young people and their guardians in this situation.
Don’t believe the urban myth that offences committed while under 18 years old are wiped from your record later. A criminal record is kept which can be disclosed at the discretion of the police. Universities and colleges also ask for information about convictions and cautions as part of their application process. Stryders’ aim first and foremost is to urge reason with the authorities and avoid a conviction wherever possible.
If they are charged, children will usually be sent to a special youth court where there are special rules preventing their identification in the media. The exception is where the charge is very serious or there is an adult co-defendant. However, in these cases the young person’s identity will usually be protected, at least until they are convicted. Your Stryders solicitor will work hard to protect your child’s anonymity as well as their future reputation and prospects.
As a parent you have legal obligations too. For instance, if your child is 16 or under you must go with them to court or a warrant may be issued for your arrest. We’ll advise you and your child about your rights and responsibilities so you don’t fall foul of the law by accident.
Stryders offer competitive legal fees for defending all types of youth crime
If you are going to be interviewed under caution by a police officer, you are entitled to free legal representation at the police station, regardless of your financial circumstances. You also have the right to free legal representation at court under the legal aid scheme if you are under 18.
Ask for Stryders. Unlike the uncertainty of a duty solicitor, we will provide expert support for a wide range of youth offences, including assault, theft, criminal damage, drug offences, and anti-social behaviour. After your interview, we will contact the police as part of our follow-up service to ensure you know the next steps and any actions you need to take.
We may also be able to offer a fixed fee for additional assistance beyond the initial interview and court representation.