What Happens If a Child Is Caught Carrying a Knife?

Knife Crime and Young People

Being caught carrying a knife can be frightening for a child and their family. However, it is important to understand that children and young people are dealt with differently from adults by the criminal justice system.

In England and Wales, the age of criminal responsibility is 10. Children aged between 10 and 17 can be arrested and taken to court, but they are dealt with through the youth justice system and are subject to different sentencing rules.

A knife possession allegation should still be taken seriously. Depending on the circumstances, a child could face prosecution, a youth court hearing, a community-based sentence or, in more serious cases, custody.

If your child has been arrested or charged with a knife crime offence then seeking specialist criminal defence advice as early as possible can be important. At Stryders, our experienced criminal defence solicitors are here to provide expert representation from the outset, helping to protect your rights and work towards the best possible outcome.

What Happens if a Child Is Caught Carrying a Knife?

The police may arrest a child if they suspect that they have committed a knife possession offence.

The circumstances will then be investigated. This could involve taking statements, reviewing CCTV or body-worn video, examining the circumstances in which the knife was found and considering what the child said during the investigation.

Since new government guidance was issued in February 2026, the police are expected to notify the Youth Justice Service about every child knife possession offence. The guidance also provides for a tailored, evidence-based mandatory plan intended to prevent reoffending.

The exact process will depend on the circumstances and how the case is dealt with.

Can a Child Be Charged With Carrying a Knife?

Yes. Children aged 10 to 17 can be arrested and prosecuted for criminal offences. However, children are dealt with differently from adults. Cases involving children will generally be heard in a youth court, unless the circumstances mean that the case is dealt with elsewhere.

The court’s approach to sentencing also takes account of the child’s age, development, welfare and individual circumstances.

Will a Child Automatically Go to Prison for Carrying a Knife?

No. A child does not automatically receive a custodial sentence simply because they have been caught carrying a knife.

The Sentencing Council’s guidance requires the court to consider the seriousness of the offence and relevant aggravating and mitigating factors. A non-custodial sentence may be appropriate in some cases, while custody may be considered where the offence is sufficiently serious.

Possible sentences can include a referral order, Youth Rehabilitation Order or, in more serious cases, a Detention and Training Order or another custodial sentence.

When Can a Young Person Receive a Custodial Sentence for Knife Possession?

The circumstances of the offence are important. Factors that can increase seriousness include possession of a bladed article, possession of a highly dangerous weapon, an offence committed at a school or where vulnerable people are present, and incidents involving serious alarm or distress. The court can also consider previous findings of guilt, planning, group offending and other aggravating factors.

However, the court must also consider personal mitigation. This can include the child’s age and maturity, experiences of trauma or loss, an unstable upbringing, learning or communication difficulties, peer pressure, bullying, coercion or manipulation, and steps taken to address the offending behaviour.

Are There Minimum Sentences for Young People Carrying Knives?

There are statutory minimum sentencing provisions in certain circumstances. For a young person aged 16 or over, a second or further relevant offence involving possession of a bladed article or offensive weapon can result in a minimum four-month Detention and Training Order, unless the court finds exceptional circumstances.

There is also a statutory minimum of four months’ detention for certain knife or offensive weapon threatening offences where the young person is aged 16 or over at the date of conviction, subject to the exceptional-circumstances provisions.

These provisions do not mean that every young person convicted of a knife offence will receive custody. The court must consider the individual circumstances and whether exceptional circumstances apply.

Does Peer Pressure Affect a Child’s Knife Crime Sentence?

It can. The sentencing guideline specifically identifies participation in an offence because of bullying, peer pressure, coercion or manipulation as a potential mitigating factor. The court can also consider personal circumstances such as an unstable upbringing, experiences of neglect or abuse, trauma, loss and a lack of family support.

This does not mean that peer pressure automatically provides a defence. However, understanding the circumstances surrounding the child’s possession of the knife can be important when the case is investigated and, if necessary, when the court considers sentence.

What Sentences Can a Youth Court Impose for Knife Crime?

Where custody is not required, there are a number of possible youth sentences.

• A Referral Order can involve a child working with a Youth Offender Panel and agreeing a contract designed to address their offending behaviour.

• A Youth Rehabilitation Order (YRO) can include requirements such as supervision, reparation, attendance at programmes, education requirements, curfews or restrictions on activities.

For more serious cases, a court may consider a YRO with intensive supervision and surveillance, fostering or custody. The Sentencing Council states that where custody is unavoidable, it should be the shortest period commensurate with the seriousness of the offence.

Why Specialist Youth Crime Legal Advice Matters

Knife crime allegations involving children and young people require specialist legal advice from solicitors who understand both criminal law and the youth justice system. The circumstances surrounding an allegation can vary significantly, and the potential consequences can be serious.

The decisions made during the early stages of a youth knife crime case, particularly during [police interviews], can have an important impact on how the case progresses.

Our specialist youth crime solicitors can:

How Stryders Can Help with Youth Knife Crime Allegations

At Stryders, we understand how worrying it can be when a child or young person is accused of carrying a knife or becomes involved in a police investigation.

Our experienced youth crime defence solicitors provide clear, practical and compassionate legal advice to children, young people and their families facing allegations involving knife possession or other knife crime offences.

Whether your child has:

• Been arrested on suspicion of a knife crime offence
• Been invited to attend a voluntary police interview
• Been accused of carrying or possessing a knife
• Been charged with a knife crime offence
• Been required to appear before the Youth Court

Our specialist team is on hand to guide you through every stage of the criminal justice process. We offer 24-hour police station representation and expert Youth Court defence, working to protect your child’s rights and future prospects while ensuring they receive the support and representation they need.

If your child is under investigation or has been arrested in connection with a knife crime allegation, getting legal advice at an early stage can help you understand what happens next and the options available.

In summary

A knife crime allegation can have significant consequences for a young person’s education, family life and future.

The circumstances behind the allegation should be carefully examined, including why the child had the knife, where it was found, how it came to be in their possession and what happened during any police investigation.

A specialist criminal defence solicitor can also ensure that relevant information about the child’s age, maturity, circumstances and any peer pressure or coercion is properly considered.

Stryders provides specialist criminal defence advice and representation for children and young people facing knife crime allegations. We can advise the child and their family about the investigation, court process, potential sentences and the options available.

If your child has been arrested or accused of a knife crime offence, contact Stryders on 0333 577 2999 or you can contact us via our online form for more information. Our 24-hour emergency line is available if urgent criminal defence assistance is required.

Knife Crime and Young People FAQs