Defending Children Accused of Sexual Offences
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.
What Do We Do To Prioritise 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.
How We Can Help You
The Sexual Offences Act 2003
addresses sex offences committed by minors, focusing on safeguarding children from sexual exploitation and harm, with
CPS guidance
aiming to handle cases involving minors, especially those related to consensual sexual activity and sexting, with sensitivity and a preference for non-criminal resolutions unless there are aggravating circumstances.
The treatment of youths in police custody is subject to careful legal guidelines and international protections aimed at safeguarding their rights and minimising unnecessary criminalisation, with an emphasis on avoiding arrest when possible and ensuring any detained youth are aware of their rights. The importance of legal advice in these situations cannot be underestimated.
Youth produced sexual imagery and the sharing of this between youths, should be carefully dealt with, without the involvement of the courts.
Police should aim to resolve the issues within the community and should not criminalise youths in such circumstances.
An out of court disposal is a police-issued measure for less serious offences or first-time youth offenders. The measure avoids court proceedings but may include formal options like Youth Cautions and Youth Conditional Cautions, which enter the child into the Youth Justice System, or informal options like Community Resolutions. Consideration must be given to how such disposals can affect the youth and their future.
82 King Street
Manchester
M2 4WQ
info@eventumlegal.co.uk
Eventum Legal hold mandatory indemnity insurance. We are insured by Hera Indemnity - Lloyds.
We are regulated by CILEx Regulation to conduct criminal litigation and advocacy, authorisation number 3002253.