Youth Offending - Frequently Asked Questions

A youth is any person under the age of 18 years old. Because of their age they are regarded as vulnerable suspects and/or defendants and therefore there are special rules and procedures in place that apply. 

It is very difficult to come to terms with being accused of a sexual offence. Please be assured there are many services out there to provide advice and support to youths facing allegations. Our lawyers have undergone additional training when representing youths and we will be happy to speak with a person of any age regarding an alleged offence and signpost them to any external services that may help. Our advice is highly confidential, this means we cannot inform anyone of our private discussions without your consent, even your parents. 

Sexual offences can carry terms of imprisonment, even for youths. However, the courts must apply a different approach when sentencing a youth than the approach that apply to an adult. Sentencing can be a very intricate and difficult process with many factors that play a part, what one offender may be sentenced to for an offence could differ from another and it is therefore important you seek advice from a lawyer who is able to take into account your personal circumstances, the facts of the case and any external influences that could affect the sentence. 

Some suspects are placed on bail, a condition of their bail may be to live and sleep at a certain address or, to not reside in the same household as a child under the age of 18 years old. This can in turn break up families on a temporary basis whilst the police investigation is underway. For some youth suspects they may move to live with another parent, grandparent or friend. However, it is important for anyone under investigation to know that bail conditions can be challenged and are not always necessary. We have many clients who are subject to unfair and potentially unlawful conditions which we regularly challenge firstly with the police and then where necessary the courts. Whilst we cannot end an investigation just by becoming involved in a case we can work to make the process as tolerable as possible and this can mean having conditions removed or amended to help families continue as normal a life as possible during the process. 

We often work with schools, colleges and universities on behalf of our clients to come to suitable arrangements so that studies are not affected. In some circumstances the school or university may carry out an internal investigation and want to interview people including the accused as part of this. Again, we would strongly advise that before any interview you seek specialists advice as any information you provide could be passed to the police and be used in the criminal investigation. Any interview you choose to attend our specialist lawyers will accompany you. Each case is different but we will work with you to ensure your education and learning is not impacted by an investigation. See our School/College Investigation page for more information.

“Sexting” between two youths of similar age is rarely prosecuted, in circumstances where images are exchanged between youths consensually. The aim of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and the laws specifically concerning indecent image offences, is to protect children and it is not aimed criminalise them. 

Issues can arise for young people when images are shared without the other person’s consent. The recipient of the images may not have requested or forwarded the images, however they can still be caught out by the law and relevant offences. 

Being accused of a criminal offence is frightening, even more so when you are a child and you have no experience of the criminal justice system or the laws in place. It is important you seek advice, being compliant and accepting an offence that you may not be guilty of can impact your future significantly. We can help support and guide you through an investigation or court proceedings, and our communications with you are strictly confidential, regardless of your age. 

You can speak to our lawyers by completing an enquiry form on our contact us page, by calling our office on 0161 706 0602 or we offer a What's App service, where you can send a message to one of our lawyers and they will respond back arranging a convenient time to call you 07949630143.