You have to go to Court. What do you do?
Don’t miss Court or be late. Get a solicitor. Take your parents or carers to Court with you.
Thomas got arrested. He admits he’s guilty. Must he go to Court?
Yes. If you are arrested and charged with an offence, you have to go to Court. Don’t forget any papers you have been asked to take to Court. Wear clothes that respect the Court. Take any medicines you need with you. You will be told what day and time to be at Court. Get to Court on time.
Stuart got caught carrying drugs. He’s on Bail. What must he do?
Do what your bail notice tells you. Stay out of trouble. When you are on bail you must behave. Stay safe. Don’t break the law.
Shaheen says no one cares what she has to say. Right or wrong?
Wrong. The police and Court will want to hear what you say. A solicitor will help you tell your side of the story. The earlier you get a solicitor, the better it is for you. Don’t wait until you go to Court. They will also help you apply for legal aid to pay for their work. Never miss meetings with your solicitor. They can help you in Court.
Amor is 16. Is it okay to go Court alone?
No. If you are 16 or under, your parents or carers must attend Court with you. If they don’t, they may get into trouble and your case may be delayed until they come to Court. If you miss Court, you will get into trouble. The Court will ask the police to find and arrest you. You could be locked up. Don’t miss your trial because the Court want to hear your side of the story.
After you have been charged
There are two ways in which you may need to attend Court:
- You may be charged at the police station and given a bail notice with a Court date and Court location on it. This means you are being trusted to behave until you go to Court. This bail notice may specify things which you are allowed or not allowed to do until you have been to Court.
- In certain circumstances the police may release you before you are charged and this is called being Released Under Investigation (RUI). At the end of the investigation you will be notified of the outcome. This means that you may receive a letter telling you that the police are taking no further action or you may receive a postal requisition requiring you to attend Court. You must be at Court on the day and time you are told to be there. Ask for help if you don’t understand.
Your child has got to go to Court. You must do the following:
If your child is 16 or under, you must go to Court with them. If you do not go to Court, a warrant may be issued for your arrest. Speak to a solicitor with your child. Make sure you know which Court you are going to. Get there on time. Read this leaflet and make sure you understand what is happening.
You have to go to Court:
The police charged you because they think you broke the law. You now have to go to Court. You will be told what day and time to be at Court. Don’t miss it or you will get into trouble. Take your parents or carers to Court with you.
You will get into more trouble if:
- You break the law while you are on bail.
- You do not stick to your bail conditions.
- You do not go to Court on time.
Have you got a solicitor?
Speak to a solicitor as soon as you can. Don’t wait until you go to Court. Always turn up for meetings. Tell the solicitor your side of the story. Your solicitor will tell you your rights and how to apply for legal aid to pay for their work. If you don’t find a solicitor, as soon as you arrive at Court ask to see the duty solicitor to help you. If you need to find a solicitor near your home, phone 0845 345 4345 or visit the website http://www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk/. Ask for help if you cannot do this yourself.
At the Court
Tell the Court your side of the story. Tell them the truth about what you have and haven’t done. If you are sorry, say so. If you plead guilty or you are found guilty, the Court will decide your sentence. If they are asked, the Youth Offending Team will give the Court information about you. Listen carefully at Court. If you do not understand, ask for help.
Any questions, contact the Youth Offending Team (YOT).
Equal opportunities
We seek to provide a service that is fair to all. We will not accept racist, sexist or any other offensive remarks or behaviour.
Complaints
If you have any complaints about the service you receive, please take this up in the first instance with your YOT officer. If you remain dissatisfied please write to:
Slough Youth Offending Team
Observatory House
25 Windsor Road
Slough
SL1 2EL
Contact us
See address above
Phone: 01753 522 702
Email: yoteam@sloughchildrenfirst.co.uk
Web: www.sloughchildrenfirst.co.uk
Slough YOT aims to provide a service that is fair to everyone. We will not accept racist, sexist, other offensive remarks or behaviour from staff members or young people.
We also want a healthy work place, so smoking is not allowed in our offices. We will not see people if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.