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Youth Courts deal with nearly all cases where young people between the ages of 10 and 17 inclusive are said to have broken the law. The Youth Court in South Gloucestershire is at Kennedy Way in Yate. If you have been arrested in Bristol or elsewhere and the police decide to charge you with the offence you will be asked to appear at the Youth Court for that Town.
There are three ways in which you may be brought before the Youth Court:
- Summons:
Usually you will get a written summons from the court. You will receive this by post or it will be handed to you personally. The summons will tell you what offences you have been charged with and will give the day and time that you have to be at court and the address of the court building.
- Arrest:
If you are arrested for an offence the Police may take you into custody. They will usually then release you on bail, sometimes with conditions. You will be given the details of the Court Hearing and offences that you are charged with. The details of the court hearing will be on your bail notice and the details of the offences with which you have been charged will be shown on your charge sheet. The police will refer you to your local youth offending team.
- Warrant:
If you do not go to court when you should a Warrant will be issued by the Court. This means that the Police can arrest you.
Attending Court:
It is advisable to get to Court half an hour before the time you have been given. When you arrive, tell the usher that you are there. Usually they wear a black gown.
At least one of your parents (or guardians) must come to Court with you, if you are 17 years of age this is not compulsory, but still advisable. If no one attends with you, the case may be put off (adjourned) to another day.
Seeing a Solicitor:
Consider getting a solicitor to speak for you in court. Your parents or friends may suggest one or you can see the Duty Solicitor at Court. Don't be shy about contacting a solicitor, it is their job to deal with such matters. Make sure that you show the solicitor any charge / summons papers.
Questions & Answers:
What Are Bail Conditions?
These are restrictions the Police can make, that stop you from doing things. This can include going to certain places, going out with certain people and being home at set times.
What Happens If I Don't Turn Up?
If you don't turn up or forget to tell the Usher that you are there, the Court could issue a warrant and you could be arrested, and possibly even held overnight at a police station.
What Happens If I Am Ill?
You must try to contact the Court to let them know you are unable to attend. The Court will then give you a new date to attend. Remember, you may be asked to bring a Doctors Note to Court when you next attend.
What Happens If I Am Late?
If you know you are going to be late try to contact the court to let them know. If this is not possible you will be asked, when you appear in court, to give a good reason(s) for being late. However, if the court think that your reason(s) is not acceptable you may be charged with an additional offence relating to failure to attend court (Bail Act).
What Happens If My Solicitor Is Not There?
Tell someone as soon as possible, this could be the YOT worker or Usher. They will try to contact your solicitor to find out where they are and when they will arrive. |
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