Going to youth court
Appearing at court can be a worrying and challenging time for you and your parents or carers.
Medway Youth Justice Service will be at court to help and support you throughout the day. We'll explain the process and what is likely to happen.
What is youth court
Youth court is a type of magistrates’ court which deals with children and young people.
Cases in the youth court are either dealt with by magistrates or a single district judge, sitting alone.
In a youth court:
- the proceedings are less formal
- the public are not allowed to enter the court
- defendants (you) will be addressed by your first name.
If victims wish to watch the proceedings they'll first have to make a request to the court.
Youth courts will hear all crimes and decide if they can deal with the matter.
If the offence is too serious for the youth court to deal with, your case will be sent to the Crown Court.
We always encourage parents or carers to attend court with their child.
Where and when is youth court
Our youth court is at Medway Magistrates Court, 9 to 11, The Brook, Chatham, ME4 4JZ.
Our court day is Thursdays in both the morning and afternoon.
You may appear at another court, as it will depend on:
- where your alleged offence happened
- where you were arrested
- which police station you were taken to.
Wherever you appear, someone from the local Youth Justice Service should attend.
If you need to contact Medway Magistrates Court, you can phone 0330 808 4407.
Preparing for court
If you're 16 or under, you'll need a parent, carer or appropriate adult to come to court with you. If you're over 16, we still encourage you to come with someone.
No one else will be allowed into the courtroom with you.
You'll need to arrive at either:
- 9.45am for a morning appearance
- 1.45pm for an afternoon appearance.
When you come to court, wear clothes that respect the court.
What happens at court
When you arrive, you'll be greeted by security, who will check that you're on the court list and which court you're due in.
You should then report to the court list caller (usher). They'll usually be holding a clipboard.
They'll tell you where to wait and which courtroom to go to.
Who is at youth court
At youth court, there will be:
- the judge or magistrate who sits at the top of the court
- the Crown prosecutor and your solicitor
- members of the Youth Justice Service
- the legal adviser, who sits in front of the judge or magistrate.