Youth solicitor
Notifications OFF
Hi it's me again! I can't stop it all going through my head and thinking of all eventualities, it's awful isn't it. I know you all know how it feels, that's why I appreciate this forum so much.
If anyone has experience with an under 18, did you choose to get a solicitor or go through it with the duty solicitor or not have one?
I have no idea if or when to look into/ decide on this. And how much it costs?! :-(
I am still in disbelief that this has happened. I literally said a few weeks ago, I would trust that kid with my life. I thought he was so sensible :(
If anyone has experience with an under 18, did you choose to get a solicitor or go through it with the duty solicitor or not have one?
I have no idea if or when to look into/ decide on this. And how much it costs?! :-(
I am still in disbelief that this has happened. I literally said a few weeks ago, I would trust that kid with my life. I thought he was so sensible :(
Hi Crushed
As your son is under 18, I believe he will be eligible for Legal Aid (you can check this with the Citizen Advice Bureau) . It would be good to ensure any solicitor your son works with, has experience and good knowledge of Youth Courts .
Have you thought about contacting the Youth Justice Legal Centre as they have a free advice line. The link to their website is https://yjlc.uk/ they may be able to help you and your son.
As your son is under 18, I believe he will be eligible for Legal Aid (you can check this with the Citizen Advice Bureau) . It would be good to ensure any solicitor your son works with, has experience and good knowledge of Youth Courts .
Have you thought about contacting the Youth Justice Legal Centre as they have a free advice line. The link to their website is https://yjlc.uk/ they may be able to help you and your son.
Hi, sorry you are in this situation.
I'm just over a year on and my advice is that depending on your circumstances you might not know the calibre, hidden personal bias or experience of the duty solicitor until the cyber report comes through.
Ours could not hide her personal opinion on my son when the report came through and it became apparent she was doing the bare minimum. He was under 18 and knowing now what I have learned in this journey, opportunities for engaging in Diversion were missed.
You should ask what their experience in these cases are and in particular with younger people.
I'm just over a year on and my advice is that depending on your circumstances you might not know the calibre, hidden personal bias or experience of the duty solicitor until the cyber report comes through.
Ours could not hide her personal opinion on my son when the report came through and it became apparent she was doing the bare minimum. He was under 18 and knowing now what I have learned in this journey, opportunities for engaging in Diversion were missed.
You should ask what their experience in these cases are and in particular with younger people.
Alison thank you so much, I will have a look.
LW78 thank you. Are you able to share what your sons charge was and the outcome at all please? It's so hard to find similar cases.
Do you wait until they are called back to the station for questioning to get a solicitor? I literally have no clue.
Thank you both again x
LW78 thank you. Are you able to share what your sons charge was and the outcome at all please? It's so hard to find similar cases.
Do you wait until they are called back to the station for questioning to get a solicitor? I literally have no clue.
Thank you both again x
Hi Crushed
I feel there is no harm in contacting a few to get a gut feeling for who you would like to represent your son and to check their knowledge and expertise of working with youths and this type of crime.
You can wait a long while for the police/cps to come back to you, but when they do things can move pretty quickly and I feel it is a good idea to have some knowledge on what solicitor you would like to guide your son through the process. All through this journey the police/cps control the pace, so I feel it is good to also try a be a step ahead too, where you can. (hope this makes sense)
Thinking of you.
I feel there is no harm in contacting a few to get a gut feeling for who you would like to represent your son and to check their knowledge and expertise of working with youths and this type of crime.
You can wait a long while for the police/cps to come back to you, but when they do things can move pretty quickly and I feel it is a good idea to have some knowledge on what solicitor you would like to guide your son through the process. All through this journey the police/cps control the pace, so I feel it is good to also try a be a step ahead too, where you can. (hope this makes sense)
Thinking of you.