Best Juvenile Law Lawyers in Fareham

About Juvenile Law in Fareham, United Kingdom

Juvenile Law in Fareham, as in the rest of England and Wales, focuses on the legal procedures and protections concerning children and young people under the age of 18 who are involved in the legal system. This area of law covers a variety of situations such as criminal proceedings against young people, local authority care proceedings, child protection, and family law matters. The aim of Juvenile Law is to safeguard the welfare of children, provide suitable rehabilitation over punishment, and ensure that young people have appropriate representation and support throughout any legal process.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

People may seek legal advice in Juvenile Law for a number of reasons. Common scenarios include when a young person is accused or charged with a crime, when local authorities are investigating concerns about a child’s welfare, or when there are disputes about a child’s living arrangements or care. Other situations include school exclusion proceedings, applications for care or supervision orders, or situations where the rights of the young person need to be protected during any police or court procedure. Having a solicitor or legal professional who understands the complexities of Juvenile Law can make a significant difference to the outcome and ensure the rights of the child are upheld.

Local Laws Overview

In Fareham, Juvenile Law operates within the broader framework of English law, including the Children Act 1989, the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, and the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999. Key aspects include:

• Children under 10 years old cannot be held criminally responsible.
• Youth courts deal specifically with defendants aged 10 to 17, with special procedures and privacy rules to protect young people.
• Police and social services have powers to safeguard children if they believe a child is at risk of harm.
• Local authorities can apply to family courts for care or supervision orders where necessary for a child’s safety and wellbeing.
• Young people have the right to legal representation and an appropriate adult during police interviews.

Each case is unique, and specific procedures or outcomes may be influenced by local practices in Fareham and the wider Hampshire area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the age of criminal responsibility?

In England, including Fareham, the age of criminal responsibility is 10 years old. Children younger than this cannot be charged with a criminal offense.

Where are cases involving young people heard?

Most cases involving young people are heard in a Youth Court, which is designed to be less formal and more supportive than adult courts. Only the most serious cases may be transferred to a Crown Court.

Can a child be held in police custody?

A child may be held in police custody but this should only occur where absolutely necessary. The law requires the presence of an appropriate adult, such as a parent or social worker, during any questioning.

What happens if my child is accused of a crime?

If a young person is accused of a crime, it is vital to seek legal advice as soon as possible. They will be entitled to legal representation and may be dealt with through cautions, warnings, or court proceedings depending on the severity of the offence.

What is an appropriate adult?

An appropriate adult is a responsible person, such as a parent, guardian, social worker, or trained volunteer, whose role is to support and protect the rights of young people during police investigations.

When do social services get involved?

Social services get involved when there are concerns about a child’s safety, welfare, or living arrangements. They have statutory powers to investigate and recommend interventions if necessary.

What is a care order?

A care order is a decision by the Family Court giving the local authority legal responsibility for a child’s care and welfare, often where there are significant concerns about the child’s home environment.

Can young people have their own lawyer?

Yes, children and young people have the right to their own legal representation and can instruct a solicitor separately from their parents or guardians in many situations.

Are juvenile proceedings confidential?

Yes, proceedings concerning children and young people are usually held in private, and reporting restrictions apply to protect the identity of the young person.

What support services are available for young people in trouble with the law?

Support services include youth offending teams, counseling, advocacy services, and local authority children’s services, all of which can offer tailored assistance to young people and their families.

Additional Resources

People seeking legal advice or support in Juvenile Law in Fareham may find the following organizations and bodies helpful:

• Fareham Borough Council - Children’s Services
• Hampshire Safeguarding Children Partnership
• National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS)
• Child Law Advice
• Citizens Advice Fareham
• Youth Offending Team (YOT) for Hampshire
• Solicitors regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with expertise in child and family law

Next Steps

If you or your family require legal help regarding Juvenile Law in Fareham, you should consider the following steps:

• Contact a solicitor or law firm that specializes in child or youth law as soon as possible for a confidential consultation.
• If a child has been arrested, request a duty solicitor at the police station and ensure an appropriate adult is present.
• For concerns about child protection or welfare, contact your local authority’s children’s services department.
• Gather any relevant documents or details before meeting with a lawyer to help them understand and advise on your situation quickly.
• Take note of any deadlines for responding to court documents or local authority requests.

The earlier you seek guidance, the more options you are likely to have for resolving the situation efficiently and in the best interests of the child.