As part of our ongoing commitment to providing expert advice and representation to young people involved in the Criminal Justice System, our team at Lawtons recently engaged in further Youth Justice training, thanks to an all-day training program provided by representatives from the Youth Justice Legal Centre (YJLC).
The training was extremely informative and insightful, where our specialists engaged directly with the representatives of the YJLC, covering various vital subjects such as out-of-court disposals, child criminal exploitation, welfare and safeguarding and racism, child and the police. During one of the modules, one of our own cases was referenced by the trainer as an example of one of the leading cases in this area, highlighting our team’s proficiency and expertise in handling youth justice cases.
As a firm, Lawtons has already established a strong reputation when it comes to youth justice cases, with a team of individuals who specialise in this area. We are grateful for the opportunity this training provided for our team to further our expertise as a whole and to ensure that we are continually upholding best practices and standards when it comes to supporting children through the criminal justice system.
If you or your child has been arrested or is currently facing criminal investigation, it is vital that you seek out legal representation from solicitors with specialist knowledge of this complex niche area. At Lawtons, we understand youth justice proceedings and have the expertise to navigate them effectively to achieve the best possible outcome. Contact our specialist team today on 0333 577 0522 or visit our enquiries page.
Recent Successes in Youth Justice Cases
Charges Withdrawn for Youth Client: Modern Slavery Case Success – Samantha Harmer
Our youth client was involved in gang activity and his offending was suspected to be the result of criminal exploitation. Following two NRM referrals and diligent legal defence from Samantha Harmer, it was confirmed our client was a victim of modern slavery and the charges against him were withdrawn.
Success in Abuse of Process Argument – Kajel Doshi
Our youth client was assured by Police that his offence would not result in prosecution and that he would be referred for an out-of-court disposal. Despite these assurances, he was later charged and faced prosecution and a conviction on his criminal record. Kajel Doshi expertly argued an abuse of process argument, which is notoriously difficult to succeed in. Thanks to the strength of the application and Kajel’s legal expertise, no evidence was offered by the Prosecution and the charge was dropped.
Case Dropped: Client Charged with Possession of Blade and Possession of Drugs – Kajel Doshi
Our youth client was arrested on suspicion of two offences when he was fifteen, however police days meant that he was not charged until he was eighteen. This meant that he would be charged as an adult, rather than in the Youth Court and would face a much harsher punishment. Kajel Doshi applied for the case to be stayed as an abuse of process, as the Police had failed to bring about a timely Prosecution. The strength and detail of the argument led the Prosecution conceding that continued prosecution would not be in the public interest.
Successful Appeal against SHPO at Chelmsford Crown Court – Nick Titchener
Our youth client was initially represented by a different firm of solicitors in the Youth Court. He pleaded guilty to three offences concerning indecent images of children, where the Court proceeded immediately to sentencing without adjourning for a Report from the Youth Offending Service. Without specialist advice and representation from his then solicitors no submissions were made on how the Court should sentence our youth client. As a consequence, our client was made the subject of a twelve-month referral order but, wrongly, also a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which made him subject to the Sex Offenders Register for five years as well as part of the Notification Requirements.
After transferring to Lawtons, Nick Titchener appealed against the making of the SHPO, arguing that it was not necessary in this case to prevent sexual harm and that the Court did not have due regard to prevailing youth guidance. Ultimately, the Appeal was successful and the decision to impose a SHPO was reversed meaning that he would not be required to sign on the Register as part of the Notification requirements.
