But why do I need a solicitor if I haven’t done anything wrong?

Some people think that it will seem like they have something to hide if they have a solicitor with them. This isn’t the case, sexual offences are highly complex and specialist legal advice will simply ensure that you are not disadvantaged in any way. When you are innocent, you want to do everything in your power to put the best defence forward, your liberty, reputation and livelihood is at stake. Specialist sexual offence solicitors on your side will ensure that you are provided with advance notice about any allegations so that you can prepare for any questions. Without a solicitor, the police do not have to give you any advanced warning.

What if I have been falsely accused?

Firstly, do not try to contact the complainant, your first step should be to contact us.

I have been ‘Released under Investigation’, what does this mean?

The police will continue to investigate the allegations against you, but no bail conditions apply. Nick Titchener, director and solicitor advocate explains further.

What does ‘historic sexual offences’ mean?

‘Historic sexual offences’ refers to cases when allegations are made about sexual offences a long time after the alleged incident. The offence is then prosecuted.

What if the accused is now at an elderly age?

Sometimes the accused might now be elderly and suffering from health issues. This can be especially upsetting for their family and loved ones. Our solicitors handle all cases sensitively and must consider if the accused is fit to stand trial.

What does ‘possession’ of indecent images mean?

To be found guilty of possession of indecent images, there must be evidence of physical possession, control and custody of the indecent images, as well as the knowledge that the images are on your device and are indecent in nature.

What are ‘prohibited’ images?

Prohibited images are illegal but different to indecent images of children — it is a crime to possess them. They might involve child pornography (including drawings), but typicallly are those of extreme violence/torture and some sado-masochistic acts or animal abuse.

Will telephone and social media evidence be relevant?

Yes, it is becoming more common for text messages and relevant social media posts to be used as evidence. The police will often seize any mobile devices and download evidence which can be unnerving and upsetting. If you find yourself in this situation, you should have legal representation as soon as possible. Some believe they don’t need legal help as they are innocent, but it is vital that you get the best legal advice whatever the circumstances, so that you don’t say anything you regret later.

What does consent mean in sex offences?

Consent is to give agreement to any sexual activity. It is necessary to show that the accused believed that the other party genuinely consented. Consent is an issue to consider when the case involves adults, but not children.

Youth Crime & Offence Solicitors

Youth Common Assault Solicitors

Common Assault can be a difficult aspect of law to get your head around – no physical contact needs to have even been made to be found guilty. It’s important you get the legal expertise you need to get the best outcome from a case involving common assault. Read more

Youth ABH & GBH Solicitors

Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) and Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) are differentiated through the level of injury the victim sustained. Many defence cases are built on self-defence, the Courts look to assess the intentions and the level of force used to assess appropriate penalties. Read more

Youth Knife Violence Solicitors

With the recent rise in violent knife crime in London, there are now harsher and longer sentencing guidelines around possession of pointed or bladed weapons. A conviction can lead to up to four years in prison. It is vital to contact a specialist solicitor before taking part in any sort of police interview. Read more

Youth Theft and Shoplifting Solicitors

Theft is one of three ‘dishonesty cases’, and can be one of the most difficult areas of the law. Lawtons Solicitors have specialist theft solicitors with the expertise to work through the details of your case and get you the best possible outcome. Read more

Youth Drug Offence & Supply Solicitors

Drug offences can be often hard to understand, so expert advice is key for understanding such charges. Read on to find out how each is different. Read more

Youth Sexual Assault Defence Solicitors

If you have been accused of sexual assault, the allegation can have a devastating impact on every area of your life. That’s why it’s crucial that you get reliable legal advice from a criminal defence solicitor with expertise in sexual crime. Read more

Youth Rape Defence Solicitors

Sentences for Rape served by the Crown Court, and a life sentence is a possible consequence for a rape crime. It is imperative you seek specialist legal advice to protect your rights, your reputation and get you the most positive result. Read more

Youth Indecent Images Solicitors

As with other sexual allegations, your reputation is at stake. Indecent Images Charges can be one of the hardest charges to defend due to discrepancies in the law. It’s vital that you have a specialist and experienced team on your side. Read more

Specialist Youth Crime Solicitors

At Lawtons, we are committed to advocating for and protecting children who have become involved in the criminal justice system. Our specialist youth crime team brings a wealth of experience in this area and understands how to build relationships with youth clients built on trust, understanding and compassion.

As active members of the Youth Justice Legal Centre, our team benefits from regular training and development, ensuring we uphold the highest standards of care and remain fully equipped to secure the best possible outcomes for the young people we represent.

If a child has been arrested or charged with a criminal offence, contact Lawtons today to protect their future.

What is youth crime?

Youth offences or youth crime is an offence committed by a child between the ages of 10 and 17. In England, the age of criminal responsibility is 10 years old, meaning if a child under the age of 10 commits an offence they cannot be convicted.

Having a strong defence and the guidance of specialist youth crime solicitors is vital, as certain youth convictions can remain on a criminal record well into adulthood, if not permanently. This can affect future education, employment and insurance prospects.

Our team of expert youth offences solicitors has years of experience in handling youth cases and understands how to secure the best possible outcome for you or your child.

What are common youth offences?

There are a broad range of offences committed by children and young people. However, certain offences tend to be more common:

Theft and Handling of Stolen Goods
Public Order Offences
Assault and Serious Violence
Drug Offences
Knife and Offensive Weapon Offences

In certain cases, youth offending may be the result of child criminal exploitation (CCE). Our team of specialist youth solicitors are experienced in handling cases relating to CCE and modern slavery and will prepare a robust defence to ensure a positive outcome.

What involvement do parents/guardians have in youth crime proceedings?

If a child is facing criminal charges or is under criminal investigation, their parents, guardians or carers can be largely involved in all aspects of proceedings.

When a child is arrested, the Police must inform their parents/guardians as soon as possible. Depending on the circumstances of the case, a parent/guardian may be required to act as the appropriate adult at the Police Station.

In the Youth Court, attendance of a parent or guardian is mandatory for a child under the age of 16. In some cases, parents/guardians maybe considered responsible for addressing their child’s offending behaviour and may be involved in various programmes to prevent reoffending.

Why choose Lawtons youth crime solicitors?

Lawtons are a specialist criminal defence firm with offices in London and across the South East, offering specialist legal advice all across England and Wales. We are ranked as a Band 1 firm for crime by Chambers & Partners and as a leading firm by the Legal 500. Managing Partner Stephen Halloran was awarded Solicitor of the Year at the Hertfordshire Law Society’s Legal Excellency Awards 2025.

We have years of experience representing children accused of criminal offences and have succeeded in having charges discontinued in many cases. We will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you or your child, ensuring transparency and sensitivity throughout.

We understand how distressing it is for children and their family to be facing a criminal conviction. Equally, we understand the serious impact that a conviction can have on a child’s future. A strong defence can make a huge difference in the type of penalty imposed and, in some cases, may lead to charges being dropped.

Taking into consideration the details of the case, we will advise you or your child on the best approach to take throughout proceedings, starting from the police station through to the youth court, if applicable. If a child has been accused of a criminal offence, it’s vital to contact a specialist solicitor for advice as soon as possible. Futures are on the line – don’t hesitate and contact us today.