What to expect if you need to appear in court

Most people are nervous and worried and that’s natural.

If you're worried that you don't understand what's being said, you can ask your lawyer.

Mobile phones should be turned off and any hats or hoodies removed. Being co-operative and respectful is always advisable, and making a good impression is important and may help avoid a remand to a secure setting if there is a risk of that.

At youth court there will be:

• a district judge or a bench (three magistrates)
• a legal clerk
• a representative of the Crown Prosecution Service (police)
• your lawyer
• the usher or list clerk
• a representative from the Youth Justice Service (YJS).

You should sit with your support person and lawyer.