Anyone committing an offence between the ages of ten and eighteen will appear in the youth court. For less serious offences there are a number of disposals that can and usually will be used before offences are brought before the court and once before the court the range of sentences that the court has at its disposal is vastly different from the sentences that can be imposed in an adult court. It is therefore essential that legal advice is taken on behalf of anyone who is due to appear before the youth court. It will almost certainly cost you nothing. The granting of legal aid is not dependent on parents’ income and the vast majority of offences that are before the youth court will merit the granting of legal aid.