Youth and Juvenile Offences
Youth and juvenile offences involve situations where a child or young person is accused of breaking the law, often leading to concerns about warnings, diversion programs, bail, parental involvement and the long-term impact of a criminal record. Many families want to understand how the youth justice system works, what options may be available and how age and maturity influence decisions.
This page outlines the general issues that may arise and explains how Law Tram provides a secure and obligation-free way to connect with licensed Australian lawyers who can discuss your circumstances confidentially.
Supporting a young person facing criminal charges?
Young people under 18 are generally dealt with through the Children’s Courts systems of Australia’s states and territories, which focuses more on rehabilitation than punishment. However, juvenile charges can still carry serious consequences and may impact future education, employment or visa opportunities.
Recent developments in the way youth crime is treated mean it has never been more important to seek legal advice.
If your child or a young person in your care has been charged with a criminal offence, it is critical to act quickly. Police and courts follow different procedures when minors are involved, and early legal advice helps avoid unnecessary consequences or escalation.
Law Tram does not assist minors directly. Our platform is available for parents or legal guardians who are seeking privately funded legal help from a solicitor to represent or advise a young person.
Law Tram's Legal Partners can assist parents or carers with youth matters, including:
- Theft, property damage or shoplifting
- Assault, school fights or public order offences
- Drug possession or supply charges involving minors
- Sexual misconduct or consent-related issues among teenagers
- Unlawful entry, graffiti, or criminal mischief
- Youth diversion programs and cautions
- Bail applications and sentencing in the Children’s Court
- Advice on long-term impacts and how to protect the young person’s future
Why choose Law Tram
- Connect with lawyers who understand youth justice matters
- Confidential platform to outline the situation
- Guidance on documents or information that may be relevant
- No obligation to engage any lawyer you speak with
- Lawyers help you understand the legal considerations involved
How it works
What others are saying
Legal information only – not a substitute for advice
This page provides general legal information only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied on as such. Criminal charges can carry serious penalties and strict time limits. You should seek advice from an Australian Legal Practitioner as early as possible, especially before the young person speaks to police or attends court.
Law Tram does not provide emergency legal support or crisis response services and does not assist in finding legal representation for minors.
Take the first step toward resolution
Law Tram offers a secure, efficient and supportive way to connect with lawyers who understand the legal issues involved in youth and juvenile offences. Whether the situation relates to school-based incidents, property offences, online behaviour, violence, diversion programs or concerns about how a young person is being treated by authorities, our platform helps you access tailored legal guidance before you decide how to proceed.
Take the first step with clarity and peace of mind by starting your free online consultation with Law Tram now.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Law Tram does not assist minors directly. A parent, guardian or adult with legal authority must use the platform on the young person’s behalf.
It’s designed to be less formal and more focused on rehabilitation. Sentences are usually aimed at helping the young person avoid reoffending.
Possibly. First-time offenders may be eligible for diversion, cautions or conditional discharges. A lawyer can advise on what’s available.
Yes. Parents or carers are usually required to attend court with the young person unless the court says otherwise.
Potentially. A lawyer can help reduce this risk by advising on outcomes that limit the long-term impact on work, travel or study.
School correspondence, police notices, charge documents, witness information, messages, videos and a clear timeline can help a lawyer outline the general issues that may arise.
Yes. A lawyer can outline the general processes and factors considered when deciding whether a young person may be eligible for diversion or alternative pathways.
Yes. A lawyer can explain how records for children are treated, when they may be disclosed and the circumstances in which they may be spent or sealed.