What happens in court?
Youth Justice help young people going to court. Learn about what happens at court, how to prepare, and who may be involved.
When a young person attends court
For most young people, court is the first time they meet someone from Youth Justice NSW. Many young people feel scared and confused at court. While in court, a young person relies on their solicitor and a Youth Justice Intake Officer or caseworker to understand their court order and what they need to do next.
The young person is given a court date
The young person will be given a Court Attendance Notice (CAN) by police to attend court on a set date. If the young person is in custody on remand, they will be brought to the court by Youth Justice or the police. Alternatively, the young person may attend the court hearing via an audio-video link.
If the young person is found guilty
If the young person is found guilty, the magistrate decides on the young person’s sentence or reschedules (or adjourns) the matter so that Youth Justice can provide a background report.
The magistrate may also decide to refer the young person to a Youth Justice Conference.
The background report
If the magistrate asks for a background report, the young person will need to return to court on another date. Youth Justice will have up to 6 weeks to complete the report. This requires visiting the young person and interviewing them and their family.
The report cannot be submitted to the court unless the young person agrees.
Possible court outcomes
The magistrate may sentence the young person to a community court order, a control order or referral to a Youth Justice Conference. The magistrate can also dismiss the charges or give the young person a caution.
How the young person will work with Youth Justice
If the young person receives a community court order, it may include a condition that the young person accept supervision by Youth Justice. The young person must contact Youth Justice within 7 days of the order being made.
The court order will outline the length of the supervision period with Youth Justice.
Contact your local Youth Justice Community Office.
Following the rules of the court order
The young person must follow the conditions of their court order. If they do not, they may face potential re-sentencing on that order.