You have to go to court - an information leaflet for young defendants

Purpose of the leaflet

HMCS has worked with other Criminal Justice Agencies through a cross CJS Working Group  to develop a leaflet aimed  at  preparing  young defendants for an effective court appearance.

Our important messages for young defendants:

• Don’t miss court
• do what the bail notice tells you
• get a solicitor
• Take your parents or carers to court with you
• Take to court any official papers you are given

Distribution of leaflets
The leaflet has been distributed to the police, Youth Offending Teams, Youth Courts, Magistrates and Crown Courts as well as being available via web. We intend to issue a leaflet to all young offenders aged 10 to 17 years inclusive via the police at the point of charge or summons.

What languages is it available in?

The leaflet is available in 

• English 
• Welsh
• Somali
• Gujarati
• Punjabi
• Arabic
• Bengali
• Polish
• Chinese (traditional)
• Chinese (simplified)

A podcast of the leaflet in English has also been developed for those who have difficulty with reading. Pending its publication on the DirectGov website, a copy can be obtained from Nilou Raman at Nilou.Raman@hmcourts-service.gsi.gov.uk