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Youth Crime

We have been successfully defending young people (i.e. those under the age of 18) for over 40 years.
Legal 500 Leading Firm 2026
The Times Best Law Firms 2026
Criminal Defence

Youth Crime Defence Solicitors London

Recognised as a Legal 500 Leading Firm 2026 and included in The Times Best Law Firms 2026, Lewis Nedas Law represents children and young people facing criminal investigations and prosecutions throughout London and across England & Wales.

If your child has been arrested, invited to attend a voluntary police interview or charged with a criminal offence, obtaining specialist legal advice at the earliest opportunity is essential. Contact our youth crime solicitors on +44 20 7387 2032 or complete our online enquiry form for confidential legal advice.

Call +44 20 7387 2032 Make a Confidential Enquiry
Specialist Defence

Specialist Youth Crime Defence

Criminal investigations involving children and young people require specialist legal representation. The youth justice system differs significantly from the adult criminal courts, with greater emphasis placed upon safeguarding, rehabilitation and preventing further offending.

Even so, a youth caution, charge or conviction can have serious consequences for education, employment opportunities and a young person's future.

Lewis Nedas Law has been defending young people for more than 40 years. We advise clients from the earliest stage of a police investigation through to proceedings before the Youth Court and, where appropriate, the Crown Court.

Why Choose Lewis Nedas Law?

Why Choose Lewis Nedas Law?

Lewis Nedas Law is recognised for its work in criminal defence.

Our credentials include:

Recognised as a Legal 500 Leading Firm 2026

Included in The Times Best Law Firms 2026

More than 40 years' experience in criminal defence

Partner-led legal representation

Extensive experience representing children and young people

Representation before Youth Courts, Crown Courts and the Court of Appeal

Available to advise and represent clients throughout England and Wales

Every case is considered individually, with advice based upon the evidence, the applicable law and the best interests of the young person.

Offences We Defend

Youth Offences We Defend

Our solicitors regularly represent young people accused of offences including:

Public order offences

Robbery

Theft and burglary

Criminal damage

Gang-related allegations

Murder and other serious offences

County lines investigations

Whether the allegation is relatively minor or exceptionally serious, we provide clear legal advice and robust representation throughout the criminal justice process.

Police Station Advice

Police Station Advice for Young People

Many youth crime investigations begin with an arrest or voluntary interview under caution.

Children and young people have additional legal protections during police interviews, including the right to have an appropriate adult present.

Our solicitors provide immediate advice by:

Attending police stations

Advising before interview

Protecting the young person's legal rights

Explaining the process to parents and guardians

Assessing the available evidence

Advising on the most appropriate approach during interview

Early legal advice can have a significant impact on how an investigation develops.

Youth Court Proceedings

Youth Court Proceedings

Most criminal cases involving defendants under the age of 18 are heard in the Youth Court, although the most serious allegations may be sent to the Crown Court.

The Youth Court places greater emphasis on rehabilitation than punishment. Depending on the circumstances, outcomes may include:

Youth cautions

Youth conditional cautions

Referral Orders

Youth Rehabilitation Orders

Absolute or conditional discharges

Custodial sentences for the most serious offences

Where appropriate, we make detailed representations aimed at avoiding prosecution or achieving the least restrictive outcome available.

Supporting Young People

Supporting Young People Beyond the Criminal Case

Many young clients have additional needs that require careful consideration.

Where appropriate, we work alongside:

Parents and guardians

Schools and colleges

Youth offending teams

Educational specialists

Child psychologists

Mental health professionals

Speech and language experts

Understanding a young person's personal circumstances is often an important part of preparing the strongest possible defence and presenting effective mitigation before the court.

Our Experience

Our Experience

Lewis Nedas Law has extensive experience representing children and young people accused of offences ranging from relatively minor allegations through to the most serious criminal prosecutions.

Our criminal defence team includes Jeffrey Lewis, Leila Abdul-Rasool, Siobhain Egan, Miles Herman, Tony Meisels, Laura Saunsbury and Keith Wood, each of whom has substantial experience advising young clients, their parents and guardians throughout police investigations, Youth Court proceedings and Crown Court trials.

Where appropriate, we work with leading King's Counsel, psychologists, psychiatrists and other specialist experts to prepare the strongest possible defence.

What To Do Next

What Should You Do If Your Child Is Arrested?

If your child has been arrested or invited to attend a police interview:

01

Obtain specialist legal advice immediately.

02

Do not encourage them to answer police questions before receiving legal advice.

03

Attend the police station if requested.

04

Preserve any relevant evidence, messages or documents.

05

Seek legal advice before making any public statement or social media post.

Early representation can make a significant difference to the outcome of the investigation.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age can a child be prosecuted in England and Wales?

The age of criminal responsibility is 10 years old.

Will my child's case be heard in the Youth Court?

Most cases involving defendants under 18 are dealt with in the Youth Court, although the most serious offences may be transferred to the Crown Court.

What is an appropriate adult?

An appropriate adult supports a child or vulnerable person during police procedures and helps protect their rights.

Can a young person avoid a criminal conviction?

Depending on the circumstances, diversionary outcomes or youth cautions may be available.

Can Lewis Nedas Law represent young people throughout England and Wales?

Yes. We advise and represent children and young people throughout London and across England and Wales.

Speak To Our Team

Contact Our Youth Crime Defence Solicitors London

If your child is under investigation or facing prosecution, obtaining specialist legal advice as early as possible can make a significant difference.

Lewis Nedas Law is recognised as a Legal 500 Leading Firm 2026 and included in The Times Best Law Firms 2026. Our experienced youth crime solicitors advise children, parents and guardians throughout London and across England and Wales.

Your matter may be handled by Jeffrey Lewis, Leila Abdul-Rasool, Siobhain Egan, Miles Herman, Tony Meisels, Laura Saunsbury or Keith Wood, all of whom have extensive experience representing young people within the youth justice system.

To speak with a member of our youth crime team, call +44 20 7387 2032 or complete our online enquiry form to arrange a confidential consultation.

Call +44 20 7387 2032 Arrange a Confidential Consultation

Contact Us

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