youth and the law

[alelol]

my son aged 15 was found to be in possession of CANNABIS , a tiny piece of resin . the police asked him to go to station with me DAD , they said just come in for a talk , we got there they did dna etc and then told him he was to go to court ? we have had a date.. my questions

1. will he need a solicitor ?
2 .will he get legal aid ?
3. if fined do i have to pay ( i am on incapacity benefit , no savings or earnings etc)
4 .policeman said u wil get telling off no fine etc . will he be fined ? or does this usually happen.

5 .oh yes his court date is 3 days after his birthday an he will be 16 does this make a difference.


thank you in advance.

[caz247]

my nephew lives with me and he is 15, i have been to police station , most recent one was last friday to pick him up on three occasions re different offences
never once did they say to me anything about going to court
but that a report woild be sent to childrens panel
i didn't think it went to court for under 16 years of age

[alelol]

HE HAS had court date ...

[Vesper99]

At this age there is every likelihood that (with no previous convictions) he will get a conditional discharge i.e a warning for 12 months. If he does not offend again he will not hear any more. I would not bother with a solicitor for such a minor offence: there is a duty solicior who can help on the day: ask when you get to court. Forget legal aid. 16 makes no difference.
If he is fined you will be expected to pay but can arrange payment terms.

[Shadow Man]

I second what vesper has stated.

However, I assume by the fact he was taken to court the youth has previous convictions or cautions. Depending on his history, he may well receive a custodial sentence. So be aware.

Further, if you do receive a fine why are you so bothered??

The offender will be 16. Send him out to work to pay for it himself. If he can afford illegal drugs he can bloody well get a summer job to pay for the foul habit.

If not kick him out of the house.