Youth Solicitor

General Information

The South West Brisbane Community Legal Centre (SWBCLC) currently provides legal advice and representation for young people aged 10-18 who may find themselves in trouble with the police.

The service is provided by an experienced solicitor who will:

• Give legal advice;
• Attend a Police record of interview as a support person, if possible;
• Apply to a court for bail if the young person is in custody;
• Negotiate with police and prosecutors about whether charges should proceed, and;
• Generally protect the rights of the young person.

The service is designed as a "first contact" facility and if the case is serious or involved at the Magistrates Court level, the youth solicitor will assist in arranging for Legal Aid, if available, to be given to the young person to continue his or her defence.

Your Legal Rights

Under 18 & in trouble with the Police? Remember this:

You DO NOT have to:

• go with a police officer unless a particular law states you must, or you have been arrested.
• answer any question, even if arrested, but you should give your correct name, address and age.
• sign any statement or written record of interview.

If:

• you are interviewed, there should be a non-police officer present (eg: lawyer, parent, adult friend, justice of the peace). It is your choice but you should not make any statement to Police, and not be interviewed, until you have received advice from a lawyer.
• you are not sure whether to answer questions, don't until you receive some legal advice and NEVER if affected by drugs or alcohol.

At court:

• if you are unable to get legal advice and representation before going to court, see the court duty lawyer.
• if there is not a duty lawyer available, you can ask for your case to be dealt with on another day so that you can get legal advice.

Wording courtesy of Youth Advocacy Centre Inc.

If you are a young person in this situation, or a parent, or friend of such a person, a youth worker or anyone concerned for a young person, please contact the South West Brisbane Legal Centre for an appointment.

Legal Education for Young People:

Providing free legal education as to the rights and responsibilities of young people for schools especially. Please contact the South West Brisbane Legal Centre for a booking.

Feel you have been treated unfairly at school?

Paper on education bill (PDF format)