The Law for Young People

        Topic - Criminal Charges

You can be charged for criminal offences when you turn 10 years old.

You can be taken to court and if you are found guilty you can receive a sentence. You can be held in a Youth Detention Centre (JAIL) if the charges are serious enough.

If you are over 17yrs old, then you can be charged as an adult. If you are found guilty, you will receive an adult sentence and may end up in an adult's jail if you persist in offending or if the charges are serious enough.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this site is only relevant to people in Queensland, Australia. The information contained in this publication should not be regarded as a substitute for professional advice and no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions or any loss or damage resulting from reliance on this. The information in this site should only be used as a guide to the law and workers should also consider personal ethics and organisational policy prior to taking action.

Click here to return to Youth Legal general topics.