Legal Advice

Imagine losing your job, your car, or your freedom and then finding out it
could have been avoided. This happens to many young people simply
because they don’t know their legal rights or how to get legal advice.

Funding a court action

Going to court is expensive but the Legal Services Commission (LSC) may
pay all or part of the costs if you qualify. Funding covers legal advice, having a solicitor or adviser speak on your behalf at a court hearing, help resolving family disputes and legal representation.

You need to visit a solicitor to find out if you qualify for funding. Choose a solicitor that does a low-cost or free initial interview and make it clear that you will need LSC funding.

If you are under 16, in most cases your parent or carer should apply on your behalf.

Sources of free advice:

• Some solicitors offer free or low-cost initial interviews.
• Children's Legal Centre advises on most aspects of the law - 01206 872 466.
• Youth Access can help you find local solicitors and other sources of help - 020 8772 9900.
• SMART helps people arrested for drug/alcohol related offences - 01865 243539.
• Citizens Advice Bureaus advise on all legal matters - there's one in every town.
• Information points (find yours in the Help! Directory) can point you in the right direction and help with writing letters and making phone calls

In this section

• What's legal when?
• In trouble with the police
• Drugs and the Law
• Personal Safety
• Protection from violence and abuse
• Bullying
• Discrimination and harassment
• Your legal rights
• Keeping safe on the Internet
• Print-out contacts and helplines list