If you are under 18 years old, different rules and rights apply when you are dealing with the police or going to court. For more information about criminal charges if you are under 18 years, old, see Youth Hotline.
Police have powers to help them carry out their job.
The law also gives you rights when you are dealing with police or going to court for a criminal offence.
If you have received a Court Attendance Notice, you will have to go to court and you should get legal advice before your court date.
Police might release you on bail if they charge you with an offence, or you might need to go to court to get bail.
If you are not happy with the Court decision, you may be able to appeal that decision.
If you are found guilty of certain offences, Victims Services may contact you to recover money they paid to a victim of your offence.