Advice

How old, or young, do you have to be to be classed as a young offender? And what sentences do young offenders get for committing a crime? Fine out here, plus info on ASBOs and getting back on the straight and narrow...

How old is young?

If you're aged 10-17 and have committed an offence, you're a young offender.

Do young offenders go to prison?

It's always a last resort. The main custodial (prison) sentence for 12 to 17-year olds is the Detention and Training Order, which lasts from four months to two years. It combines time in prison with time under supervision in the community.

And if not prison?

• If it's a first court trial and you plead guilty, you could be given a Referral Order, where you have to meet with a panel to agree a contract to repair any harm done and stop you doing it again.
• There's also community service, especially if you're 16 or 17. This could be anything from picking up litter to cleaning grafitti off a wall.
• And then there's the ASBO, the Anti-Social Behaviour Order?...

Anti-Social Behaviour

• Anti-social behaviour includes vandalism, graffiti and intimidation.
• The first step, if you're an anti-social offender, is an Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC): a voluntary signed agreement ('voluntary' meaning it's not given out by the courts and you won't get a criminal record). By signing the agreement, you agree to stop the anti-social behaviour.
• If you've committed a number of anti-social behaviour offences, you could get an ASBO. This is a court order that can stop you going to a certain area or spending time with certain people. If you get an ASBO you won't get a criminal record unless you're found guilty of breaking the order.

I want to break free?...

If you've been in trouble with the law but want to get back on the straight and narrow, it can be difficult. Being tempted back into crime, not being able to get a job, not having enough money, family problems and staying away from drink and drugs are some of the problems people fresh out of prison can face.