Final Warning and how it might affect you
The purpose of the Final Warning is to stop you from re-offending.
There are two ways in which the Final Warning will help you to stop offending:
1. The Final Warning session itself will help you to understand:
- what the effects of your offence have been for the victim, you and your family, and others
- what you need to do to stop offending
- how you can help to put things right, and
- how other people (including your parents or others who are important to you) can help you.
2. A special programme of support, activity and advice will normally follow the Final Warning, and will be arranged by the Youth Offending Service. It will be designed to help you to stop offending; to help you to find different things to do and to help you to put right some of the harm done.
What will a Final Warning be like?
A Final Warning is a serious matter. It is the last opportunity for you to stop offending before being taken to Court. It is recorded by the Police and if you offend again within two years you must go to Court.
Because it is serious, the Final Warning may involve you in a meeting or conference where you might be asked to apologise to the victim of your crime and agree to take action to put right some of the harm done.
Following the police decision to give you a Final Warning you will be visited by a member of the Youth Offending Service. The Youth Offending Service will help to explain what will happen and offer you any advice that you need to benefit most from the Final Warning.
After a Final Warning has been given you will usually be expected to take part in a special programme to help you stop offending. It will also help you find alternatives to offending and deal with any related difficulties you may have (such as not getting the most out of school or misusing drugs or alcohol); and to put right some of the harm done.
Why might I be given a Final Warning as against being taken to Court or given a Reprimand?
All crime is serious and has consequences, but you might be offered a Final Warning before being taken to Court. If it is a first offence or if you have reoffended following a Police Reprimand. If you offend again within two years you will be taken to Court and your punishment will reflect the number and seriousness of your offences.
Do I have to accept a Final Warning?
Final Warnings are only for people who accept they committed the offence being investigated. If you do not accept that you committed the offence you should talk to the Police about seeking legal advice.
Will I have a Police Record if I accept a Final Warning?
The Police will keep a record of the Final Warning until you are 18 years old, or for five years after it is given whichever is the longer. This will help them decide any further action if you offend again.
A Final Warning is not a conviction and you are entitled to say to a potential employer that you do not have a conviction. However, as with cautions, a Final Warning may be disclosed to employers in certain circumstances eg for work with children, the sick or vulnerable.
