For young people, a first encounter with criminal justice can have lasting effects. While perceptions of equitable treatment can generate feelings of belongingness and acceptance, treatment perceived as unfair or prejudicial can generate experiences of dissonance and exclusion. However, little research has examined young people’s appraisals of justice system encounters. The purpose of the study was to examine perceptions of criminal justice among young people suspected of a first, non-serious offence.

Using an intensive longitudinal design, young people suspected of criminal activity (n = 21) were interviewed during a justice process. Using subjective procedural justice as an analytical framework, a theory-driven thematic analysis was conducted. Results revealed how the actions of crime-prevention professionals were mostly appraised as proportionate and beneficially intended. However, some participants reported negative encounters and lacking opportunities for agency. Findings are evaluated in relation to the long-term consequences of a first encounter with criminal justice.