Youth Offences

What are Youth Offences

Definition: The Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) is the primary Canadian law dealing with young people (ages 12-17 at the time of the alleged offence) who are accused of crimes.

Important Points:

  • The YCJA aims to hold youth accountable while giving them a chance to rehabilitate. The emphasis is on avoiding a traditional criminal record when possible.
  • Alternatives to court are frequently considered, like police warnings, diversion programs, and community-based resolutions.
  • Despite the focus on rehabilitation, serious cases can still proceed to court and result in criminal records.
 

Focus of the System:

  • Proportionality: Consequences should match the seriousness of the crime and the young person’s needs.
  • Rehabilitation: Reintegrating the youth into the community is a key goal.
  • Protection of Rights: Young people have specific Charter rights that must be respected during police investigations, arrests, and court appearances.

Potential Consequences for Youth Offences

The range of potential consequences is broad under the YCJA. The focus is on tailored rehabilitation and helping young people get back on track:

  • Extrajudicial Measures: Police warnings, referrals to diversion programs, counselling, etc.
  • Extrajudicial Sanctions: Community service, written essays, curfews, etc. imposed by a youth justice committee.
  • Traditional Court Proceedings: This can lead to a criminal record if found guilty. Sentencing options can include probation, custody time (less emphasis on jail and more focus on specialized facilities), and other restrictions.

How We Can Help

Protecting Your Future: The YCJA is complex, and even seemingly minor decisions early on can have lasting consequences. A specialized youth justice lawyer is crucial to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

Navigating the Options: We’ll explain the process, advocating for diversion programs where possible, and fighting to minimize the long-term consequences of any involvement in the youth justice system.

Building a Strong Defence: If your case goes to court, we’ll meticulously examine the evidence, ensure your rights were respected, and build a strong defence strategy:

  • Mistaken identity.
  • Issues with how the police obtained evidence, or how the young person was treated during questioning.
  • Evidence insufficient to prove the young person committed the alleged offence.

Let's Talk About Your Case

The youth justice system is designed to be different, but it’s still a legal process with a serious impact on a young person’s future. Don’t risk navigating this alone. A criminal defence lawyer specializing in youth cases will ensure the young person’s rights are fully protected and that they have the best chance to get back on track. Contact us as soon as possible for a free case review to discuss your situation and potential outcomes.

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