Youth Criminal Justice Act Lawyer

Toronto Lawyer for Young Offenders

What is a young offender and how does the Young Offenders Act work?

Young offenders, those 12-17, are treated differently than adults by the criminal justice system. The Youth Criminal Justice Act recognizes that young people lack the life experience and judgment of adults. The result is that they have enhanced rights and protections under the Act. As such, special rules and considerations ensure that young offenders are treated fairly and protected from intimidating prosecutors.

Even though it is the youth that is being charged, this process of going through the justice system involves the parents or guardians just as much. Having legal representation from the start can ensure that your child’s rights are not ignored by the police and prosecution.

As a parent, you are entitled to be notified by the police if your son or daughter has been charged with a criminal offence. Young offenders are also entitled to have a parent or guardian present during any interview with police. Parents must also be notified in writing of the young person’s rights to silence and to be represented by counsel. For statements to be admissible in courts, police much follow strict rules and procedures. However, police may attempt to have the young person waive these rights. That is why is it important to retain legal counsel as quickly as possible.

How do I beat a charge under the Young Offenders Act?

The Youth Criminal Justice Act recognizes that young people are more likely to make mistakes stemming from their lack of life experience and are more easily rehabilitated. As such, there are rules to protect the identity of the young person and to promote their rehabilitation with the goal of them being contributing and socially aware adults.

Getting youth charges dropped can be accomplished through a solid defence strategy. After all, the onus is on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Your first conversation with Michael with be a no charge strategy session. You will learn how the youth criminal justice act works and what options may be available to you.

Once you retain Michael as your lawyer, he becomes your child’s number one defender. For you as a parent, Michael makes himself available 24/7 to answer your questions and let you know how things are progressing.

Michael’s experience and knowledge of this specialized area of law allows him to navigate the complexities of the youth criminal justice system. His goal is to protect your child and give them the greatest opportunity to unburden themselves of their past mistakes as they enter adulthood.

  • In most cases, no. The Youth Criminal Justice Act places a focus on the principles of rehabilitation, reintegration and accountability. The privacy rights of Young Offenders are protected by Publication Bans and the sealing of Youth Records outside the statutory access periods. An experienced criminal lawyer will advise you and your child as to the various statutory protections available under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
  • Genuine remorse is an important consideration for crown attorneys and judges to consider in dealing with a Young Offender. There are several ways an accused person may express his/her remorse. Some examples include: taking steps toward rehabilitation (counseling), letters of apology to the victim(s) of the crime, financial restitution and pleading guilty.
  • Every case is unique with its own set of facts. Upon being retained, Michael will interview the client to determine the best course of action. If there is a viable defence in the case, Michael will advise you and your child accordingly and proceed with the objective of achieving the best possible result in the case.

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