Whatever the offence, things are very different when the person charged is under 18. A lawyer who understands the special needs of youth in the criminal justice system can help ensure that special care is taken throughout the process and all of the youth's rights are respected.
If you or your child has been charged under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), we can help you through it. The office of Nicholas St-Pierre is familiar with the needs of youth charged with crimes and can take advantage of the opportunities offered.
Protect Your Child's Future. Start With A Free Consultation.
If your child has been charged with a crime, you need to act fast. Our lawyers can give you the information you need to understand what's at stake and what can be done to fight the charges. Call 613-233-3793 or email us to arrange a free consultataion today.
We Can Provide A Customized Defence For Your Child
Minors charged with crimes are treated differently in a number of ways. For example:
- Not all minors can be charged: A person who is between 12 and 18 years old at the time of the alleged offence can be charged with a crime under the YCJA. A person who is not 12 years old cannot be charged with a crime in Canada.
- They are not expected to fully understand their crime: Often, youth charged with crimes don't understand that what they have done is wrong, or that it's legally a crime. The serious legal consequences of schoolyard fights, bullying, and even drug dealing and theft may not be real to them. The legal system takes this into account, and so do we.
- They are not expected to fully understand the process: Youth are often unsure of their own rights in terms of having parents or a lawyer present during questioning or arrest. We can ensure that those rights are respected.
- The process itself is different: In Ottawa, judges specially trained in the considerations given to young offenders sit in a specialized court, and ensure that minors are not treated as adults except where appropriate. Parents and guardians are often an important part of the process. Our Youth Court lawyer regularly guides youth through the system.
- Diversion is emphasized throughout the process: Police officers have an obligation under the YCJA to consider extra-judicial sanctions or pre-charge diversion. This means they have to consider alternate options before charging the young person with a crime. Even after being charged, the Crown can still offer to withdraw charges if the young person will participate in extra-judicial sanctions. A young person must be careful before accepting to complete extra-judicial sanctions as there are consequences of entering into this program. Our lawyers can offer assistance and help you make the right decision.
- Sentencing is different: The assumption is that young offenders are still learning how to behave, and should be treated with more understanding than adult offenders. Even for serious crimes, rehabilitation and education are seen as more important than punishment. Sentences are often shorter and rely far less on incarceration, except for violent crimes. Even when a young person is given a custodial sentence, it can often be served in an open facility (as opposed to a real jail) if the proper submissions are made by an experienced counsel.
Get A Free Consultation About Your Child's Charges
Talk to our youth crime lawyer in Gatineau, Ottawa and the National Capital Region. Call 613-233-3793 or fill out our online form.
