Your age matters quite a bit in many criminal cases in Ottawa. Young offenders are typically not tried or sentenced in the same way that adults are. Instead, the Youth Criminal Justice Act may be cited to hand out charges that are more in line with the person's age. While it's important for all people to know their rights, here are four questions aimed at young offenders.
1. What ages does the Youth Criminal Justice Act focus on?
The act aims at people who are older than 12 and younger than 18. If an offence happens while a person is 17 and then he or she turns 18 before the trial, the YCJA will still be used.
2. Are minor offence going to be subjected to the YCJA?
The YCJA only deals with criminal offenses and not provincial offenses. For example, if you ride your bike without wearing an approved helmet or you're caught jaywalking and running across the street, these very minor infractions will not be dealt by YCJA but rather by the provincial offenses rules.
3. Will the YCJA keep you out of jail?
No, it will not, at least not in all cases. However, it does seek to provide shorter sentences for youth offenders. For example, you could get 10 years if convicted of first-degree murder, something that could carry a far longer sentence for an adult. There are still provisions within the YCJA that can put you behind bars, so don't assume it prevents this in all cases.
4. Does the YCJA have to be used all of the time?
It does not. For very serious crimes, it is possible for a person who is older than 14 to face charges as an adult.
Source: FindLaw, "Young offender -- FAQ," accessed Nov. 05, 2015
No Comments
Leave a comment