A call from police to inform parents of their child's arrest must be one of the most dreaded calls people can receive. This is not something with which most Ottawa families are familiar, and it is only natural to panic due to not knowing the first steps to take. The fact that parents might want to keep in mind is that the law protects young people, and there are skilled criminal defence lawyers to safeguard the rights of those charged with juvenile crimes.
The experienced lawyers at the office of Nicholas St-Pierre are familiar with the concerns and needs of a juvenile who is facing charges under the YCJA -- Youth Criminal Justice Act. They can help the parents and the accused child through the legal proceedings and explain how the law protects children. They can also explain the alternative options that might be offered rather than criminal charges.
Only children older than 12 years can be criminally charged, and those over 18 years of age will no longer be regarded as juveniles. The law does not expect minors to fully understand why what they did is considered a crime, nor are they expected to understand the legal process and what rights they have. Except under specific circumstances, minors in court may not be treated as adults, and their guardians or parents are allowed to provide moral support.
The seasoned lawyers at the Ottawa office of Nicholas St-Pierre will scrutinise the procedures followed by police who are obligated to consider alternative options before charging a minor with juvenile crimes. The lawyer may even negotiate extra-judicial sanctions with the Crown after a child has been indicted. With experienced legal counsel, an accused youth and his or her parents can rely on skilled advocacy throughout the proceedings.
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