Youth Crime Lawyer

If your child is facing a criminal charge, their future can be significantly affected by the outcome of their case, and taking action early on is key. While your child’s case is unique to the exact circumstances involved, it will proceed through the youth criminal justice system, and having an experienced youth crime lawyer in your corner from the start is the surest means of protecting your child’s rights and effecting a favorable case resolution that supports their brightest future.

Until a young person reaches the age of eighteen years old, any criminal charge against them is governed by the Youth Criminal Justice Act, which determines how youth cases proceed. This is a uniquely complex area of the law, and your child’s seasoned lawyer will focus on skillfully guiding their case toward an optimal outcome. 

Canada affords the young offender special rights and privileges that affect every aspect of the legal process, including:

• The criminal investigation
• The setting of bail
• Available sentencing

This also extends to the post-conviction records of young people, which can be sealed.

Your child’s practiced youth crime lawyer will spare no effort in their quest to ensure that these rights and privileges are upheld in relation to your child’s case.

The youth criminal justice system is designed to limit the law’s harsh stance against criminal acts in relation to young people. The idea is to shift the focus away from deterrence, which guides the adult court system, and toward the youth’s rehabilitation and reintegration into the community.

It’s important to note, however, that the youth criminal justice model also promotes taking responsibility. And when push comes to shove, they don’t shy away from sending youth offenders to jail. Your child’s formidable criminal defence lawyer will ensure that their maturity level is a key element of the defence strategy employed.

The primary differences between the youth and adult criminal justice systems in Ontario include all the following:

• The youth criminal justice system focuses on rehabilitation rather than on deterrence and on re-entry into society.
• The youth criminal justice system takes the offender’s level of maturity into account when assessing responsibility. Unlike adults, children aren’t fully developed and often don’t have the maturity necessary to hold them to the same legal standards. 
• Youths enjoy all the legal rights that adults do, but they are also afforded enhanced procedural protections related to the right to privacy, the right to a lawyer, and beyond.
• The youth criminal justice system is invested in keeping the process moving effectively and efficiently forward as swiftly as possible in response to children’s ever evolving development.
• Parents play a critical role in the youth criminal justice system. Parents must be notified of any legal actions taken against their children and are encouraged to support them throughout the legal process, which supports more positive conclusions. 

While the adult system is considerably harsher, the youth system can, nonetheless, derail your child’s future. Don’t wait to consult with a dedicated youth criminal lawyer.

Children’s rights in the face of alleged criminal offences are critical and include all the following:

• The right not to be detained unfairly or arbitrarily
• The right not to be searched unreasonably
• The right to be informed of the reasons for arrest
• The right to be released if unlawfully detained

Just like adults, young people are also presumed innocent unless they are proven guilty.

When it comes to strategizing your child’s best defence, there are several basic points you should focus on.

The most important step you can take on your journey forward is hiring an experienced criminal defence lawyer right out of the gate. Their skilled legal guidance can make a serious difference in how your child’s case is resolved and can greatly affect their future. 

The youth criminal justice system appreciates that children often lack the maturity to understand the consequences of their actions, which can support nuanced defence strategies. The right defence lawyer for your child will not fail to highlight this point.

Focusing on the young person’s rehabilitation is foundational to the youth criminal system, which means the youth court will recognize your child’s potential. This sets the stage for a solid defence strategy that can make a big difference in how your child’s case is ultimately decided.

The families of those facing youth charges have the opportunity to support them throughout the process, which can foster many legal advantageous. The more involved you are in your protecting your child’s rights, the better off they’re likely to be.

The prospect of having a criminal record can cast a long shadow on your child’s future. The young offenders act, however, includes important privacy safeguards that include record sealing. 

An experienced criminal lawyer who is well acquainted with the youth system will leave no stone unturned in their efforts to protect your child from the negative consequences of past errors. 

Youth justice focuses on rehabilitation and reintegration – with less emphasis on retribution. The thinking is that when young offenders have the resources and support they need, it drives positive change. There are several key principles that guide this approach. 

The goal of rehabilitation is determining and addressing underlying factors that lead to criminal behavior in youths. common concerns include:

• Past trauma
• Family issues
• Substance abuse
• Mental health concerns

Getting to the bottom of what drove your child to offend can have a profound effect on their overall rehabilitation.

Every young offender’s needs and circumstances are unique to them, and rehabilitation tailors the intervention plans implemented to each individual. 

Rehabilitation prioritizes keeping young people in their communities. This ensures greater access to local resources and allows families to continue providing valuable guidance.

Education and skill building are critical components of every child’s life, and the same is true in relation to rehabilitation. The goal is affording youth offenders with the building blocks necessary to become law-abiding citizens.

Rehabilitation takes a broader view than retribution does, and in the process, it looks toward the future for children who are charged with criminal offences. The underlying push is building better tomorrows for youth clients.

If your child is facing criminal charges, it’s time to take action. Children are especially vulnerable to the challenges posed by the criminal justice system, and the sooner you secure professional legal counsel for your child, the better protected their rights and their future will be. Contact a savvy Ontario youth crime lawyer for a free consultation and more information about what they can do to help your child today.