Defending Youth Offences
When charged with a youth criminal offence, you need to exercise your right to remain silent. Canadian criminal law has some unique principles for youths under the age of 18. The rights and privileges available to youth determine all aspects of the criminal process. From how youth charges are investigated to bail and sentencing- youth are treated differently from adults when charged with a criminal offence. However, the consequences of charges depend on the seriousness of the offence. Minor charges can be withdrawn with counselling or volunteering. The cases are prosecuted following the Youth Criminal Justice Act which focuses on accountability and rehabilitation of the young person. The youth criminal justice system aims to address the underlying behaviour, pre-existing conditions, or circumstances that were responsible for the offending behaviour.
At Kahlon Law, we understand that youth offences need to be handled differently than other criminal charges involving adults. Youth offences need a unique collaborative approach and in-depth knowledge of the Youth Criminal Justice Act. We carefully understand your child and the nature of the offence to formulate a winning defence strategy. Our team understands the complexities of the Youth Criminal Justice Act and how children under the age of 18 are treated differently by the law. From bail proceedings to trial, we stand beside you at every step to secure a favourable outcome. We have contacts with educational and social service agencies to put your child on a rehabilitative path and minimize charges.
Why You Need Youth Criminal Defence Lawyer
Youth crimes are complex to handle! You need a seasoned lawyer to understand criminal procedures and what protections are available for young offenders. As experienced in youth offences, we know that the rights afforded to young offenders are different from those of adult offenders. Most people are unaware of these unique rights available to young children. For instance, Under the YCJA, the minor cannot be asked to make a statement without their parent, or any other chosen adult. If this right is violated during taking the statement, we use it as a defence point and argue that the statement should not be admitted at trial. We make sure the special rights of your child are respected by police and Crown attorneys. Our team will work closely with your child, police, and Crown attorney to build a strong case and find ways to drop the charges.
We aim to keep youth out of jail and get their lives back on track. As legal specialists, we are adept at defending both children and adults in criminal cases. We know criminal law inside and out to respond to all types of youth charges immediately. The YCJA prioritizes keeping youth out of the court process. We utilize all available alternative measures that help the accused minor avoid going through the court process. The court and Crown Attorney take the harsh route only when charges are serious in nature to prevent that act/behaviour from happening again. We explore all possible rehabilitating and reintegrating solutions to prevent youth from having a criminal record.