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Home / Criminal Offences / Youth Criminal Justice

Youth Criminal Justice Laws in Canada

Youth Criminal Justice Act

Crimes and Diversion Programs for Youth Offenders

If you have been charged with a crime in Ottawa, you should consult with a criminal defence lawyer in your area

Youth Criminal Justice Offences by Type

In addition to the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) is a federal statute that regulates the youth justice system in Canada and applies to those between the ages of 12 and 18. This Act emphasizes the notion that jail terms should be reserved for the most serious cases and sets a maximum sentence of 10 years unless the youth is tried as an adult. A youth can be charged with any crime, but their sentence upon conviction will typically include a diversion program designed to help them reintegrate into society. It is important to understand the legal consequences of criminal offenses committed by youth.

Alcohol and Minors
Every province is responsible for its own liquor laws and regulations around giving or serving alcohol to minors.
Homicide Laws (Youth)
If you are a youth convicted of homicide, you could receive the same maximum sentence although you will be eligible for parole much earlier.
Impaired Driving (Youth)
MADD Canada states that traffic accidents continue to be teenagers' leading cause of death.
Parental Responsibility
In every province or territory in Canada there are laws designed to ensure children are provided with day-to-day care and their development and well-bring are supported.
Sentencing Principles (Youth)
The YCJA includes different provisions to handle offences depending on their severity.
Serious Assault (Youth)
If you are a youth between the age of 12 and 18 and convicted of a serious assault, you could be sentenced as an adult.
Simple Assault (Youth)
If you are a youth and charged with simple assault, you will likely avoid jail time depending on the circumstances.
Shoplifting (Youth)
Shoplifted items can be as small as a candy bar, but they can still lead to charges.
Theft (Youth)
Theft is taking property without the owner's consent and is an offence unless you believe it belongs to you.
Truancy
Truancy is defined as being absent from school without a valid reason. There is no charge in the Code for truancy.
Vandalism (Youth)
You may think throwing eggs at a house is harmless, but it can come with criminal consequences.
Weapons Laws (Youth)
Weapons are commonly thought to be guns or knives but anything that can inflict harm can be considered a weapon.
Youth Criminal Justice Act
The YCJA aims to consider the interests of victims while ensuring “accountability" through meaningful consequences, rehabilitation and reintegration.

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Ottawa, Ontario
116 Lisgar Street, Suite 210
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Ottawa, Ontario
200 Elgin St #500
(613) 236-0535

Greenspon Granger Hill

Ottawa, Ontario
331 Somerset Street West
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Ottawa, Ontario
102 Centrepointe Dr.
(613) 723-9100

Harbic Law

Ottawa, Ontario
Suite 704, 200 Elgin Street
(613) 262-3703
Youth Offences in Ottawa, Ontario - Referenced Links

Government References

Department of Justice
https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/
Criminal Code
https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-46/
Youth Criminal Justice Act
https://www.laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/y-1.5/index.html