Youth Criminal Lawyer - Vick Hundal

With a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding youth criminal law in Canada, Vick Hundal offers dedicated legal representation tailored to the unique needs of young individuals facing legal challenges. Committed to protecting the rights and futures of young clients, Vick Hundal provides compassionate guidance and strategic advocacy throughout every step of the legal process.

Book Consultation
GET HELP NOW

What is Considered a Youth Offence?

In Canada, a youth offense refers to a criminal offense committed by a person who is considered a “youth” under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA). According to the YCJA, a youth is defined as someone who is between the ages of 12 and 17 at the time of committing the offense. Youth criminal law encompass a wide range of criminal conduct, including but not limited to:

Assault: Any act that intentionally causes bodily harm to another person or threatens to do so can be considered assault, whether it involves physical contact or not.

Theft: Taking someone else’s property without permission or consent, including shoplifting or stealing from a person or a business, constitutes theft.

Drug Offenses: Possession, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances such as marijuana, cocaine, or prescription drugs without authorization is considered a criminal offense.

Mischief: Willfully causing damage to property, vandalizing public or private property, or interfering with the lawful use of property can constitute mischief under the law.

Weapons Offenses: Possessing, carrying, or using a weapon unlawfully, including firearms, knives, or other dangerous weapons, is considered a serious offense.

Sexual Offenses: Engaging in sexual activity without consent, sexual assault, or possession, distribution, or production of child pornography are all considered serious criminal offenses.

Robbery: Using force or threats to steal property from another person is considered robbery and is treated as a serious offense under the law.

Contact Vick Hundal today!

Ready to defend your rights and protect your freedom? Contact us now for expert legal representation in criminal law cases. Don’t wait, let us fight for you!

Book Consultation
youth criminal lawyer
Vick Hundal Can Help

How is a Youth Offence Handled?

In Canada, youth offenses are handled under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), which outlines specific procedures and principles for dealing with young offenders between the ages of 12 and 17. Here’s how youth offenses are typically handled:

Police Intervention: When a young person is suspected of committing a crime, the police may intervene by warning, cautioning, or apprehending the youth. They may also choose to refer the youth to alternative programs or services rather than laying formal charges.

Laying of Charges: If the police decide to lay formal charges, the youth may be issued a summons to appear in youth court or may be taken into custody. The police must inform the young person of their rights, including the right to legal counsel.

Youth Court Proceedings: Youth criminal cases are heard in youth court, which operates separately from adult criminal court. The proceedings are generally less formal and focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. The youth is entitled to legal representation, and their case may be heard by a judge alone or by a judge and a youth justice court judge.

Sentencing: If the youth is found guilty of the offense, the judge will determine an appropriate sentence based on the principles of the YCJA. The emphasis is on rehabilitation, reintegration, and holding the young person accountable for their actions. Sentencing options may include community service, restitution, probation, attendance at a youth justice committee, or custody in a youth detention facility.

Alternative Measures: In some cases, rather than going through the formal court process, the youth may be diverted to alternative measures such as extrajudicial sanctions or programs aimed at addressing the underlying causes of their behavior and preventing further involvement in crime.

Sealing of Records: In many cases, youth criminal records are not made public and are sealed after a certain period of time, or if the youth has completed their sentence and shown rehabilitation. This is intended to give young offenders a fresh start and prevent the stigma associated with a criminal record from following them into adulthood.

Overall, the goal of the youth criminal justice system in Canada is to balance accountability with rehabilitation and to address the underlying factors that contribute to youth offending, with a focus on promoting positive outcomes and reducing reoffending.

Vick Hundal Can Help Fight a Youth Charge

Vick Hundal, a criminal defence lawyer, can provide invaluable assistance in fighting a youth charge in Canada by offering legal expertise, evidence gathering, case assessment, defense strategy, legal representation, youth justice options and support and guidance. 

Book Consultation

Check Out These Insightly FAQs

Check out answers to most asked questions.

In Canada, the duration of a youth criminal record depends on the type of offense committed and the outcome of the case. Generally, youth criminal records are subject to different rules than adult criminal records and may be sealed or destroyed after a certain period. It’s important to note that certain offenses, such as serious violent crimes or offenses committed as an adult, may result in a longer period before a youth record is sealed or destroyed, or may not be eligible for sealing at all. 

Additionally, certain government agencies or law enforcement agencies may have access to youth records for specific purposes, such as employment in sensitive positions or security clearance.

When a youth commits a crime in Canada, the response is governed by the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), which aims to hold young people accountable for their actions while also promoting rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Overall, the youth criminal justice system in Canada aims to balance accountability with rehabilitation and to address the underlying factors that contribute to youth offending, with a focus on promoting positive outcomes and reducing reoffending.

Overall, the effectiveness of the YCJA depends on various factors, including its implementation, funding, collaboration with community partners, and ongoing evaluation and adaptation to changing social and legal contexts. While the YCJA has made significant strides in promoting a more rehabilitative and restorative approach to youth justice, there is ongoing debate about how best to balance the principles of rehabilitation, accountability, and public safety in the youth justice system.

The Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) is a federal law in Canada that governs the criminal justice system for young people between the ages of 12 and 17 who are accused of committing criminal offenses. Enacted in 2003, the YCJA replaced the previous Young Offenders Act and represents a significant shift towards a more rehabilitative and restorative approach to youth justice.