Calgary · Youth Crimes
Youth Crimes Defence Lawyer
Have you or your child been charged as a youth offender?
Specialised legal representation matters. At Muenz Criminal Law Firm, you will find a team of dedicated and experienced youth criminal defence lawyers ready to help.
The youth criminal justice act (YCJA)
Why Retain a Lawyer Privately?
Youth crimes are criminal acts perpetrated by people between the age of 12 to 17. In Alberta, the prosecution of minors for criminal offences is governed by the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA). By having a separate youth justice system, the law focuses on ensuring not only accountability and justice, but also timely intervention, rehabilitation, and integration. The YCJA recognizes the differences that exist between youths and adults and puts into place a justice system that treats all individuals fairly.
Hire a defence lawyer
If your son or daughter faces a more serious criminal charge, it may be even more appropriate to hire a defence lawyer privately. If the charge(s) attract much more serious penalties, such as jail time, it is important to hire a Calgary Criminal Defence Lawyer with the expertise to deal with those charges.
Youth Criminal Defence Lawyer in Calgary
Despite following a different law, youth crimes are a serious matter and create a high amount of tension for individuals and families. If your son or daughter has been accused of a crime, ensure your child has the best defence team working for them. Muenz Law Office will work with you to create the defence strategy best suited to your needs. Our Calgary criminal defence lawyers have experience defending youths charged with murder, sexual assault, aggravated assault, assault causing bodily harm, as well as property offences such as serious fraud and theft charges in Calgary and the surrounding area.
Frequently asked
Questions we hear most.
Not automatically. Youth records are subject to restricted access, but they remain accessible for periods determined by the outcome, the type of offence and the sentence imposed. Those periods can continue well beyond the young person’s eighteenth birthday.
For example, access ordinarily continues for three years after completion of a sentence for a summary offence and five years after completion of a sentence for an indictable offence. A later offence committed while the record remains open can extend the period and create more serious consequences.
Often, particularly for a first-time youth facing a less serious allegation. The Youth Criminal Justice Act encourages warnings, cautions, referrals and extrajudicial sanctions where appropriate.
An extrajudicial sanction may require the young person to accept responsibility and complete conditions such as counselling, community service or restitution. Successful completion can result in the charge being dismissed or no charge being laid. Availability depends on the offence, the youth’s history and the circumstances.
A young person should obtain legal advice before giving a statement. Youth have the right to speak with a lawyer and generally must be given a reasonable opportunity to consult a parent or another appropriate adult before a statement is taken.
Special rules govern whether a youth statement can be used in court. A young person can waive some protections, so it is important not to make that decision without understanding the consequences.
No. The Youth Criminal Justice Act applies when a person is alleged to have committed an offence while aged 12 to 17. It creates a separate justice system that recognizes a young person’s reduced level of maturity and places greater emphasis on rehabilitation and reintegration.
A person under 12 cannot be charged with a criminal offence. A case remains governed by the youth system even if the accused turns 18 before it is completed.
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