Youth Crimes

The Youth Criminal Justice Act governs proceedings involving youth offenders while the Criminal Code continues to define the criminal conduct in question. The main focus of the YCJA is rehabilitation and not punishment. It recognizes the special needs of adjudicating matters involving youth and the criminal justice system and, as such, approaches sentencing differently. Special protections include enhanced procedural protections like the right to speak with an adult present and the meaningful reintegration/ rehabilitation of youth. While the YCJA endeavors to avoid the incarceration of youth, serious crimes may still result in a jail sentence with the stigma of a criminal record carrying a serious prohibitive impact into adulthood for the child. Feven Glaizghi Law Office is committed to the expeditious and compassionate handling of youth charged with a criminal offence.