Young Offenders: Criminal Justice for Adolescents

Adolescents aged 12 to 17 who are charged with a criminal offence fall under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA). This regime takes their age into account and focuses on rehabilitation and social reintegration.

Extrajudicial Sanctions

Where it is enough to hold the young person accountable for their actions, the law favours warnings and extrajudicial measures. The prosecutor may refer the file to a youth director, who determines whether the adolescent is eligible. The sanction may take the form of a letter of apology, community work or a donation to an organization. Once the sanction has been completed, the charges are dismissed.

The Same Rights as Adults

The adolescent has the right to remain silent, to be represented by a lawyer and to be heard. Their parents must be notified of the proceedings.

Long-Term Consequences

Even though sentences are generally less severe, a finding of guilt creates a youth record that can have repercussions in adulthood. In serious cases, an adult sentence may even be imposed. This is why it is important to have support from the very beginning.

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Young Offenders: Criminal Justice for Adolescents