Charges under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA)

If you or a young person you know has been charged with an offence under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), it's important to understand what this means for your future. It's important to hire an experienced criminal defence lawyer who understands how these laws work so that they can help you navigate the legal system. Our team has years of experience working with young people facing criminal charges in Saskatchewan courts, and we can help you too.
The Canadian criminal justice system allows youth to be treated differently from adults in most situations when they are charged with criminal allegations. If a person is between the ages of 12 and 17 and is criminally charged, the prosecution of the case must follow the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Although the YCJA emphasizes rehabilitation and reintegration, seeking to address the underlying behaviour or conditions that led to the alleged misconduct, it also focuses on accountability. Parents and guardians often pressure youth accused to plead guilty because sentences are lower for youths than for adults. Extreme caution must be taken to ensure accused youths are actually guilty before allowing them to take responsibility. A conviction, even for a youth, can profoundly impact the accused's life.
At Andrews Benko & Associates, we're committed to helping young people charged with offences under the Youth Criminal Justice Act receive fair treatment in court. Our lawyers work hard to provide clients with compassionate representation and build strong cases for their defence so that they can avoid harsh penalties like jail time whenever possible. If you or a young person you know has been charged under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, contact us today.