Youth Criminal Court Lawyers

Has your teenager been arrested, questioned by the police or charged with an offence? In Canada, young people aged 12 to 17 are dealt with under a separate federal law with its own court, its own rules and a strong focus on rehabilitation. A youth criminal lawyer can explain what the charge means, protect your teen's rights from the first contact with police and push for the outcome that keeps their future open. On this page you can compare lawyers who defend young people, see their rates and availability, and book a consultation online.

What a youth criminal defence lawyer does

A youth criminal lawyer is a defence lawyer who regularly represents teenagers charged with offences. If the matter also involves an adult co-accused or other charges, you can browse all criminal lawyers as well.

• Advice right away: what the teen should and should not say to police, and what happens after an arrest.
• Release: representing the teen if the prosecutor opposes release, and explaining any conditions.
• Alternatives to court: asking whether the case can be dealt with through an extrajudicial measure or sanction instead of a prosecution.
• Defence and court: reviewing the evidence, negotiating with the prosecutor and representing the teen at every hearing, including trial.
• Sentencing and record: arguing for a youth sentence that fits the teen, and explaining who can see the record afterwards.

The Youth Criminal Justice Act in plain terms

The Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) is a federal law that applies across Canada to anyone who was 12 to 17 when the offence allegedly happened. The offences themselves are mostly the same as for adults, found in the Criminal Code and other federal laws, but the youth system treats them differently:

• Accountability that fits their age: consequences are meant to be fair and proportionate, with more weight on rehabilitation and reintegration.
• Extra procedural protections: young people have added rights when police question them and throughout the case.
• Privacy: the law generally protects a young person's identity and limits access to youth records.
• Involvement of parents: parents are informed and can take part in the process.

Children under 12 cannot be charged with a criminal offence. Justice Canada's youth criminal justice overview explains the principles behind the law.

How a youth case works in Quebec

In Quebec, youth criminal cases are heard by the Youth Division of the Court of Québec (Chambre de la jeunesse), acting as the youth justice court. Prosecutions are handled by the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions (DPCP). The broad steps:

• Arrest, or a promise or summons to appear, then release with conditions or a bail hearing.
• A decision on whether the case can be handled outside court, through an extrajudicial measure or sanction.
• If it goes to court: a first appearance, disclosure of the evidence and discussions with the prosecutor.
• An outcome: charges withdrawn, an alternative measure, a guilty plea or a trial.
• If the teen is found guilty: a youth sentence, decided after the court hears from both sides.

Extrajudicial measures and sanctions

For many first or less serious offences, the law encourages options outside court. Police can give a warning or refer the teen to a community program. In Quebec, extrajudicial sanctions are carried out with community justice organizations (organismes de justice alternative), and can include reparation to the victim, community work or other activities. A lawyer can tell you whether this route is realistic and what accepting it would mean.

Youth sentences and adult sentences

When a young person is found guilty, the court generally imposes a youth sentence, which is usually different from what an adult would receive and focuses on rehabilitation. In some serious cases involving older teens, the prosecutor can ask the court to impose an adult sentence instead. That decision has lasting effects, so experienced help matters from the start.

Records and privacy

Youth records are treated differently from adult records. The law generally prohibits publishing information that identifies a young person dealt with under the Act, and only certain people can access a youth record, for a limited time that depends on the outcome. A lawyer can explain what this means for school, work and travel in your teen's specific case.

Note: youth protection (DPJ) matters are something different. They concern a child's safety and are handled under youth protection and family law, not the criminal youth justice system.

Police questioning: your teen's rights

Young people have extra protection when police want a statement. Before questioning, police must explain the teen's rights in language they can understand, including the right to remain silent, the right to speak to a lawyer and to a parent or another adult, and the right to have them present. In practice, the teen can say politely that they want to speak to a lawyer first.

When to get a youth criminal lawyer

• The police want to question your teen, or have already arrested them.
• Your teen received a summons, a promise to appear or release conditions.
• You were offered an extrajudicial sanction and are not sure whether to accept it.
• The charge is serious, or the prosecutor mentions an adult sentence.

The earlier a lawyer is involved, the more options usually remain open. Legal aid may also be available to young people, so ask about it. For tips on choosing, read our guide on how to choose a lawyer in Quebec.

Preparing for the consultation

• Any document from the police or the court: summons, promise to appear, release conditions.
• A short account of what happened, written by or with your teen, for the lawyer only.
• Any previous contact with police or prior extrajudicial measures.
• School or other commitments that release conditions could affect.
• Your questions: the options, the risks and how the lawyer charges.

Compare youth criminal lawyers and book on JustiConnect

Browse the lawyers listed below, filter by location, rates and availability, and book a consultation directly. You can also search all youth criminal lawyers or see youth criminal lawyers in Laval.

Frequently asked questions

Can a 14-year-old be charged in Canada?

Yes. The Youth Criminal Justice Act applies to young people who were 12 to 17 at the time of the alleged offence. Children under 12 cannot be charged with a criminal offence.

Is the YCJA federal or provincial?

The Youth Criminal Justice Act is a federal law that applies everywhere in Canada. Each province runs its own youth courts and programs.

Do parents have to be involved?

Parents must generally be notified when their child is arrested or charged, and they can attend hearings. The court can also require a parent to attend. The lawyer, however, takes instructions from the young person, not the parents.

Will my teen have a criminal record?

A youth record is not the same as an adult criminal record. Access to it is restricted and limited in time, and an extrajudicial measure usually has fewer lasting effects than a finding of guilt. A lawyer can explain the effect of each option for your teen.

How much does a youth criminal lawyer cost?

Each lawyer sets their own rates, and legal aid may be available for young people. On JustiConnect you can compare rates before you book, and at the first consultation you can ask how the lawyer charges.