Navigating Youth Criminal Justice: Understanding the YCJA

At Mor Fisher LLP, we specialize in representing young individuals under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), a separate legal system designed specifically for youths. Our approach emphasizes the YCJA’s focus on rehabilitation over punishment and the unique considerations in youth criminal justice.

Principles of the YCJA

The YCJA acknowledges that young people are particularly vulnerable, less mature, and have a reduced capacity for moral judgment. Therefore, it:

• Presumes Diminished Culpability: Youths are seen as having diminished moral blameworthiness.
• Focuses on Rehabilitation and Reintegration: The goal is to rehabilitate and reintegrate youths into society, moving away from traditional notions of deterrence and retribution.

Relationship with the Criminal Code

• Application of Criminal Code: The Criminal Code applies to youths except where it’s inconsistent with the YCJA.
• Distinct Sentencing Options: The YCJA outlines specific sentencing options for young offenders, differing significantly from adult sentences.

Sentencing Under the YCJA

• Accountability and Rehabilitation: Sentencing under the YCJA aims to impose meaningful consequences while promoting the youth’s rehabilitation and reintegration.
• Proportionality and Societal Values: Sentences reflect the moral culpability of the offender, considering societal values and the seriousness of the offence.

Parental Involvement and Sealing of Records

• Increased Parental Involvement: Parents play a more significant role in the criminal cases of their children under the YCJA than in adult cases.
• Sealing of Records: Subject to certain rules, youth findings of guilt are sealed when the youth becomes an adult instead of automatically becoming a part of their permanent criminal record.

Our Approach to Youth Criminal Justice

Our team at Mor Fisher LLP is committed to:

• Understanding Each Youth’s Context: We take into account the unique circumstances and needs of each young client.
• Navigating the YCJA: Expertly guiding youths and their families through the complexities of the YCJA.
• Advocating for Rehabilitation: Focusing on solutions that align with the rehabilitative objectives of youth justice.

Schedule a Consultation

If you or someone you know is facing charges as a young person under the YCJA, it’s crucial to have experienced legal representation. Contact Mor Fisher LLP for a confidential consultation to explore your options and rights under youth criminal justice.