If your child is facing criminal charges, it is essential to have a skilled criminal lawyer who specializes in representing minors. Kaley Hepburn has extensive experience representing teens charged with criminal offenses in Hamilton, Burlington, Brantford, Oakville, Ancaster, Stoney Creek, and throughout Ontario.

The impact of a criminal record can limit the ability to travel, future job opportunities and even affect current employment. For young people, the Youth Criminal Justice System has different considerations and objectives when it comes to sentencing. It aims to prevent crime, impose meaningful consequences for offending behavior, and rehabilitate and reintegrate the young person.

Understanding the Youth Criminal Justice Act

The Youth Criminal Justice Act outlines that the goal of sentencing is to hold minors accountable for their offense while promoting their rehabilitation and reintegration. Some criminal offenses have mandatory minimum sentences, and others have maximum sentences. The focus of sentencing for young persons emphasizes rehabilitation and reintegration rather than more punitive measures. The act applies to individuals under the age of 18 at the time of committing the offense.

Dealing with Criminal Offenses 

The Provincial Divisions of the Ontario Court handle young persons charged with criminal offenses. These are the same judges who deal with certain adult offenses. It's crucial to contact a criminal lawyer experienced in youth matters if your child is being charged with an offense.

Young persons charged with minor offenses, such as shoplifting, may be eligible for Alternative Measures programs. With appropriate discussion with the Crown or submissions to the Court, we may get the criminal charges dropped or stayed if the minor agrees to carry out community service work, write apologies, make restitution, write papers, or other public service.

 

Don't wait until it's too late, contact expert criminal lawyer Kaley Hepburn for the best possible defense representation for your children.