When a young person is investigated or charged with a criminal offence, the consequences can extend far beyond the courtroom. A criminal allegation may affect education, employment opportunities, travel, and a young person's future if it is not handled properly.
Foote Law represents youth between the ages of 12 and 17 throughout Ontario under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA). We provide strategic legal advice from the earliest stages of an investigation through bail hearings, trials, sentencing, and record-related issues.
The YCJA recognizes that young people are different from adults. Rather than emphasizing punishment, the legislation focuses on accountability, rehabilitation, and helping youth successfully reintegrate into their communities.
Foote Law represents young people throughout every stage of Youth Criminal Justice Act proceedings, including:
We accept Legal Aid Ontario certificates and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) referrals.
Foote Law represents clients in Orangeville, Brampton, Shelburne, Alliston, Barrie, Owen Sound, Newmarket, Guelph, the Greater Toronto Area, and throughout Ontario through both in-person and virtual appointments.
Many parents are surprised to learn that criminal charges are not always the first outcome when police investigate a young person.
Before laying a charge, police must consider whether an extrajudicial measure is appropriate under the YCJA. Depending on the circumstances, this may include:
An extrajudicial sanction allows a young person to accept responsibility without receiving a criminal conviction. Once successfully completed, no finding of guilt is entered.
Obtaining legal advice early can create opportunities to resolve a matter before formal charges are ever laid.
Youth criminal matters are heard in the Youth Justice Court, which operates differently from adult criminal court.
Important protections available under the YCJA include:
These protections recognize that young people require additional safeguards while navigating the criminal justice system.
The primary objective of youth sentencing is rehabilitation while holding the young person accountable in a manner that is fair and proportionate.
Unlike adult sentencing:
Possible sentences include:
The appropriate sentence depends on the circumstances of both the offence and the young person.
Many families worry about how long a youth criminal record will remain accessible.
The YCJA provides strict privacy protections that are not available in the adult criminal justice system.
Subject to the legislation, youth records generally close after specified periods following completion of the sentence.
Once a youth record has closed, it is generally treated as though it does not exist.
However, if a person is convicted of an adult offence while the youth record remains open, significant consequences may follow, including extended access to the youth record.
Foote Law advises clients regarding youth record closure, disclosure rules, and police record retention under the YCJA.
Foote Law provides practical, strategic representation focused on protecting the future of young persons facing criminal allegations.
We assist clients throughout Ontario with:
Early intervention before charges are laid
Bail hearings
Youth criminal trials
Sentencing advocacy
Appeals
Youth record issues
Adult sentence applications
Our goal is to resolve matters efficiently while protecting the long-term interests of every young person we represent.
A youth criminal charge does not have to define a young person's future.
The earlier legal advice is obtained, the more options may be available to resolve the matter, protect privacy, and pursue the best possible outcome under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Contact Foote Law today to schedule a confidential consultation. We represent young persons and their families throughout Ontario, both in person and virtually.
