Juvenile Law Attorney
Criminal Defense Attorneys in Montreal
Need a juvenile law attorney
Criminal Defense Attorney Specializing in Juvenile Law
Have you been charged with obstruction of justice while still a minor? With Riendeau Avocats, rest assured that one of our criminal defense lawyers will take charge of your case and do everything in their power to minimize the consequences of the charges against you, or even refute them entirely.
The Youth Court
Contrary to a certain popular belief stemming from our neighbors to the south, adolescents are not, except under exceptional circumstances, tried as adults or detained with adults. In fact, there is a youth division: the Court of Quebec, which exclusively hears cases involving young people.
As such, young offenders have a justice system of their own that is distinct from the adult system. The Youth Division can be found in every courthouse across the province, and our firm practices in these various districts.
Proceedings before the Juvenile Court can have serious consequences.
Types of Offenses and Sentences
Criminal responsibility applies to minors. The youth court handles all types of offenses contained in the Criminal Code. Thus, a teenager can be charged with murder, sexual assault, assault with a weapon, etc. However, it is important to know that the objective of the YCJA (Youth Criminal Justice Act) is to promote the rehabilitation and social reintegration of adolescents who have committed offenses. Rest assured that the primary goal of our lawyers is to help you obtain the most lenient sentence possible.
What is the essential role of a lawyer in proceedings before the Juvenile Court?
Evaluation of Extrajudicial Measures
One of the major differences for adolescents is the possibility of benefiting from out-of-court measures. These measures allow them to take responsibility for their actions without going through the formal judicial process, thereby avoiding a criminal record. Our team will carefully evaluate this option for your child in order to prioritize non-punitive solutions that promote their rehabilitation.
Thorough Analysis and Defense Strategies
A criminal defense attorney is your best resource to guide you through this process. We will analyze the prosecution’s case to identify weaknesses in the evidence. This crucial step allows us to either challenge the charges at trial, negotiate a more lenient sentence with the court, or even have the charges dismissed entirely.
How can we help you?
Our team is here to guide you every step of the way with tailored solutions and ongoing support, whether you need advice, technical assistance, or help defending your rights.
Me Ariane Roberge — Une expertise dédiée au droit de la jeunesse
A member of the Bar, Me Ariane Roberge is an essential reference for anyone navigating the legal complexities of youth law.
Throughout her practice, she has developed sharp and specific expertise in cases involving young people and their families, whether related to youth protection proceedings (DPJ) or cases falling under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA). This specialization has allowed her to secure numerous favorable settlements for her clients, favoring lasting solutions that respect the child’s development, while remaining ready to argue forcefully before the courts when necessary. She masters the technical nuances and representation strategies essential to protecting the rights, stability, and future of the young people involved.
But beyond the legal outcomes, it is her human and reassuring approach that sets Me Roberge apart. Known for her exceptional listening skills, she understands that behind every case is a family going through an upheaving period. Her top priority remains the human resolution of conflicts and personalized support for each client.
With Me Roberge, you won’t just be a case number; you will be heard, supported, and represented with rigor and dedication.
Minors and Criminal Records
It is essential to fully understand the short- and long-term consequences that a criminal charge can have for a teenager.
In Canada, the juvenile justice system is governed by the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA). This law applies to all minors between the ages of 12 and 17. The juvenile justice system places particular emphasis on rehabilitation and social reintegration rather than punishment. However, this does not mean that young offenders are exempt from any legal consequences: a poorly handled case can have lasting repercussions on a young person’s educational, professional, and personal future.
Why choose Riendeau Avocats to handle your child's case?
A rehabilitation-based approach
Facing charges as a teenager is a life-changing experience. We understand the unique aspects of the juvenile justice system and prioritize defense strategies aimed at safeguarding your child’s future and preventing their mistakes from leading to a criminal record.
An Expert Opinion on the YCJA
At Riendeau Avocats, we handle a significant number of cases before the Youth Division each year. We have a thorough understanding of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) and its complex case law, which allows us to build the strongest possible defense.
Defending the Rights of Adolescents
Adolescents have specific rights (the right to remain silent, the right to have a parent present, and the right to legal counsel). If their fundamental rights were violated during their arrest or interrogation, we will defend them with the utmost rigor. We work tirelessly to safeguard their future.
Proceedings before the Juvenile Court can have serious consequences for your child's future.
Contact us for fast, personalized answers to your questions.
The Judicial Process and YCJA Measures
Extrajudicial measures
For nonviolent offenses, the system prioritizes out-of-court measures (warnings, referrals to agencies). We will assess whether your teenager is eligible for such measures in order to avoid a trial and hold him accountable for his actions in a constructive way.
Sentencing and Rehabilitation
In juvenile law, the primary goal of a sentence is rehabilitation. Sentences vary depending on the severity of the offense, the circumstances, and the adolescent’s profile. They may include community service, restitution, probation, and, in the most serious cases, appropriate prison sentences.
Tips
Given the immense stress that such a situation places on a family, it is crucial to protect your child’s interests. Contact our team of criminal defense attorneys immediately for a strategic defense and compassionate support.
Your Questions About Juvenile Law
Seeing your child go through the juvenile justice system is a source of immense anxiety. Our FAQ helps you understand the process, alternative measures, and your responsibilities as a parent, so that you can take action with confidence, with the help of our attorneys.
The adult justice system is punitive, whereas the juvenile justice system (YJPA) focuses on rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The goal is to hold young people accountable for their actions in a constructive way rather than to criminalize them.
Yes, teenagers who are found guilty have a juvenile criminal record. However, access to this record is restricted, and it is “set aside” after a period of good behavior (generally 3 or 5 years after the sentence ends, depending on the offense). This is why it’s important to consult an attorney to maximize the chances of obtaining non-custodial measures.
These are measures (community service, restitution to the victim, a police warning) taken outside the formal judicial process to resolve the case. If the teenager complies with the measure, there is no criminal record. We always assess whether this option is possible.
Yes, absolutely. Not only do you have the right to be there, but the court strongly encourages your presence. Juvenile hearings are generally held in camera to protect the youth’s identity, but parents are allowed to attend.
Yes, it is a fundamental right. Every teenager has the right to remain silent upon arrest or during questioning. In addition, the police are required to contact you, the parents, and inform you of your child’s rights. We recommend that you contact a lawyer before allowing your child to speak.
Yes. Under juvenile law, all adolescents are automatically entitled to a Legal Aid attorney, regardless of family income. You also have the option to have the financial eligibility decision reviewed if you wish to hire a private-practice attorney, such as those at our firm.
Yes. The minimum age is 12. A child under 12 cannot face criminal charges, but may be taken into the care of the DPJ (Youth Protection Act) depending on the circumstances.
Sentences under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) are varied and tailored to the individual case: a reprimand, community service, payment of restitution to the victim, a period of probation, and, in serious cases, imprisonment. Imprisonment is always a measure of last resort.
No, a teenager is never “tried as an adult.” However, for certain very serious offenses (murder, aggravated sexual assault) committed by a teenager aged 14 or older, the Crown may ask the judge to impose an adult sentence. This is a highly technical procedure that we vigorously contest.
He is a social worker appointed by the court to monitor the teenager. He assesses the youth’s profile, prepares pre-decision reports for the judge, and ensures that the youth complies with the terms of his probation or sentence.
Your role is to provide stable emotional support and encourage your child to cooperate with their case workers and attorney. Attend the hearings, make sure they comply with the terms of their release, and provide them with a supportive environment at home to help them reintegrate into society.
Request a Free Legal Consultation
Phone: 438-391-8367
Courriel : info@riendeauavocats.ca
