Youth Offences

Every province is responsible for its own liquor laws and regulations around giving or serving alcohol to minors.

Homicide Laws (Youth): Which Charges Can Apply in CanadaYouth homicide covers murder, manslaughter, and infanticide committed by a…

Impaired Driving and Youth: Charges and Court ConsequencesImpaired driving means driving while alcohol or drugs affect your ability…

In every province or territory in Canada there are laws designed to ensure children are provided with day-to-day care and their development and well-bring are supported.

The YCJA includes different provisions to handle offences depending on their severity.

Serious Assault (Youth): What It Means and the PenaltiesSerious assault means a young person used force on purpose…

Simple Assault (Youth): What Counts and What Happens NextYouth simple assault means a young person used force against…

Shoplifting (Youth): What It Means and What Happens NextYouth shoplifting means a young person taking store property on…

Theft is taking property without the owner's consent and is an offence unless you believe it belongs to you.

Truancy is defined as being absent from school without a valid reason. There is no charge in the Code for truancy.

Vandalism (Youth): Charges and Penalties in CanadaYouth vandalism means a young person damaging someone’s property on purpose.

Weapons are commonly thought to be guns or knives but anything that can inflict harm can be considered a weapon.

The YCJA aims to consider the interests of victims while ensuring “accountability" through meaningful consequences, rehabilitation and reintegration.