Are you between 12 and 17 struggling with a police accusation or charges? Knowing about the special rights recognized by the Youth Criminal Justice System (YCJS) is crucial. Even during conviction for an offence, you can use your rights for protection. Here’s a quick look into this area to help you.
Youth rights during an investigation
The police can stop and question you only if they have reasonable grounds to suspect you are involved in a crime. However, they must share the reason, and you also have the right to ask them why they want to talk to you. You can politely refuse to say anything. They can arrest or detain you only if they have adequate grounds to allege that you committed a crime. Nevertheless, you can share your age, address, name, driving license, insurance proof, and other details.
Sometimes, the police may not arrest someone after charging them with a crime. They can give you certain documents and ask you to come to the court. You will be given details about the charges and court hearing. It is the best time to speak with a criminal lawyer immediately. Or, suppose they detain you in a police car or at a police station for investigation on the grounds of suspicion. Even at this time, you can have your parents and lawyer around. You can make your first appearance at the court within 24 hours if arrested and detained. The judge can decide about your release or bail hearing.
You need a sincere legal representative since anything can happen during a bail hearing. The judge can order to keep you in detention until trial, particularly if you’ve been charged with a serious offence. If you are granted bail, your lawyer can help fulfill all the formal documentation work and get you out of the lockup. However, it doesn’t end there. The case will continue until a resolution is found.
Youth rights during remand
The judge can order detention until the next hearing for several reasons. One of them is the nature of crime. Your past criminal records and previous offences can impact the judgment. The judge can also decide this based on your chances of not obeying the order to appear before the court when asked. You can be detained or remanded if they consider you a threat to the justice system or public safety. You will stay in a youth or adult facility, depending on the situation. It can be a harrowing experience. Hence, you must contact a Brampton criminal lawyer for advice. Their representation or intervention can help avoid or navigate these events better. If detention is unavoidable, your lawyer can secure your right to physical safety in the youth facility.
During the trial, the prosecutor can try to convince the court that you are a culprit with evidence and witnesses. However, your lawyer will defend you by proving all of those as false or unreliable. If you did something wrong, your lawyer could still guide you to protect your best interests. That’s why having a solid and trustworthy legal representation from start to finish is a must.
