When a young person is charged with a criminal offence, the impact can feel overwhelming for both the youth and their family. The Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) treats young people differently from adults, focusing on rehabilitation, accountability, and second chances — but the system is still complex and serious.
At Provenance Law, we represent youths between the ages of 12 and 17 who are facing criminal charges. Our approach is compassionate, supportive, and focused on achieving outcomes that protect your child’s future, education, and long-term opportunities.
We work closely with parents, guardians, and youth to guide them through every step of the legal process.
“Young people deserve understanding, guidance, and a fair chance — not a lifetime defined by a mistake.” - Provenance Advocates LLP
Many youth charges arise from school conflicts, peer pressure, social media disputes, or misunderstandings.
We defend against:
Assault
Assault with a weapon
Threats
Cyber-threats
Bullying-related allegations
Harassment (online and offline)
Our role is to present context, challenge evidence, and pursue alternatives to criminal records.
Common youth-related matters include:
Shoplifting
Theft under $5,000
Property damage
Graffiti or school vandalism
Mischief to vehicles or property
We focus on resolutions that avoid long-term consequences and emphasize education, restitution, or diversion.
We assist with:
Simple possession
Sharing or distributing substances among peers
Possession on school grounds
We ensure the youth’s rights were respected and explore rehabilitative or educational alternatives.
Youth may unintentionally breach conditions due to misunderstanding or lack of support.
We help:
Address breaches quickly
Explain obligations
Seek fair outcomes that avoid escalation
We ensure your child receives:
A meaningful opportunity to make decisions
Proper legal representation
Protection of identity/privacy
Access to rehabilitative options
Opportunities for diversion or community programs
The YCJA is designed to prevent youths from being treated like adult offenders — we ensure those protections are used properly.
Compassionate, youth-centered representation
Clear explanations for families and guardians
Focus on rehabilitation, not punishment
Strong negotiation to avoid criminal records
Experience with diversion programs, EJS, and YCJA-specific outcomes
Privacy and dignity for your child
We understand the importance of protecting your child’s education, reputation, and future opportunities.
We help youth and families navigate the process with confidence and clarity. Our team helps you navigate every step with confidence and clarity.
Youth cases fall under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), which focuses on rehabilitation, privacy, and second chances.
Not necessarily. Many youth cases resolve through diversion, community programs, or outcomes that avoid a permanent record.
Yes. In most cases, a parent or guardian must attend youth court.
Yes. Youth records are protected by strict privacy rules and are only accessible for specific purposes.
Yes, but detention is only used when absolutely necessary. Bail is often possible with proper planning.
Diversion allows a young person to complete counselling, programs, or community work instead of going through the formal criminal process.
Timely legal intervention can prevent long-term consequences. Many youth outcomes preserve future opportunities.
Peer influence is considered by the court and can help shape defence strategies and outcomes.
Youth breaches are taken seriously, but can often be resolved fairly with the right legal approach.
Yes. Even minor charges can carry long-term impacts if not handled properly. Representation is strongly recommended.
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For urgent legal assistance, please contact us immediately at
1 833-356-2820
consult@provenancelaw.ca
