What Happens When a Teen Is Charged with a Crime in Alberta?
When your teen is charged with a criminal offence, it can feel overwhelming and confusing. The good news is that youth cases in Alberta are handled differently from adult cases. The Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) is designed to protect young people’s futures while holding them accountable in fair and age-appropriate ways. It’s called restorative justice. The Criminal Justice System recognizes that young offenders still have developing brains, and lack the maturity and insight and proper judgment of adults. So they are more prone to get second chances, through resolutions that are catered to diversion (Extra Judicial Sanctions) and community based dispositions.
As a Calgary Youth Criminal Lawyer, I often speak with parents who have never been through the justice system before. Here’s what you need to know if your child has been charged.
1. Youth Criminal Charges Fall Under the YCJA
The YCJA applies to anyone aged 12 to 17 who is accused of a criminal offence in Canada. It focuses on rehabilitation and reintegration, not punishment. Youth cases are handled in a special Youth Court within the Alberta Court of Justice.
2. Parents Will Be Notified
If your teen is arrested or charged, the police must notify you as the parent or guardian. You’ll be informed about their rights, their charges, and when they must appear in court. Your child also has the right to a lawyer immediately — and it’s important to contact a youth defence lawyer as soon as possible. Adults do not have the right to have a lawyer or adult present with them during police interviews - however, Young Offenders do. If a lawyer cannot be there when the young person is being questioned or interviewed, the parent or guardian can and should be.
3. Youth Have the Right to Remain Silent
Many young people don’t fully understand their rights when speaking with police. Under Canadian law, youth must be told that they don’t have to give a statement and that they can speak to a lawyer and a parent first. Anything they say could be used in court, so it’s vital to get legal advice early.
4. The First Court Appearance
At the first court appearance, your teen’s charges will be read and a youth court date will be set. A youth criminal defence lawyer can appear on your child’s behalf and start the process of requesting disclosure — the police evidence and reports related to the case.
5. Outcomes in Youth Court
The YCJA allows for a range of outcomes, including:
Extrajudicial Sanctions (warnings, cautions, community programs/Service)
Probation
Custody (in serious cases)
The goal is to prevent a criminal record whenever possible and help your teen get back on track.
Support When Your Child or Young Person Is Facing Charges
Having a lawyer who understands both the law and the emotional side of these cases makes all the difference. At Ryan Patmore Criminal Defence, we help families in Calgary, Edmonton, and across Alberta protect their children’s future.
If your teen has been charged, call 403-909-4822 for a free consultation.