Going To Court

If you have been charged with a serious crime or you do not agree to out-of-court measures, you may go to youth court. This court is separate from adult court and there is extra protection for your rights.

When you become involved in the youth criminal justice system, your parent must be told about it. Your parent is expected to participate in the process used to deal with your situation. The police must notify your parent. They may call or visit your parent. If your parent does not attend court, the judge may delay court and order your parent to be present at the next court date. Your parent will be given a chance to speak in court.

At your first appearance in court, you may have to enter a plea. Pleas are:

Your Sentence

The purpose of youth sentences is to hold you accountable (responsible) for your actions. If you plead guilty or you are found guilty in court, the judge will give you a sentence. The judge may need information about you and your situation before deciding on your sentence. This information is called a pre-sentence report. It may be written by a youth worker who interviews people to get a complete picture about you and your situation.

The judge may choose from a wide range of sentences. It is important for you to understand your sentence because you must obey it. If you disobey your sentence, you could be charged with another crime. Some possible sentences in youth court are:

• reprimand
  the judge gives you a stern warning or lecture in the courtroom
• discharge
  the judge orders you to be let go with no conditions or with conditions and requirements
• fine not exceeding $1000
  the judge orders you to pay money, called a fine
• compensation
  the judge orders you to pay for or provide services to the victim to make up for loss or damage to property, for loss of income or support, or for personal injury
• restitution
  the judge orders you to return property to the victim
• community service
  the judge orders you to perform tasks that benefit the community and to report to a person named by the judge
• probation
  the judge orders you to report to a probation officer under specific conditions named by the judge, for up to 2 years
• deferred custody and supervision order
  the judge orders that you can serve your custody sentence in the community, under conditions ordered by the judge. If you break these conditions, you may have to serve the rest of your sentence in custody
• custody and supervision order
  the judge orders you to serve time in a youth custody centre followed by a period of supervision in the community