Criminal Defense Lawyers in Woodbridge
When a teenager is arrested, the whole family feels it. Parents in Woodbridge often call us not knowing whether their child will have a record, whether the school will find out or what happens next. Young people are treated differently under Canadian criminal law, and the right approach can protect their future.
Provident Law LLP defends young people and adults charged by York Regional Police in Woodbridge. We explain the youth justice system clearly to parents and work toward outcomes that keep a young person’s record clean.
- 24/7 arrest and bail line: (647) 254-9617
- Free, confidential case review with a partner, not an assistant
- Courts we appear in: Brampton (Peel) and courts across the GTA
- Legal Aid Ontario certificates accepted
Criminal Case Evaluation
Complete the form below and one of our legal professionals will contact you shortly.
How the Youth Criminal Justice Act Works
The Youth Criminal Justice Act applies to young people aged 12 to 17 at the time of the alleged offence. Its focus is accountability, rehabilitation and keeping young people out of custody where possible.
Option | What it means |
|---|---|
Extrajudicial measures | Police warnings, cautions or referrals instead of a charge |
Extrajudicial sanctions | A structured program; the charge is dealt with outside court |
Youth sentence | Reprimand, probation, community service, or custody in serious cases |
Adult sentence | Possible only for serious offences by older youth, after a hearing |
Not listed?
Call us. A partner will tell you honestly whether we can help at your court location.
Extrajudicial Measures and Sanctions
For many first-time and less serious charges, the law encourages dealing with young people outside the court process. Police can give a warning or refer the youth to a community program. If a charge is laid, the Crown can approve extrajudicial sanctions, such as an apology, community service or counselling. When completed, the charge is resolved without a youth conviction. We present the young person’s background and supports to the Crown to make the case for this outcome.
Police Questioning of Young People
Young people have extra protections when police want to question them. Before a youth gives a statement, police must explain their rights in language they understand, including the right to consult a lawyer and a parent and to have them present during questioning. A statement taken without these protections may be excluded. If police contact your child, tell them politely that they will not answer questions until they have spoken to a lawyer.
Youth Records and How Long They Last
Youth records are not permanent in the same way adult records are. Access to a youth record ends after set periods that depend on the outcome: for example, two months after a reprimand, two years after agreeing to extrajudicial sanctions, and three to five years after a youth sentence for a summary or indictable offence is completed. After that, the record generally cannot be disclosed. A new offence during the access period can extend it, so staying out of trouble afterwards matters.
Wherever you were charged, start with one call
A partner will tell you honestly how we can help with your court location.
Criminal Case Evaluation
Complete the form below and one of our legal professionals will contact you shortly.
Assault and domestic assault
Impaired driving after stops on Highway 7 and Highway 27
Theft and drug offences
Bail hearings in York Region
- Woodbridge Village
- Market Lane
- Sonoma Heights
- Pine Valley
- East Woodbridge
- Islington Woods
Woodbridge is part of the City of Vaughan
What we offer
Why it matters to parents
Clear communication with parents
We explain each step while respecting the young person’s right to confidential advice
Youth justice experience
We know the options the Youth Criminal Justice Act provides and how to use them
Focus on keeping records clean
We pursue warnings, sanctions and withdrawals before anything else
York Region youth court experience
We appear in the youth courts at the Newmarket courthouse
The lawyers who will handle your case
Charnpreet Saini
Lawyer & Partner
As a founding partner at Provident Law LLP, Preet focuses on Criminal Defence law.
Armandeep Gill
Lawyer & Partner
As a founding partner at Provident Law LLP, Arman practices in the Criminal Defence Law.
Woodbridge Criminal Lawyer FAQs
-
Usually not. Youth records are kept separately from adult records and can only be accessed for limited periods after the case ends. Once that period expires without a new offence, the record is generally sealed and cannot be shared with employers or schools. A withdrawal, a police warning or extrajudicial sanctions leave the smallest footprint, which is why we pursue them first.
-
Generally no. The Youth Criminal Justice Act prohibits publishing information that would identify a young person dealt with under the Act, with narrow exceptions for serious cases where an adult sentence is imposed. Parents should also avoid posting about the case on social media, both to protect privacy and to avoid creating evidence.
-
Schools are not automatically told about every youth charge, but they can learn of it, especially if the incident happened at school or involved other students. Release conditions may also affect attendance, for example a no-contact order with a classmate. We can help you plan how to work with the school while protecting your child's privacy and legal position.
-
Young people can be held for a bail hearing, but the Youth Criminal Justice Act sets strict limits on detaining them before trial, and detention cannot be used as a substitute for child protection or housing. Parents and other responsible adults can often help by agreeing to supervise the young person. We prepare a release plan built around school, home and family support.
-
Only in limited cases. For serious offences committed at age 14 or older, the Crown can apply for an adult sentence, and the court holds a hearing before deciding. Even then, the case is heard in youth court and the young person keeps many youth protections. Most youth cases never come close to this, but where the Crown seeks it, careful preparation is essential.
Speak With a Woodbridge Criminal Defence Lawyer
Call (647) 254-9617, 24/7, or book a free consultation. Meet our team.