Halloween & Juvenile Crimes
With Halloween fast approaching, decorations are starting to pop up all around the region. As festive as it is, Halloween can also be a stressful time for parents—especially for those who have teenagers. It is not unheard of for young people to get themselves into trouble during Halloween. In this article, our New Westminster juvenile crimes defence lawyer highlights the key things parents should know about the justice system for this Halloween.
Children and Teenagers Can Get into Trouble on Halloween
While Halloween is associated with mischief, there are times when that can cross the line from good-natured to serious misconduct. A juvenile could even end up facing a criminal charge for something that happens on Halloween. Some of the most common criminal violations that adolescents commit during Halloween include:
- Trespassing;
- Vandalism;
- Theft;
- Underage drinking;
- Possession of a fake ID;
- Intoxicated driving;
- Drug possession or distribution; and
- Sexual misconduct.
Know How to Navigate the Juvenile Justice System in British Columbia
Was your child or juvenile loved one arrested on Halloween? If so, it is crucial that you understand how criminal justice works in these cases. Here are four key things to understand about the juvenile delinquency system in British Columbia:
- Many Juvenile Cases are Governed By the YCJA: The Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) is a Canadian federal law that governs most criminal matters involving minors between the ages of 12 and 17. The law holds that youthful offenders will be held responsible—but it also provides them with important rights.
- Parents (and Caregivers) Have an Important Role to Play: Under the YCJA, parents, and caregivers have an essential role to play in the process. They should be actively involved in helping a juvenile make amends and set their lives straight.
- Financial Liability May Be an Issue for Damages: The Parental Liability Act is a law that holds that parents may be liable for up to $10,000 in damages caused by a criminal act of a child. However, parents are exempt from financial liability if they can prove that they exercised reasonable supervision and made efforts to discourage the child from crimes.
- Rehabilitation is Strongly Emphasized for Juveniles: The juvenile justice system in Canada strongly emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment. A lawyer can help ensure that your child can take advantage of all of the options that are available to them.
The bottom line is that a youthful indiscretion should not undermine a young person’s future. A criminal defence lawyer who has experience representing juveniles can help your child and your family navigate the process.
Get Help From Our British Columbia Juvenile Crimes Defence Lawyer Today
At N.J. Preovolos Law Corporation, our New Westminster criminal defense lawyer is a passionate, experienced, and solutions-focused advocate for juveniles and their families. Get in touch with us by phone or contact us online to set up your fully confidential appointment with a lawyer. From our New Westminster law office, we handle juvenile delinquency cases throughout the area, including in Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, South Westminster, Richmond, and Port Coquitlam.
