The bail provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act are completely different from those of the adult system. It is at the discretion of the court to detain a juvenile before trial, but only if certain criteria are met. First, the minor must be charged with a serious crime or have a criminal record or criminal record. Second, one of three reasons must be present: 1) it is very likely that the juvenile will not appear in court when released, 2) detention is necessary to protect the public, or 3) there are exceptional circumstances justifying detention in order to maintain public confidence in the justice system. Finally, the court must take into account the possible conditions under which a juvenile could be released and will detain him or her only if no conditions can address the court`s concerns. If you need help in court, we can provide duty counsel to help you request a lawyer, help you with bail hearings, give you initial legal advice, or represent you in court until a lawyer is appointed for you. All youth in Alberta have the right to a lawyer if they are charged with a crime. Contact us by phone at 1.866.845.3425. You can also speak to the public defender at your next hearing. Alberta Law Libraries Alberta Law Libraries is a provincial network of law libraries that provide research support and information services to the legal community, self-represented litigants and all Albertans.
Libraries are located in courthouses and provincial buildings across the province and are open to the public. Grande Prairie Legal Guidance Grande Prairie Legal Guidance provides free legal information and advice to low- and middle-income individuals who have a legal problem but are not eligible for legal aid. He can help you with areas such as family law, landlord and tenant matters, employment, debts/contracts, circulation/statutes, wills and estates, criminal law and civil law. GPLG does not provide representation in court. Student Legal Services – Edmonton Student Legal Services is a student-run organization that helps low-income people in the Edmonton area understand and resolve their legal problems. He can assist in criminal, civil and family law, among others. Public Interest Law Clinic – University of Calgary The Public Interest Law Clinic is a legal clinic of the University of Calgary`s Faculty of Law created to promote systemic change that values and promotes the well-being of the public and the environment. You have the right to receive free legal advice from a lawyer 24 hours a day. Our reserved telephone number is posted in all police stations. Centre for Public Legal Education of Alberta (CPLEA) The CPPLL is dedicated to providing information about the law in readable and understandable language to Albertans.
It maintains a number of websites containing legal information in many areas. If you are a young person accused of a crime, the justice system can be intimidating. This may be your first time dealing with the police, lawyers or judges. If you have already been convicted of a minor, you may be detained for the first time. You will need the help of an experienced lawyer who can guide you through the process. Law Society of Alberta The Law Society of Alberta regulates the legal profession in the public interest by promoting and enforcing high standards of professional and ethical conduct on the part of Alberta lawyers. The Law Society can help members of the public find a lawyer, search for records and wills, and answer questions about lawyers` conduct. Federation of Law Societies of Canada The Federation of Law Societies of Canada is the national coordinating body for the 14 law societies mandated by provincial and territorial legislation to regulate Canada`s 125,000 lawyers, Quebec`s 3,800 notaries and Ontario`s 10,500 independent paralegals in the public interest. There are a number of critical differences between the Juvenile Justice Act and the Penal Code. The law recognizes that young people are not as mature as adults.
The youth system takes into account the reduced moral guilt of young people. Rehabilitation is only one factor in adult sentencing, but it is the most important principle for young people. While not everyone can afford a lawyer, every Albertan deserves access to a fair legal system. As a public not-for-profit organization, we provide affordable legal services in the areas of family law, family violence, child welfare, immigration, and youth and adult criminal defense. Central Alberta Community Legal Clinic – Red Deer The Central Alberta Community Legal Clinic offers free legal advice to people who are not eligible for legal aid and cannot afford a lawyer. He can help with a variety of issues, including but not limited to family, civil, criminal, will, and immigration law. The service is provided through pre-booked appointments and legal advice is not provided over the phone. Young people should have a say in issues that affect them. In addition, a lawyer will ensure that the legal interests of the young person are taken into account by the court.
The Juvenile Justice Act is the law that regulates juveniles accused of crimes. The law applies to people between the ages of 12 and 17 – in Canada, you cannot be charged with a crime if you are under the age of 12. If a young person is convicted of a serious violent crime, the Crown may seek an adult sentence. The Crown would have to convince the court of two things: first, that the minor does not have diminished moral culpability and, second, that a sentence imposed by a minor would not be sufficient to hold the minor responsible. You cannot apply for legal aid on behalf of your child. All minor clients must contact Legal Aid Alberta directly by phone or speak to a public advocate in court. Canadian Legal Information Institute (CanLII) CanLII is a not-for-profit organization that operates and maintains a website that provides ongoing access to a virtual library of Canadian legal information. This website provides access to court judgments, court decisions, laws and regulations of all Canadian jurisdictions.
The juvenile justice system has three main objectives. First, the system should hold young people accountable in a manner commensurate with their lesser responsibilities. Secondly, it is a question of promoting the rehabilitation and reintegration of young people into society. Third, crime prevention is supported by referrals to community programs and agencies that seek to address the underlying causes of criminal behaviour. Based in Calgary and Edmonton, the Youth Criminal Defence Office (YDCO) operates under the supervision of Legal Aid Alberta and represents youth aged 12 to 18 who are charged with crime. The ADJC also employs a number of social workers, youth workers and administrative staff to assist lawyers. Legal Line Legal Line is a federal not-for-profit organization that provides access to the laws under which Canadians are governed. It is a searchable database of Canadian laws that provides answers in 40 major jurisdictions in 107 languages. It also offers a hotline that provides pre-recorded answers to common legal questions and live help from subject matter experts. Juvenile Justice at The Alex – Calgary CLERC provides legal advice, information, advocacy, referrals and services to children and youth.
CLERC lawyers represent youth under the age of 19 in matters such as family, immigration, estate and inheritance, employment matters, landlord and tenant issues, human rights issues, education issues and guardianship issues. CLERC does not represent youth involved in criminal matters or using legal services through child protection. You are entitled to other legal services if you live on a limited income. Your net family income, after deductions, determines the legal services for which you are eligible. Your assets can also be taken into account. When you apply, you must provide financial information about your income and assets, as well as your living situation. You will also need to verify the financial information you provide to Legal Aid. If you are in a common-law relationship, the income of spouses and their dependants is considered a family member for family income purposes.
Youth living at home must also provide information about the parent`s or guardian`s income to determine eligibility. Student Legal Assistance – Calgary Student Legal Assistance provides legal information and representation to low-income residents of the Calgary area. These services are provided by law students at the University of Calgary. ALS assists in civil matters, crimes, landlord/tenant matters, traffic violations, family matters (except divorce), minor claims, welfare/AISH/Employment Insurance complaints, academic and non-academic student appeals, and court administrative work. Women`s Centre Legal Counselling Clinic Volunteer lawyers offer free half-hour legal advice sessions for women. These meetings are intended to provide a starting point for access to the legal system. The clinics deal with family, civil, immigration and other types of law, but not criminal law. All women are welcome; Required dates.
