Can I ask for help?

Yes. All Canadians, under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, have the right to talk to a lawyer, and to retain and give instructions to a lawyer if they have been arrested or detained. All Canadians must be informed of this right and be given a reasonable opportunity to use it. Young people are no exception, and the Youth Criminal Justice Act is very clear that you must be given the same rights as adults have under the Charter and some additional protections, as well.

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January 2004 More Youth Criminal Justice Act FAQs:

• Introduction
• Arrest / Police
• Extrajudicial Measures
• Extrajudicial Sanctions
• Youth Court

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