A youth criminal record is a record of a young person’s criminal offenses that is kept by the government. In Canada, young people are defined as those who are 12 to 17 years old. When a young person is charged with a criminal offense, their case is dealt with in youth court, which is a specialized court that deals with criminal offenses committed by young people.
If a young person is found guilty of a criminal offense, they will have a youth criminal record. This record is separate from an adult criminal record and is kept by the government until the young person turns 18. At that point, their youth criminal record is sealed, meaning that it is no longer accessible to the public.
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Consequences of having a youth criminal record
Having a youth criminal record can have serious consequences for young people, both in the short-term and in the long-term. Some of the consequences of having a youth criminal record include:
Difficulty finding employment:
Many employers conduct criminal background checks as part of their hiring process, and having a criminal record, including a youth criminal record, can make it more difficult for young people to find employment.
Difficulty getting into college or university:
Some colleges and universities may consider a criminal record, including a youth criminal record, when deciding whether to accept a student.
Difficulty getting a scholarship or bursary:
Some scholarship and bursary programs may consider a criminal record, including a youth criminal record, when deciding whether to award funding to a student.
Difficulty getting a loan:
Some lenders may consider a criminal record, including a youth criminal record, when deciding whether to approve a loan.
Difficulty traveling:
A criminal record, including a youth criminal record, may make it more difficult for young people to travel to certain countries, as some countries may refuse entry to people with criminal records.
Stigma:
Having a criminal record, including a youth criminal record, can also carry a stigma that can affect a young person’s reputation and relationships.
Ways to avoid getting a youth criminal record
There are several things that young people can do to avoid getting a youth criminal record:
- Stay out of trouble: The best way to avoid getting a youth criminal record is to stay out of trouble and avoid engaging in criminal behavior.
- Know the law: It is important for young people to be aware of the laws in their community and to understand what behaviors are prohibited by law.
- Get help: If a young person is struggling with substance abuse, mental health issues, or other challenges that may lead to criminal behavior, it is important for them to seek help and support.
- Seek legal advice: If a young person is facing criminal charges, it is important for them to seek legal advice from a lawyer who specializes in youth criminal law. A lawyer can help them understand their rights and options and can work to have the charges dropped or reduced.
Conclusion
Having a youth criminal record can have serious consequences for young people, both in the short-term and in the long-term. To avoid getting a youth criminal record, it is important for young people to stay out of trouble, know the law, seek help if needed, and seek legal advice if facing criminal charges.
