Friday, October 29, 2010

Youth and Your Rights: Right to a Lawyer!

It is your fundamental right, under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) to have a lawyer should you come in contact with the law! What does this right mean?

If you are detained or arrested by the police, you have a right to call a lawyer. Police must give you the phone number for a lawyer. For this purpose, you are allowed as many calls as you need.

If you are formally charged with breaking the law, should always speak with a lawyer. It is your right to have a lawyer represent you in court.

Here are some contacts to help you find a lawyer:

Justice for Children and Youth:
416-920-1633 / 1-866-999-5329
Advice, referrals and legal representation for low-income youth under 18.

Lawyer Referral Service:
416-947-3330 / 1-800-268-8326
(free for youth under 18)
Referrals to lawyers in various areas of practice; 30 min free advice.

Legal Aid Ontario:
416-598-0200 / 1-800-668-8258
www.lao.on.ca


What if you can’t afford a lawyer? See this post for more information!