Is Your Child
Facing Criminal Charges in Toronto?
Their Future Is Worth Protecting.
The Youth Criminal Justice Act is designed to rehabilitate, not punish permanently — but only if the case is handled correctly from the very first step. Legal Solutions Law Firm defends young people across Toronto and the GTA.
Toronto Youth Criminal Defence
Toronto Youth Criminal Charges: Protecting Your Child's Future, Not Just the Case
The Youth Criminal Justice Act governs how young people between 12 and 17 are treated when charged with a criminal offence. It emphasizes rehabilitation, extrajudicial measures, and keeping young people out of the formal court system wherever appropriate — but navigating this system requires specialized knowledge.
Youth records are treated very differently from adult records, with strict rules around access, disclosure, and eventual sealing. Getting a young person's case resolved through extrajudicial sanctions, a caution, or a discharge can make a lasting difference in their future.
Legal Solutions Law Firm understands the unique framework of youth justice and advocates for outcomes that protect a young person's future. Call or text 416-274-2222 for a free, confidential consultation.
We push for warnings, cautions, and extrajudicial sanctions that keep young people out of the formal court system.
We work to minimize the creation of a youth record and advocate for the earliest possible sealing where a record does result.
We keep parents informed and involved throughout the process while representing the young person's legal interests.
Know your total cost upfront. No hourly billing, with flexible payment options available.
Real-World Scenarios
Common Youth Charge Scenarios We Handle
Youth charges arise from a wide range of school and social circumstances. Here are common scenarios we see across Toronto.
School Fight or Assault Allegation
A physical altercation between students that escalates into a criminal charge alongside school discipline.
Shoplifting or Retail Theft
A first-time retail incident, often eligible for a warning, caution, or extrajudicial sanction.
Vandalism or Mischief
Property damage at a school, park, or public space, often involving a group of young people.
Cyberbullying or Online Offences
Allegations arising from social media posts, group chats, or other online conduct.
Weapons Possession at School
A serious allegation, sometimes involving an object not typically thought of as a weapon, brought to school.
What We Handle
Youth Charges We Defend
We represent young people facing the full range of charges under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Our Approach
How We Defend Your Case
Call us any time — 24/7. We explain the youth justice process clearly for both the young person and their parents.
We advocate to have the matter resolved through a warning, caution, or extrajudicial sanction wherever possible — avoiding formal charges entirely.
We obtain all evidence and carefully assess the strength of the Crown's case within the youth justice framework.
We negotiate directly with the Crown, working toward the most rehabilitative and record-protecting resolution available.
Where a finding of guilt results, we advocate for sentencing options focused on rehabilitation, such as community service or conditional discharge.
If necessary, we take the matter to trial, always with the young person's long-term future as the central priority.
Plain Language Legal Guide
Young Offenders — What Parents Need to Know
Your Child Should Say Nothing to Police
Young people have the same right to silence as adults, and often feel even more pressure to explain themselves to authority figures.
Advise your child to remain calm, say nothing about the incident, and ask for a lawyer immediately.
Extrajudicial Measures Come First
The Youth Criminal Justice Act requires police and Crown prosecutors to consider alternatives to formal charges, including warnings, cautions, and extrajudicial sanctions.
We advocate strongly for these alternatives from the earliest possible stage of the case.
Youth Records Are Different — But Not Automatic
Youth records are subject to strict access and disclosure rules and can eventually be sealed, but this protection is not automatic and depends on the outcome of the case.
A well-negotiated resolution can significantly shorten the time a record affects your child's future.
Parental Involvement Matters
Parents play an important role in supporting a young person through the process, though the young person is the client and their legal interests come first.
We keep parents informed at every stage while respecting the young person's rights.
School-Based Incidents
Many youth charges arise from incidents at school, which can also trigger separate disciplinary consequences from the school board.
We help families understand how the criminal and school processes interact.
Why Early, Skilled Representation Matters
The earliest stages of a youth case — including decisions about extrajudicial measures — often have the greatest impact on the long-term outcome.
Engaging a lawyer immediately gives your child the best chance at a resolution that protects their future.
Know the Process
Where Your Case Is Heard — Toronto Courts
Youth matters in Toronto are heard in the Ontario Court of Justice's dedicated Youth Justice Court, which follows different procedures and protections under the Youth Criminal Justice Act than the adult court system.
Ontario Court of Justice — 10 Armoury Street
Toronto's criminal matters — including first appearances, bail hearings, and trials for summary and many indictable offences — are heard at 10 Armoury Street. This purpose-built courthouse opened in 2023, consolidating the criminal courts formerly split across Old City Hall and College Park into one 17-storey building, the largest courthouse in Ontario.
Superior Court of Justice — 361 University Avenue
More serious indictable matters and jury trials are heard at the Superior Court of Justice at 361 University Avenue, which houses both the Criminal and Family branches. This is a separate courthouse from 330 and 393 University Avenue, which handle Superior Court civil matters.
Know What's at Stake
Potential Penalties
The Youth Criminal Justice Act uses a fundamentally different framework than adult sentencing, prioritizing accountability and rehabilitation over punishment. The information below is general — your child's actual situation depends on the specific facts and the discretion available at each stage.
Warnings, cautions, and extrajudicial sanctions allow many cases to be resolved without a formal court finding of guilt or any record at all.
Where a matter proceeds to a finding of guilt, non-custodial outcomes like probation or a discharge are common, particularly for first-time or lower-severity matters.
Reserved for more serious or repeat matters, youth custody sentences are capped well below adult sentences for the same offence and emphasize supervised reintegration.
Youth records are subject to strict access rules and, depending on the outcome, can be sealed or destroyed after a defined period — unlike adult records.
Understanding Your Options
Possible Case Outcomes — Best to Worst
Every criminal case can result in a range of outcomes. Our goal is always to achieve the best possible result — and in the vast majority of cases, that means no jail and no permanent criminal record.
Is Your Child Facing Charges? Act Quickly to Protect Their Future.
Early decisions in a youth case can shape the rest of a young person's life. Legal Solutions Law Firm is available 24/7 — your consultation is always free.
Why Legal Solutions
Why Choose Our Toronto Youth Criminal Defence Lawyers
Youth justice requires a different approach than adult criminal defence — one focused on rehabilitation and protecting a young person's future. Ryan Manilla has represented young people at the Ontario Bar for over 15 years.
We work closely with families to navigate this system and secure outcomes that give young people a genuine second chance.
Client Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
I had a very positive experience with Legal Solutions Law Firm. Ryan represented me in a family court matter and provided excellent guidance and support throughout the entire process. He was professional, knowledgeable, and always took the time to answer my questions and explain everything clearly. Family court matters can be stressful, but Ryan helped make the process much easier and gave me confidence every step of the way. I truly appreciated his dedication, responsiveness, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. I highly recommend Legal Solutions Law Firm and Ryan to anyone looking for a compassionate and experienced family lawyer.
We tried to defend ourselves in civil court, but ultimately decided to hire Ryan — and it was the wisest decision we have made in the last two years of hell with our condo managers. Ryan and his team have been exceptional: swift, sharp, on the ball, and always asking the right questions while making the right arguments to move our case forward to the Superior Court.
Ryan did an outstanding job on my case. He was clear, professional, and always kept me informed. Thanks to his hard work, my charges were dropped. I’m very grateful and highly recommend him.
I wish I could add five more stars to show how happy we are with the legal services of Ryan J. Manilla and his team. They took charge of our legal matters, worked tirelessly on short notice, and delivered outstanding legal documents on time. Their teamwork, professionalism, patience, and understanding of our situation gave us tremendous peace of mind. Most importantly, we sleep better at night knowing that we are in good hands, with a legal team that has the expertise and compassion to handle sensitive matters with care.
I had a great experience working with Ryan at Legal Solutions. He is professional, responsive, and very knowledgeable. Any time I had questions, he got back to me quickly and provided practical advice. I wouldn’t hesitate to use him again.
I was going through anxiety not knowing what to expect with my case. Ryan explained everything simply and stood up for me at my hearing. I’m really thankful for his help!
I had such a stressful time trying to find legal help. I felt lost and hopeless when I got a notice to appear at the LTB. When I found Ryan, he stepped up and defended me. He’s knowledgeable about both the LTB and criminal law, and most importantly he’s tough! Exactly what I was looking for. I’m so glad I found him.
Ryan is a tough lawyer who defended us during a very difficult time. He helped me with a Landlord and Tenant Board issue. People told me to get a paralegal, but the ones I contacted either wouldn’t help or couldn’t communicate well in English. When I found Ryan, he explained the situation clearly and told me what to do. He showed up to the hearing tough and ready to go. I’m so glad I found him!
One of the best. Well poised, smart articulate. Know his stuff and one of the best lawyer out there to work with.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Defending Clients Across Toronto and the GTA
Our Reach
Serving Every Toronto Neighbourhood
From young offenders charges arising downtown to cases across the inner suburbs, Legal Solutions Law Firm defends clients throughout Toronto.
From My Experience: The First 48 Hours Matter Most in a Youth Case
Parents often call me in a state of panic, assuming the worst the moment their child is charged with something. In my experience, youth cases are some of the most fixable in the entire criminal justice system — but only if the right steps are taken early.
Why I Push Hard for Extrajudicial Measures
The Youth Criminal Justice Act was specifically designed to keep young people out of the formal court system wherever reasonably possible, through warnings, cautions, and extrajudicial sanctions. I advocate for these alternatives on nearly every file, because the difference between a formal record and a caution can shape a young person's opportunities for years.
I also spend real time with parents explaining how the process actually works, because the fear of the unknown is often worse than the reality of a well-handled youth case. If your child has been charged with anything, call me before speaking with police or school officials: 416-274-2222.
Free Resources
Tools & Guides
Wondering whether the case will be heard in youth or adult court, or when a youth record becomes inaccessible? These free tools and guides can help:
Speak With a Youth Criminal Defence Lawyer Today
Is your child facing criminal charges? Contact Legal Solutions Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.