Any person under the age of 18 years who is charged with a criminal offence is entitled to the benefits provided under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA).

The YCJA recognizes that youth are at a stage in their lives where they are not fully developed intellectually and therefore are entitled to leniency under the law. This means that most youth will be diverted from the criminal courts unless they are involved in very serious offenses.

Newmarket Youth Court operates every Thursday in courtroom 102 at 50 Eagle Street beginning at 9:30 am. The first appearance is usually an administrative one where the Crown will provide you with disclosure and ask whether you have a lawyer. The case will typically be adjourned for four weeks to allow for review of the disclosure and to provide an opportunity to hire a lawyer.

Make sure you contact Domenic Manzo at 416-399-1018 and he will assist you or your child in getting through the somewhat complex court process.