Charged under the Youth Criminal Justice Act? We protect the child’s rights and their future. 24/7 emergency line.

When a young person is charged, both the youth and their guardians face urgent questions:

what to say to police,
how bail works, and
whether a criminal record will follow the child for years.

Pollock & Company defends youths, defined as those between 12–17 years old, across Manitoba.

Immediate Steps If A Youth Has Been Charged

Do not let the young person give a statement until we’re present. Youths have the right to a lawyer and to have a parent/guardian involved.

Call us right away. We’ll contact police/Crown, attend interviews, and start building a release plan.
Keep all paperwork (appearance notice, undertakings, conditions).
Plan for bail: who will supervise, curfew options, school schedule, counselling or programs your child can start now.

24/7 Emergency Line: 204-997-3967. Same-day consultations available.

How does youth criminal law differ from adult criminal law?

Youth criminal law is a specialized field of practice. The Youth Criminal Justice Act, or YCJA, is the law that governs Canada’s youth justice system.

The YCJA puts special procedures and rules in place for dealing with criminal offenses by youths between the ages of 12-17.

Here are a few ways that youth criminal law is distinct from adult criminal law:

Youths have the right to a guardian or legal counsel being present whenever they are questioned by police
Youths can have a lawyer at all stages of their case, with court-appointed lawyers available for those who cannot afford one
It is more difficult to deny bail for a youth
Identifying information about young offenders cannot be printed during or after the case

Bail & Release: What to Expect

Detention for youth is a last resort. The team at Pollock & Company prepares a practical plan that a judge can accept and the youth can follow:

where the youth will live,
who supervises,
curfew details,
school/work attendance, and
counselling.

Related service: Bail & Bail Hearings.

Diversion & Restorative Options (Keeping Court Consequences Low)

For many first-time or less serious matters, the system allows warnings, cautions, referrals, and extrajudicial sanctions (EJS). We propose a tailored plan—community programming, counselling, education, or service—that addresses risk while protecting your child’s record. Our goal is to resolve the case without a conviction whenever available.

What we do: identify eligibility early, assemble documentation, and negotiate with the Crown for diversion over prosecution.

Youth Records & Their Future

Youth records are time-limited and generally not publicly publishable. Our team can advise:

Who can see the record and for how long (access periods depend on the outcome).
When background checks are affected and when access ends.
Next steps after access expires, including how to confirm sealing.
Name publication rules: youth identities are protected unless rare exceptions apply.

We provide letters and guidance for schools, teams, and volunteer programs to minimize disruption.

School Issues, No-Contact Orders & Social Media

Criminal matters can affect the school day. We help you:

Work with the school to respect no-contact orders without derailing classes.
Adjust schedules and transportation to meet curfew and attendance conditions.
Manage social media risks—what to avoid posting, how to preserve evidence, and how to comply with online conditions.

How We Work with Legal Aid & Fees

If your family may qualify for Legal Aid Manitoba, we’ll guide you through the next steps so the child is represented at the earliest stage. If proceeding privately, we provide clear fee options and stage-based billing so you always know what’s next.

Why Pollock & Company

Youth-focused defence: calm, clear guidance for youth and guardians.
Fast action: we attend police interviews and early bail hearings.
Resolution mindset: diversion and rehabilitation first; trial-ready when needed.
Clear communication: plain-language updates and realistic expectations.

Call now: 204.956.0450 • Email: • Office: Suite 301–379 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB

Helpful Local Information (Winnipeg)

Provincial Court (Youth matters): handled at Provincial Court in Winnipeg.
Manitoba Youth Centre (MYC): where youths may be held pending a decision on release.
Community supports: counselling, addictions, mentorship, and restorative programs—we will recommend options that strengthen a diversion proposal.

Youth Criminal Law: F.A.Q.

Can police question my child without me or a lawyer?

No. The youth must be told they can speak with a lawyer and have a parent/guardian involved. Tell police, “We want a lawyer present,” and call us. We will attend, assert rights, and manage any interview.

Will my child’s name be in the news or online?

Youth identities are generally protected. Publication is restricted and, in most cases, names will not appear publicly. We respond to media inquiries and seek protective orders where needed.

Where is my child if they’re held, and how do we get them released?

In Winnipeg, youths are typically held at the Manitoba Youth Centre before court. We build a bail plan (supervision, curfew, school, counselling) and advocate for release at the earliest opportunity.

What happens at the first court date?

The first court appearance usually consists of a request for disclosure, or the police evidence in the case. We handle the discussion with the Crown and set the next steps.

Can my child avoid a criminal record?

Often, yes—through diversion or other resolutions for appropriate cases. Even where there’s a finding of guilt, youth record access is time-limited. We explain timelines and how to confirm sealing later.

Will the school find out?

Sometimes. Information may be shared for safety or to follow court orders. We work with the school to keep the youth in class where possible and to arrange safe schedules.

My teen uses social media—can that hurt the case?

Yes. Posts and messages can become evidence or breach conditions. We provide guidance on navigating social media and ongoing advice to prevent new charges.

What if my child breaks curfew or contacts someone by mistake?

Call us immediately. Quick action can reduce the risk of new charges. We’ll advise on records of honest mistakes, transportation fixes, or schedule changes the court might accept.

How long will this affect jobs, travel, or volunteering?

Some agencies may see youth records. After record access ends, typical checks shouldn’t show them. We help confirm when access closes and what to say on forms.

How do fees and Legal Aid work?

We’ll help you apply for Legal Aid if eligible. If hiring privately, we’ll outline clear, stage-based fees, so you understand costs before decisions are made.

Our related services

If you’re a parent or guardian, and your child has been criminally charged, contact Pollock & Company for guidance through the YCJA and court process. Contact us now at 204.956.0450 or call 204.997.3967 for 24/7 support.

204.956.0450