Know Your Rights
At the time of an arrest, are police required to inform youth why they are being arrested?
✅ Yes, youth have the right to know the reason for their arrest.
Will the police tell your parents when you’re arrested?
✅ Yes, they are legally required to notify parents/guardians if the youth is under 18.
Should you say “yes” when asked if you want to talk to a lawyer?
✅ Yes, always agree to speak to a lawyer.
Can the police search you without arresting you?
✅ No, they can only perform a protective pat-down – not a full search.
Do youth automatically get a criminal record when arrested?
✅ No, it depends on the outcome and seriousness of the case.
Who can youth ask to speak to after being arrested?
✅ Youth can and should ask to speak to a lawyer and a parent/guardian.
Will the police question you before your parents arrive?
✅ Yes, but they should not and must wait until a parent or guardian is present.
Can police keep questioning you if you haven’t spoken to a lawyer?
✅ No, they are not supposed to question you before you speak to a lawyer.
Can police demand a youth to take off all of their clothes during a strip search?
✅ No, one article of clothing must be removed at a time then put back on before the next one is removed.
How long can a youth’s criminal record stay open?
It depends on the offence, sentence, and future behaviour.
Are youth able to request for their fingerprints and photo to be destroyed?
✅ Yes, a request can be made to Toronto police if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
If a police officer uses excessive force during an arrest, what should you do?
✅ Speak to a lawyer, take photos of injuries, and find witnesses.
What happens if a youth talks to police before their rights are explained?
✅ It can be used as a voluntary statement in court.
What should a youth do if searched without consent?
✅ Inform their lawyer immediately.
What will happen if a youth has an ongoing case before the court and they get arrested again?
✅ It will extend the time their first record will stay open.
Should a youth speak to police after they've been arrested?
✅ No, they should ask for a lawyer and not answer questions until advised.
How can a youth get their personal items back that were seized by police during an arrest?
✅ Call the police division to inquire about their seized property and ask what is needed to retrieve it.
If a police officer approaches a youth for questioning, what must be done before they ask any questions?
✅ Officers should provide prompt notification that the camera is on and must document any deactivations.
What must happen before police can search you for substances?
✅ You must be under arrest and in police custody.
If a youth has a criminal record, are they able to get it cleared?
✅ Yes, they can apply for a record suspension.
Are youth legally required to carry ID at all times?
✅ No, it’s not mandatory for youth to carry identification.
If a youth believes they were wrongfully arrested, what information should they document?
Police officer’s name, badge number, car/license plate, time, and any witnesses.
What is the purpose of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA)?
✅ To emphasize accountability, rehabilitation, and reintegration into society for youth ages 12-17.
What happens if the police conduct an unlawful/illegal search?
✅ A lawyer can challenge the legality of the search and the charges may be dismissed.
Will a youth have a criminal record if their sentence is 6 months house arrest?
✅ Yes, it is legally considered a jail sentence served in the community under strict conditions.