Latest news with #YCJA
CTV News
2 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Hamilton police arrest 11- and 14-year-old in connection with stolen vehicle probe
A Hamilton Police officer is seen in this undated photo. (Twitter/@HamiltonPolice) An 11-year-old and 14-year-old are facing charges after a stolen vehicle allegedly fled from officers on Tuesday on the Stoney Creek Mountain. Hamilton police said they were called to the area of Rymal and Fletcher roads at around 2:45 a.m. on May 27 after receiving a report of people trying to steal vehicles from driveways. Upon arrival, they say officers spotted a white van 'with approximately 3-5 teens within it,' but said the vehicle's driver sped off when a traffic stop was attempted. Investigators say the van was found unoccupied a short time later on the side of Fletcher Road. Officers searched the area and located an 11- and 14-year-old and arrested both of them. The 14-year-old is now charged with three counts of failing to comply with a release order and one count of possession of property obtained by crime. The 11-year-old cannot be charged under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), which states that 'no person shall be convicted of an offence in respect of an act or omission on his part while that person was under the age of twelve years.' The accused also cannot be identified, according to the act. Hamilton police say they're still searching for more suspects and are asking anyone with information to contact them at 905-546-3886 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
CTV News
2 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Hamilton police arrest 11- and 14-year-old in connection with stolen vehicle probe
A Hamilton Police officer is seen in this undated photo. (Twitter/@HamiltonPolice) An 11-year-old and 14-year-old are facing charges after a stolen vehicle allegedly fled from officers on Tuesday on the Stoney Creek Mountain. Hamilton police said they were called to the area of Rymal and Fletcher roads at around 2:45 a.m. on May 27 after receiving a report of people trying to steal vehicles from driveways. Upon arrival, they say officers spotted a white van 'with approximately 3-5 teens within it,' but said the vehicle's driver sped off when a traffic stop was attempted. Investigators say the van was found unoccupied a short time later on the side of Fletcher Road. Officers searched the area and located an 11- and 14-year-old and arrested both of them. The 14-year-old is now charged with three counts of failing to comply with a release order and one count of possession of property obtained by crime. The 11-year-old cannot be charged under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), which states that 'no person shall be convicted of an offence in respect of an act or omission on his part while that person was under the age of twelve years.' The accused also cannot be identified, according to the act. Hamilton police say they're still searching for more suspects and are asking anyone with information to contact them at 905-546-3886 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Yahoo
MANDEL: Bathtub Girl killer, now 37, wants 'second chance'
Once dubbed the Bathtub Girl killer, she's spent more than eight years in her uphill quest to be licensed as an Ontario lawyer – and she's tired of waiting. Convicted as a youth of drowning her alcoholic mom when she was 15, 'A.B.' went before the Law Society Tribunal this week and asked to be immediately licensed due to 'inordinate delay' and abuse of process by the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) as they seek a 'good character' hearing. 'The LSO should do the right thing and let me proceed directly to licensing. This would stop LSO's eight years (and counting) of wasting taxpayer and annual lawyer fee monies. This would ensure the YCJA (Youth Criminal Justice Act) is respected, so others with a youth record have a real second chance when they have put in the work to improve themselves – like I have,' wrote the law graduate, her identity protected under the YCJA. 'The YCJA (Youth Criminal Justice Act) exists to give youths a second chance without being punished for their mistakes made as children. I was 15 at the time of the offence and am now 37. Instead,' she wrote in her affidavit. 'the LSO is trying to legalize destroying the reputation of any youth before the youth can even begin their career as a lawyer. That is malicious and improper.' The infamous murder has been the subject of a book by the late great Bob Mitchell as well as a movie adaptation. On Jan. 18, 2003, after months of carefully planning their plot and giddily discussing it online with friends, the sisters – 16 and 15 at the time – plied their alcoholic mom with vodka and slipped her Tylenol 3s laced with codeine. As their 43-year-old mother lay sleepily in her bath, the older girl put on gloves and gently – to avoid telltale bruising – held her underwater for four minutes until she stopped twitching. MANDEL: Has Bathtub Girl killer been cleared to practise law? BATHTUB GIRLS: Younger of two sisters who killed mom in 2003 now an articling student for Toronto criminal lawyer Top court upholds conviction in bathtub murder conspiracy They almost got away with it. But flush with $133,000 in insurance money, the sisters couldn't stop blabbing about their crime. And a year after the drowning was ruled an accident, one of their friends went to Peel Regional Police. Both girls were sentenced to the maximum youth term of 10 years – six in secure custody. A.B. was paroled after four years due to her good behaviour and completed her sentence in 2014. To her credit, she completed an undergrad degree, went to law school, articled and passed her bar exams. But the single mom is still waiting to be called to the bar. In her 2016 application, she responded to a question that an Ontario judge would later rule was 'misleading and unlawful' – and disclosed her youth record for murder. That triggered an LSO 'good character' investigation, a request for her youth records in 2019 and her referral to a hearing in 2020 that's been delayed by legal wrangling over guaranteeing her anonymity. She went to court in 2023 to revoke her permission for the LSO to access her youth record after she complained their investigator used it to reveal her identity and conviction to witnesses as she probed them with 'gossipy' questions. In August 2024, Justice Bruce Duncan – the same judge who presided over her trial and sentencing – agreed and ruled the law society has no business even considering her past since her youth conviction is considered erased. 'AB is conclusively deemed never to have committed the offence,' Duncan said in his ruling at the time. While the Law Society is appealing, A.B. brought her motion Thursday to skip the good character hearing completely – a move strongly opposed by the Law Society. 'The need to assess character is significantly heightened when an applicant has been involved in first-degree murder – the most serious of crimes,' LSO lawyer Nadia Musclow told the tribunal. 'A significant amount of the delay in this matter is attributable to the applicant herself and the various steps she has taken to avoid the licensing hearing.' It's a charge A.B. denies, accusing the legal regulator of 'fighting her every step of the way' so she'll finally give up – something she vows not to do. 'Had I known that waiting for licensing would be like Waiting for Godot, I would have never applied to be a lawyer,' she wrote. 'That is a sad message for LSO to send to those with a youth record, who have valuable and unique experiences to contribute to the practice of law.' The tribunal has reserved its decision. mmandel@
Associated Press
25-02-2025
- Associated Press
Strategic Criminal Defence Announces the Hiring of its New Criminal Defence Lawyer in Calgary
Strategic Criminal Defence has welcomed Cara Lebenzon. With over four years of experience in legal practice, she is experienced in cases including property crime, domestic violence, and impaired driving. Her addition enhances the firm's capacity to provide exceptional legal representation and address complex criminal cases. Calgary, Alberta, Canada, February 25, 2025 -- Strategic Criminal Defence, one of Western Canada's largest and most trusted criminal defense firms, proudly announces the addition of Cara Lebenzon to its team of lawyers. With over four years of experience practicing law in Lethbridge and Southern Alberta, Lebenzon brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for advocacy to further enhance the firm's ability to deliver exceptional legal representation. Photo courtesy of Strategic Criminal Defence Cara Lebenzon joins Strategic Criminal Defence with an impressive track record of handling diverse cases, including property crime, fraud, domestic violence, manslaughter, sexual assault, child pornography, impaired driving, and drug and weapons offenses. A graduate of the University of Ottawa, her experience extends beyond courtroom advocacy. She has also developed a particular interest in addressing the intersection of mental health, addiction, criminal justice, and vulnerable populations. Lebenzon has extensive experience navigating cases under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) and collaborating with Indigenous communities to promote restorative justice and reconciliation. Her ability to connect with clients on a personal level makes sure that they feel supported throughout their legal journey. This is the hallmark of Strategic Criminal Defence's client-centered philosophy. 'I'm honored to join such a highly regarded team,' Cara Lebenzon shared. 'Strategic Criminal Defence has built a reputation for excellence in criminal law and client advocacy. I look forward to contributing my knowledge and continuing to serve clients with compassion while fiercely protecting their rights.' Lebenzon's addition to Strategic Criminal Defence's team of over 20 skilled criminal defense lawyers significantly enhances the firm's capacity to meet the needs of its expanding client base. Her proficiency in handling complex criminal cases, including those involving mental health and addiction, brings a fresh perspective to the team. This addition confirms that the firm can continue to provide tailored, strategic solutions for a broader range of cases while maintaining high standards of service and results. Founder Michael Oykhman expressed his enthusiasm for Lebenzon's addition to the team. He mentions, 'Cara's addition is a significant step forward for our firm. Her experience and passion for advocacy align perfectly with our mission to provide strategic legal solutions while prioritizing the needs of our clients. We are confident her contributions will strengthen our team and enhance our ability to deliver results.' With over 10,000 cases successfully defended and receiving over 500 five-star Google reviews attesting to its excellence, Strategic Criminal Defence continues to set the standard for criminal law in Western Canada. With Cara Lebenzon joining the team, the firm continues to be a trusted advocate for clients while expanding its capacity to address new challenges in criminal law across Canada. About Strategic Criminal Defence Strategic Criminal Defence is one of Western Canada's premier criminal defense firms, holding a nationwide network of over 20 accomplished lawyers. Under Michael Oykhman's leadership, the firm has successfully defended over 10,000 cases throughout Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Ontario. Guided by core values of service, results, integrity, teamwork, drive, and strategy, Strategic Criminal Defence provides client-centered legal representation tailored to each case. Rather than focusing solely on legal precedents, the firm follows a client-first philosophy combined with creative problem-solving and strategic thinking. This enables it to deliver comprehensive solutions that address legal challenges and personal circumstances in criminal defense across Canada. is one of Western Canada's premier criminal defense firms, holding a nationwide network of over 20 accomplished lawyers. Under Michael Oykhman's leadership, the firm has successfully defended over 10,000 cases throughout Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Ontario. Guided by core values of service, results, integrity, teamwork, drive, and strategy, Strategic Criminal Defence provides client-centered legal representation tailored to each case. Rather than focusing solely on legal precedents, the firm follows a client-first philosophy combined with creative problem-solving and strategic thinking. This enables it to deliver comprehensive solutions that address legal challenges and personal circumstances in criminal defense across Canada. Organization: Strategic Criminal Defence
