What to do if you are being questioned by the police:
Ask if you are free to go and why you are being questioned. If you are being searched, ask why. State that you want to speak to your lawyer. Make the telephone call right then if you have a cellphone. The Justice for Children and Youth GTA number is 416-920-1633.
What to do if you are being searched by the police:
Police can only legally search you:
- if you consent
- OR they have a warrant
- OR they are investigating your for a crime they suspect you did and it is for safety reasons
- OR they are arresting you for a crime and they are searching for evidence linked to the crime.
If the police begin to search you or your belonging without reasons DO NOT RESIST. Say that you do not consent to the search. Remember that the police checking your name on their computer or getting you to empty your pockets is a search.
Under 18? Questioned or Arrested by Police? Here is a Step-by-Step
- You should give your correct name, age and address. Ask if you are free to go. If they say no, they may be arresting you.
- Ask why you are being arrested. You have a right to know.
- Before the police can charge you, they must consider the following alternatives. They can:
- Let you go.
- Give you a warning
- Caution you (and even your parents) on the spot or at the police station
- If there are grounds for a charge, and if you agree, refer you to a community program.
Resources:
24 hour Legal Aid Lawyers 1-800-268-8326
Justice for Children and Youth
416-920-1633 (inside GTA)
1-866-999-5329