A reprimand is a stern warning from the judge. It is intended for minor cases where the judge feels that the experience of being arrested, taken through the court process and receiving a stern warning would be enough to hold the youth accountable for the offence.
An absolute discharge is a sentence which allows the court to discharge the youth without any conditions and is used when the court is satisfied that nothing further is required.
The court issues a discharge but only after the youth has followed specific conditions set by the court for a specific period of time. Such conditions may include the youth having to report to a probation officer.
The judge orders the youth to pay money to the court. The judge sets the amount owed (no more than $1000) and the date by which the money has to be paid. If the youth is unable to pay the fine, the Fine Option Program allows a person to “work off” the fine by doing work in the community. Before giving a youth a fine, the judge must consider the ability of the youth to pay the fine, now and/or in the future. In addition to the fine, the judge will add the Victim Fine Surcharge, which can be up to 15% of the amount of the fine. The money from the Victim Fine Surcharge is used by the government to fund victim programs.
The court orders a young person to pay money to another person (usually the victim) for loss, damage or injury that resulted from their offence. Before giving a compensation order, the judge must consider the ability of the young person to pay the compensation, now and/or in the future. The judge orders the length of time the youth has available for paying the compensation and the terms of payment (e.g. paid in smaller amounts over a period of time).
The judge orders the youth to return to the owner(s) any goods that were stolen. The judge will also decide how much time the youth has to return the items.