THE YOUTH CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACT – In view of the recent arrests of young people as guns for hire and a 12-year-old who ran down a police officer, it’s good to know what the maximum penalties for serious offences are under the Act.First degree murder – 10 yearsSecond degree murder – 7 yearsIt is possible that, if the youth is 14 years of age or older, the Crown can apply for a Judge to impose an adult sentence, in which case the YCJA maximums do not apply.