Yellowknife (May 15/06) - A 17-year-old Behchoko youth charged with 38 offenses appeared in Yellowknife youth court May 8.

The youth, who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, is charged with crashing a vehicle while drunk in the Fort Smith area and breaking into a home in Behchoko, as well as being unlawfully at large and violating probation orders.

The charges stem from incidents that occurred between January, 2005 and April, 2006.

Counsel James Mahon asked the court for more time to go over the many charges with his client.

Judge Brian Bruser agreed to the request and re-scheduled the court date to May 24 to plead.

Last week, the youth tried to plead to the charges even though he didn't have a lawyer.

Judge Brian Bruser said he did not feel comfortable letting the 17-year-old plead without legal counsel.

He also expressed concern a parent or guardian had not been notified of the youth's situation.

"Any responsible person should look into this," Bruser said.

If the youth pleads not guilty, he will face trials in Behchoko and Fort Smith.