Criminal law

Criminal lawyer

Criminal charge: Protect your rights, your future, and your peace of mind.

We defend people charged under the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, from arrest through to trial and, where applicable, on appeal.

  • From arrest to bail hearing
  • Negotiations with the Crown, preliminary inquiry, trial
  • Three offices: Gatineau, Trois-Rivières and Sherbrooke
  • Service in French and English

What we do

Typical interventions

Facing a criminal charge, whether under the Criminal Code of Canada or the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, can profoundly disrupt your personal, family, and professional life. These situations often generate stress, uncertainty, and anxiety about the future.

In these circumstances, it is essential to benefit from a rigorous, strategic defense focused on your interests. At N&E Lawyers, we fully understand the scope of the challenges you face. Our experienced lawyers offer you complete legal representation at every stage of the process: from arrest to bail release, including negotiations with the Crown, preliminary inquiries, trial, and appeals, if necessary.

We are committed to defending your rights with integrity, determination, and humanity, while providing the necessary support to navigate this ordeal with clarity and confidence. Our goal: to achieve the most favorable outcome for you, while minimizing the legal and personal consequences.

Impaired driving

A charge can have consequences well beyond the road.

Have you been arrested for driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs? Do not make any important decision about your file before obtaining legal advice.

A criminal charge can have significant repercussions on your driver's licence, your employment, your insurance, your travel and your reputation. The consequences can also be particularly serious for people who hold a professional licence, who travel frequently, or who are not Canadian citizens.

Your file deserves a rigorous analysis. A charge does not automatically mean the prosecution's evidence is sufficient to find you guilty. Every file must be examined on its own circumstances.

Our lawyers review in particular:

  • the circumstances of the stop and the arrest;
  • the grounds that led to the police intervention;
  • the procedure followed by the officers;
  • the statements collected;
  • the results of the screening tests and analyses;
  • the reliability and admissibility of the evidence;
  • respect for your rights protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms;
  • the potential consequences of a conviction in your particular situation.

We then determine with you the most appropriate legal strategy, whether that means challenging the evidence, negotiating with the prosecution, or defending your file before the court.

Do not underestimate the consequences. A conviction for impaired driving can lead to significant consequences, including fines, a driving prohibition, specific conditions and, in certain circumstances, a term of imprisonment.

For some clients, the repercussions can go further still. A criminal conviction can complicate certain international travel, have professional consequences, or affect an immigration application or status.

The sooner your file is analysed, the sooner you can understand your rights and the options available to you.

Have you been charged? Do not plead guilty before speaking to a lawyer. At N&E Avocats, we offer you rigorous, strategic and human representation. We take the time to understand your situation so we can guide you clearly through every stage of the process.

Drug trafficking and possession

A drug charge can change the course of your life.

Are you charged with possession, possession for the purpose of trafficking, trafficking or another drug-related offence? Do not plead guilty before obtaining legal advice.

Drug offences are criminal offences that can lead to significant consequences, including fines, a term of imprisonment, travel restrictions and repercussions on your employment, your reputation or your personal situation.

For people who are not Canadian citizens, a charge or a conviction can also raise significant immigration issues.

The evidence must be examined rigorously. In a drug file, the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the substance and the way the evidence was obtained can be decisive.

Our lawyers examine in particular:

  • the circumstances of the stop, the search or the arrest;
  • the grounds invoked by the officers;
  • the lawfulness of the search and seizure;
  • how the substances were discovered and seized;
  • the nature and quantity of the substances involved;
  • the statements made to the officers;
  • the elements establishing possession or knowledge of the substance;
  • the elements relied on to support a charge of possession for the purpose of trafficking, or trafficking;
  • respect for your rights protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms;
  • the reliability and admissibility of the evidence.

Every file is unique. A complete analysis of the evidence makes it possible to identify the legal issues and the defence strategy that may be considered.

A charge is not a conviction. Being charged does not mean you will be found guilty. Our role is to protect your rights, to challenge the evidence where that is warranted, and to represent you rigorously at every stage of the judicial process.

Depending on the circumstances, we may consider challenging the evidence, negotiating with the prosecution, or mounting a defence before the court.

At N&E Avocats, we combine a rigorous and strategic approach with human support. We take the time to understand your situation, to explain your options clearly, and to advise you on the best way to approach your file.

Dangerous driving: Protect your rights and your driver's license

A dangerous driving conviction can have serious consequences on your daily life and professional activities. In addition to criminal penalties, such as significant fines and demerit points added to your driving record, you also risk the suspension of your driver's license, which could harm your ability to work and your personal travel.

Authorities take dangerous driving offenses very seriously, and such a conviction can have a lasting impact on your criminal record. It is therefore essential to consult an experienced lawyer as soon as possible to review your defense options.

At N&E Lawyers, we offer you complete legal representation, analyzing every aspect of your case to develop a defense strategy aimed at reducing or eliminating the consequences of this charge. Our priority is to protect your rights, preserve your license, and minimize the repercussions on your future.

Sexual assault: Protect your rights and future when facing serious charges

A conviction for sexual assault is an extremely serious offense with significant legal and social consequences. In addition to prison sentences, such a conviction can result in your name being added to the sex offender registry, which will have profound repercussions on your personal and professional life. This could, among other things, affect your ability to obtain certain jobs, particularly in sensitive sectors, and permanently damage your reputation.

Sexual assault allegations are often complex and can be based on testimony and evidence that is difficult to challenge. It is therefore essential to have an experienced lawyer to guide you through this process and advise you on the best defense options.

At N&E Lawyers, we are committed to providing you with a strong and strategic defense to preserve your rights, minimize the legal and social consequences of the accusation, and achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Our team offers its expertise to guide you through each stage of the judicial process with professionalism, compassion, and confidentiality.

Fraud: Protect your rights when facing serious charges

Fraud charges can lead to significant legal consequences, and it is essential to consult a lawyer quickly to evaluate your defense options. Under the Criminal Code, fraud exceeding $5,000 can result in a maximum sentence of 14 years imprisonment. If the offense involves an amount less than this sum, the penalty may be less severe, but fraud under $5,000, if prosecuted summarily, can result in a maximum sentence of 2 years imprisonment.

A fraud conviction can not only affect your freedom but also permanently impact your reputation and professional opportunities. It is therefore crucial to prepare a rigorous defense as soon as possible.

At N&E Lawyers, we are committed to providing you with complete legal representation to analyze the evidence, examine defense options, and seek a favorable outcome for your case. Our goal is to offer solutions tailored to your situation, reducing legal consequences and preserving your rights at every stage of the process.

Mischief: Protect your rights when facing charges of property damage

Mischief refers to the act of causing damage to property or interfering with its use, regardless of the consequences for the victim. Under the Criminal Code, penalties vary depending on the value of the damaged property. If the damage exceeds $5,000, the offense can result in a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment. Conversely, if the value of the damaged property is less than $5,000 and the offense is prosecuted by summary conviction, the maximum penalty is 2 years imprisonment.

Mischief charges can have a significant impact on your future, both legally and personally. If you are facing charges of this type, it is essential to consult a lawyer quickly to review defense options and protect your rights.

At N&E Lawyers, we offer you a strategic and personalized defense, aimed at minimizing the consequences of the charge and finding the best possible outcome for your case. Our team puts its expertise at your service to support you throughout the judicial procedure, with professionalism and transparency.

Theft: Protect your rights and minimize legal consequences

Being accused of theft is a serious offense that can lead to significant legal consequences. If convicted, a conviction can result in your name being added to the criminal record, which could affect your professional opportunities, reputation, and travel possibilities.

Depending on the circumstances, a theft conviction can lead to various penalties, ranging from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense and the value of the stolen goods. It is therefore crucial to quickly consult an experienced lawyer to explore defense options and determine ways to minimize the repercussions.

At N&E Lawyers, we offer expert legal advice to evaluate the elements of your case and identify the most suitable defense strategies. We are committed to helping you reduce the impact of a theft charge and, in some cases, avoid a criminal record. Our team makes it a point of honor to provide you with quality legal representation, while guiding you throughout the judicial process.

Statement of offense: Contest your tickets and protect your rights

If you have received a statement of offense, whether for a ticket, a license suspension, or a vehicle seizure, it is essential to consult a lawyer to review the options available to you. Such offenses can lead to serious consequences, such as fines, loss of points on your driving record, and repercussions on your license or vehicle.

At N&E Lawyers, we offer comprehensive legal expertise to contest a statement of offense. We can analyze the details of your case, evaluate the evidence, and explore legal options to obtain the lifting of the seizure, reduce fines, or even cancel certain offenses. Our experienced lawyers will guide you throughout the process and strive to achieve the best possible outcome to protect your rights and avoid unjustified penalties.

Have you been arrested or charged?

What you say before speaking to a lawyer can be used against you. Call us first.

Meet us

Three offices in Quebec

129 promenade du Portage, suite 210, Gatineau

Gatineau

129 promenade du Portage, suite 210
Gatineau, QC J8X 2K2
(819) 664-0738
324 rue des Forges, Trois-Rivières

Trois-Rivières

324 rue des Forges
Trois-Rivières, QC G9A 2G8
(819) 635-2689
455 rue King Ouest, Sherbrooke

Sherbrooke

455 rue King Ouest
Sherbrooke, QC
(819) 635-2689

info@neavocats.com