Criminal and penal law · Montreal · Charlevoix
Me Clemente Monterosso is a criminal and penal defence lawyer in Montreal, whose practice is devoted exclusively to criminal and penal law. He has been a member of the Barreau du Québec since 1987 and has argued before every level of court in the province, as well as before the Supreme Court of Canada. The practice serves the Greater Montreal area and the judicial district of Charlevoix.
Consultations in French and in English.
01 · Read this right away
Have you been arrested, charged, or summoned to appear? What you do in the first hours matters.
You have the right to say nothing to the police, except to identify yourself. Anything you say, including anything meant to explain yourself, can be used against you. The officer will tell you about this right and about your right to a lawyer. Stay polite and keep quiet: this is not the time to explain yourself. You will do that in front of the judge, the only impartial person in the entire legal process.
You have the right to speak with a lawyer without delay, in private. Say so calmly, then wait. You do not have to answer any questions before that.
Read every document. Ask for a copy of your promise to appear and your release conditions, and keep it.
Times, places, officers’ names, what was said and by whom. Memory fades fast, and these details matter for the defence.
Messages, calls, receipts, videos, witnesses’ names. Delete nothing, and do not discuss the case in writing or on social media.
A single violation leads to a new charge, separate from the first one. Appear in court on the date given, unless your lawyer confirms your presence is not required.
If there is no answer, leave a message: it will be heard. You have the right to speak with a lawyer before answering any questions.
02 · Practice areas
Every stage: investigation, first appearance, bail hearing, trial, appeal.
Criminal law
Simple and armed assault, threats, criminal harassment, and breach of conditions in a domestic context.
Sexual assault, sexual interference, luring, and distribution of intimate images. Handled with discretion.
Possession, possession for the purpose of trafficking, trafficking, production, and importing.
Alcohol, drugs, refusal to provide a sample, hit and run, and dangerous driving.
Fraud, identity theft, forgery, money laundering, and employment-related offences.
Simple and aggravated theft, possession of stolen property, break and enter, mischief, and arson.
Penal law
Major speeding, driving during a suspension, and contesting demerit points and tickets.
Prosecutions brought by the DPCP or a municipality under the Code de procédure pénale.
Assistance during an investigation or a request for disclosure of documents. When police execute a search warrant authorized by a judge, your lawyer cannot be present while it is carried out, and cannot be present in the interview room either.
03 · The practice
Lawyer · Criminal and penal law
Me Monterosso practises criminal and penal defence in Montreal and in Charlevoix. He represents accused persons at every stage: investigation, first appearance, bail, trial, and appeal.
Full biography: page coming soon.
04 · Where the practice meets clients
The practice represents clients throughout the Greater Montreal area, including Laval and Longueuil.
The practice represents clients throughout Charlevoix. Cases from the district are heard at the La Malbaie courthouse.
05 · Fees
Fees depend on the nature of the charge, the stage of the file, and the work the defence will require. They are explained clearly at the first meeting, before any commitment, and confirmed in a written retainer.
The practice states upfront whether a flat fee or an hourly rate applies, and what that amount covers.
The practice accepts legal aid mandates.
06 · Frequently asked questions
No. You must identify yourself, but you are not required to answer any other questions, and you can ask to speak with a lawyer before anything else. What you say can be used at trial.
The charges are read to you, and you enter or reserve your plea. This is also when bail and conditions are decided. You do not have to explain your side of the story that day.
Yes. The practice travels to the La Malbaie courthouse and handles cases throughout the region.
The terms of the first meeting are explained on the phone, before it is scheduled. Nothing is billed without your agreement in advance.
Yes. A family member or friend can call to arrange representation for someone who has been detained or charged. The retainer will still need to be confirmed with that person directly.
6699, rue de la Roche
Montréal, Quebec H2S 2E2
514 543-3881
French and English.