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Lawyer specialises in impaired driving (alcohol)

Drinking and Driving

Fille ivre au volant de la voiture. Jeune femme fatiguée malheureuse dans un véhicule souffrant de maux de tête ou de remise

Are you facing drunk driving charges? Our experienced team of attorneys know how to handle the situation and defend your driving record. Although this type of charge may seem alarming at first glance, it is always important to consider your blood alcohol level at the time of the incident as well as the consequences that have occurred while impaired driving (accident, injury, death, material dammage, etc.).

Our lawyers always go over every detail of your case in order to reveal all the pieces of evidence that may work in your favour!

Possible Defences in Case of Drunk Driving

When it comes to drinking and driving, police officers have several duties and obligations to respect regarding the interception of the vehicle, the symptoms observed, the arrest of the individual, the taking of breath or blood samples, and certain delays during the intervention.

The qualified criminal lawyers at Riendeau Avocats will ensure that all the duties and obligations of the police officers have been respected and that all the elements necessary for the evaluation have been transmitted by the Crown Attorney during the appearance.

If this is not the case, we will act accordingly to obtain the disclosure of the missing evidence.

A defence based on the proper operation or use of the breathalyser

In some cases, it is also possible to present a defence that challenges the proper functioning of the breathalyzer used to measure your blood alcohol level. This defence is more complex, as it often requires the intervention of an expert, in addition to the defence lawyer. This is why it is essential to consult one of our criminal lawyers. Not only we will build the best defence case for you but will also accompany you throughout the judicial proceedings.

Refusing to comply with a blood alcohol test: A Criminal Offence

When you refuse to take a breathalyzer test or a blood sample, you are committing the offence of resisting arrest.

You are mistaken to think that you have no chance of being acquitted. At Riendeau Avocats, every case is worth being investigated, and we will evaluate your chances of success at trial in order to guarantee you the best possible defence.

Un verre et des clés, arrestation pour alcool au volant

Care or Control of a Vehicle

Many people hold erroneous beliefs with regards to the care or control infraction, notably to be sitting in a vehicle when impaired while the engine is turned off. The law has recently clarified the elements to consider in order to declare a person guilty of having the care or control of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or a drug.

Consult a lawyer qualified in the field in order to find out your chances of being acquitted of such an offense.

Penalties for drinking and driving

The consequences of drinking and driving charges vary depending on whether it is a general charge of impaired driving, a blood alcohol level charge or a refusal to comply charge. It is also important to understand that the minimum penalties imposed by the Criminal Code are different from what will be imposed by the SAAQ.

For more information on the consequences of drunk driving charges, call our experienced lawyers.

The importance of hiring a criminal lawyer for drunk driving charges

Despite what you may hear, there are still remedies and defences that allow for a trial and the possibility of being acquitted of the offence.

Trust Riendeau Avocats! We will take good care of your case and defend you vigorously.

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Me Anthoni Daoust

Penal and Criminal Lawyer

With a minor in criminology from UdM and a Bachelor of Law degree from UdS, Me Daoust is a criminal and penal lawyer at Riendeau Avocats who has a strong interest in the recognition and respect of one’s rights. He aims to make the law progress by democratizing access to justice. His analytical and negotiation skills allow him to obtain the best possible settlement in order to ensure his clients a full answer and defence.

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Gabrielle Lauzon

Law Intern

Gabrielle Lauzon holds a bachelor’s degree from the Cooperative Law Program of the University of Sherbrooke. After completing her internship in corporate, immigration, and criminal law, she decided to work to defend her client’s rights within our firm. Gabrielle is currently a criminal and penal articling law student who has shown great compassion towards her clients and has always been available to help each of them. Driven by her thirst for knowledge and her dynamism, she is very dedicated to her work.

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Pascal Guilbert

Law Intern

Pascal Guilbert holds a Bachelor of Laws as well as a bachelor’s degree in history from UdeM. He is currently a law intern in the criminal and penal law department of Riendeau Avocats, and is very passionate about human rights. He aims to provide his clients with the benefit of his research, writing and speaking skills in order to defend them in a complete and thorough manner. He is also dedicated to improving the law through his creative approach to exploring all facets of the legal system.

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Louisa Heniche

Law Intern

Currently an intern in our Criminal Law Department, Louisa Heniche holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of International Law from UQAM. After working for two years in immigration law, she decided to dedicate her life to the protection of defendants’ rights. She handles each legal case in a professional, calm and thoughtful manner. She has also volunteered for human rights organizations such as the Clinique internationale de défense des droits humains of UQAM and the Projet Innocence.

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Coralie Leblanc

Paralegal Student – Personal Biography Soon. 

At Riendeau Avocats, we are proud to have highly qualified and professional personnel on our team who defend our clients’ cases with thoroughness and determination. Our lawyers, paralegals, students-at-law, and management and administrative staff work together to provide a full answer and defence to each of our clients, regardless of the nature of the offence.

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Danyka Beauchamp

Paralegal – Personal Biography Soon. 

At Riendeau Avocats, we are proud to have highly qualified and professional personnel on our team who defend our clients’ cases with thoroughness and determination. Our lawyers, paralegals, students-at-law, and management and administrative staff work together to provide a full answer and defence to each of our clients, regardless of the nature of the offence.

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Valérie Paquette

Accounting Manager and Accounting Technician – Personal Biography Soon. 

At Riendeau Avocats, we are proud to have highly qualified and professional personnel on our team who defend our clients’ cases with thoroughness and determination. Our lawyers, paralegals, students-at-law, and management and administrative staff work together to provide a full answer and defence to each of our clients, regardless of the nature of the offence.

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Katherine Hurtubise

Administrative assistant – Personal Biography Soon. 

At Riendeau Avocats, we are proud to have highly qualified and professional personnel on our team who defend our clients’ cases with thoroughness and determination. Our lawyers, paralegals, students-at-law, and management and administrative staff work together to provide a full answer and defence to each of our clients, regardless of the nature of the offence.

François Gamache, directeur des ressources humaines Riendeau Avocats

François Gamache

Human Resources Director 

For more than 15 years, François Gamache has been working within our firm as the human resources director who has been successfully balancing team management and operations coordination. Versatile and mindful, he ensures that each employee is happy and fulfilled, which is what makes François a major asset at Riendeau Avocats. He is also in charge of hiring and integrating new employees.

Ariane Roberge, avocate criminaliste Riendeau Avocats

Me Ariane Roberge

Criminal and Penal Lawyer

Member of the Barreau, Me Ariane Roberge holds a Bachelor of Law with a graduate degree in Common Law and Transnational Law (Juris Doctor) from the University of Sherbrooke. Although Ms. Roberge has joined Riendeau Avocats as an intern, she has quickly earned her place as a criminal and penal lawyer within the firm and with her clients. Always sharing her good energy at work, Me Roberge is known to be a dynamic lawyer who invests 100 % of herself in each of her cases.

Chloé Rainville, avocate criminel et pénal à Montréal

Me Chloé Rainville

Criminal and Penal Lawyer – Personal Biography Soon. 

At Riendeau Avocats, we are proud to have highly qualified and professional personnel on our team who defend our clients’ cases with thoroughness and determination. Our lawyers, paralegals, students-at-law, and management and administrative staff work together to provide a full answer and defence to each of our clients, regardless of the nature of the offence.

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Me Chanèle's Lecompte

Criminal and Penal Lawyer 

Me Chanèle’s Lecompte is a criminal and penal lawyer who holds a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Sherbrooke. During her university studies, she had the opportunity to complete an internship with the judiciary, which allowed her to acquire the many skills she now uses in her representations before the courts. Passionate about criminal law, Me Lecompte will accompany you and defend you during the various stages of your case while being attentive to your needs.

Catherine Bernard, avocate criminaliste de chez Riendeau Avocats

Me Catherine Bernard

Criminal Lawyer – Personal Biography Soon. 

At Riendeau Avocats, we are proud to have highly qualified and professional personnel on our team who defend our clients’ cases with thoroughness and determination. Our lawyers, paralegals, students-at-law, and management and administrative staff work together to provide a full answer and defence to each of our clients, regardless of the nature of the offence.

Alexandra Bérubé, avocate chez Riendeau Avocats Montréal

Me Alexandra Bérubé

Criminal Lawyer – Personal Biography Soon. 

After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in law at the University of Montreal, Me Alexandra Bérubé then perfected her training by completing a master’s degree in criminal law at the University of Sherbrooke. Having already practiced in civil law before devoting herself to criminal law, she shows great versatility and knows how to juggle the different spheres of law in order to fully understand all the issues that may arise in the cases entrusted to her. Honest, rigorous and passionate, Me Bérubé is a lawyer of conviction who firmly believes in rehabilitation and in the right to a full and complete defense.

Cédrick Materne, avocat à Montréal chez Riendeau Avocats

Me Cédric Materne

Criminal lawyer and TVA Group collaborator

Me Cédric Materne holds a Bachelor of Laws from UQAM and has been a member of the Barreau du Québec since 2016. Being truly enthusiastic about criminal law and a collaborator of the TVA Group, Me Marterne is a dedicated lawyer with extensive knowledge in this regard and great confidence in defending each of his cases. His excellent reputation has been earned over the years by his curiosity for the latest legal developments and his creative way of always pushing the limits of the law.

Ana-Maria Mocanu, avocate criminaliste de chez Riendeau Avocats Montréal

Me Ana-Maria Mocanu

Senior Criminal Lawyer and Head of the English Department

Me Ana-Maria Mocanu graduated in psychology before obtaining her law degree at Sherbrooke University. She then began her career at Riendeau Avocats and has been a real asset for six years. She pays particular attention to each of her files which are very diverse and she defends the rights of her clients with ardour.

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Me Annie Lahaise

Senior Criminal Lawyer and Head of the Senior Department – Personnal Biography Soon. 

At Riendeau Avocats, we are proud to have highly qualified and professional personnel on our team who defend our clients’ cases with thoroughness and determination. Our lawyers, paralegals, students-at-law, and management and administrative staff work together to provide a full answer and defence to each of our clients, regardless of the nature of the offence.

Jessica Chebab, avocate montréal chez Riendeau Avocats

Me Jessica Chebab

Criminal lawyer and Director of the Pardon Application Department

With a major in criminology from the University of Montreal and a bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Sherbrooke, Me Jessica Chehab is deeply involved in all of her cases and ensures that her clients are heard and represented. with compassion. A fervent negotiator, she makes the right arguments to defend the interests of her clients so that they benefit from a full and complete defense.

Anne-Geneviève Robert, avocate chez Riendeau Avocats Montréal

Me Anne-Geneviève Robert

Criminal lawyer and Director of the Penal Department

Me Robert is a criminal lawyer with a Bachelor of Law degree from UdM. Committed to defending her cases, she always works in the best interest of her clients by using her in-depth knowledge in the field and proactive approach before the court. Her leadership skills have led her to take on the role of Director of the Criminal Law Department, which she founded upon joining the team. Socially involved, she is a member of the board of directors of the Fondation NeuroTrauma Marie-Robert and is involved in many committees of the AADM and the JBM

Joanie Chainey, avocate criminaliste chez Riendeau Avocats

Me Joanie Chainey

Criminal lawyer and Director of the Criminal Department

Me Joanie Chainey obtained her law degree from the University of Ottawa and began her legal career at Riendeau Attorneys-at-law. She has been working here for five years now and is a pillar of the firm. Me Chainey is a young creative lawyer and works hard to find the best defense strategies for all cases.

Valérie Riendeau, avocate et fondatrice de Riendeau Avocats Montréal

Me Valérie Riendeau

Senior Criminal Lawyer, and President and Founder of the Firm

Graduate of the University of Montreal, Me Valérie Riendeau began her practice by founding her own law firm. Experienced and professional, she has been at the head of Riendeau Attorneys-at-law for 13 years now. Her team stands out with unparalleled customer service and a personalized approach for each client. Fervent negotiator and excellent litigator, Me Riendeau knows how to make the right arguments in order to defend the interests of her clients and to obtain the best results.