The possibility that a conflict between lawyers at the Laval Municipal Court could be linked to the detention of a homeless man accused of theft at Dollarama is “absolutely deplorable,” Mayor Stéphane Boyer deplored Monday.
The Press revealed the same day that the man in question, who speaks neither English nor French, would be a collateral victim of the decision of legal aid lawyers to withdraw from this courthouse.
“I find the situation absolutely deplorable. I believe that citizens have the right to expect a justice system that works and works well,” he declared, on the sidelines of a press conference. “We want a resolution as soon as possible. »
Last December, a long-term conflict between the municipal prosecutors of the Laval Municipal Court and their legal aid counterparts reached its climax when the latter withdrew from all their cases. This was a response to Laval’s decision to assign two lawyers for each file and to formalize all discussions with the opposing party. The City argues that “conflicts between people” had forced it to act in this way.
Bottom line: no lawyer represented the man on February 20 during his appearance for two thefts at Dollarama ($5 and $54) and for failing to appear at his first summons. He has now been detained for 10 days, a longer period of imprisonment than many sentences handed down for similar acts.
“We understand that there are certain interpersonal issues that date back a long time and that we must unravel,” continued Mayor Boyer, who said he was “optimistic” of finding a solution. “We are trying to establish a working climate that will be good, that will be peaceful. »
With Caroline Touzin, The Press