Me François-Félix Lacasse

Recent successes

• Failure to Comply and Stay of Proceedings

  In a case where the client was charged with failing to comply with a peace officer’s order, the defence filed a Charter motion based on unreasonable delay. Following the arguments presented, the Court of Québec ordered a stay of proceedings.

• Jury Trial and Favourable Verdict

  In a criminal case tried before a jury involving charges related to a road accident causing injuries, the defence conducted a thorough analysis of the evidence and cross-examined the Crown’s witnesses. The defence strategy highlighted weaknesses in the evidence presented. The jury returned a verdict favourable to the client.

• Sexual Assault and Acquittal

  In a sexual assault case, a rigorous cross-examination of the complainant revealed several contradictions and implausibilities in her account. These weaknesses in the evidence raised a reasonable doubt as to the client’s guilt. The Court rendered an acquittal.

• Involvement with the Supreme Court of Canada Advocacy Institute

  Me Lacasse is a member of the Supreme Court of Canada Advocacy Institute, where he serves as an assessor. In this role, he supports and advises counsel appearing before the Supreme Court, particularly in the preparation of their oral arguments.

• Appointment to the Supreme Court of Canada Advisory Committee

  At the request of the Right Honourable Richard Wagner, Chief Justice of Canada, Me Lacasse was appointed as a member of the advisory committee responsible for guiding the creation of the Supreme Court of Canada Historical Society. This committee is mandated to contribute to the preservation and promotion of the institutional history and legacy of the Supreme Court.

• Article on aiding by omission

  In collaboration with Me Joanne Klineberg of Justice Canada, Me Lacasse published an article in the Canadian Criminal Law Review on the interpretation of the concept of aiding by omission under subsection 21(1)(b) of the Criminal Code. The article presents a principled approach outlining the legal and analytical parameters that should guide the interpretation of this notion, offering practical and concrete application insights for criminal law practitioners and the judiciary. The article is published in 2025 in volume 28, issue 2 of the Canadian Criminal Law Review.