Skip to main content

Me Jean-François Benoît

Partner & lawyer

Graduating from the Faculty of Law at Université de Sherbrooke in 2006 and completing his intensive training at the Québec Bar School in Ottawa in 2007, Me Benoît has dedicated his career to criminal defense from the start. His skills in legal analysis, the precision of his arguments, and his courtroom dynamism quickly earned him recognition in the legal community. He notably stood out by initiating a major class action (Benoît Atchom Makoma v. PGQ et al.), claiming over $200 million for the arbitrary detention of thousands of citizens across the province.

In addition to his practice, Me Benoît is actively involved in the community. He has served as president of the Centre d’intervention en abus sexuels pour la famille (CIASF) and regularly collaborates with the University of Ottawa in pro bono programs and mock trials. He also contributes to training future police officers at La Cité Collégiale and hosts interns to introduce them to the realities of criminal defense.

Me Benoît is known for his deep commitment to his clients and his determination to offer them rigorous, thoughtful defense.

Contact details

819-770-4888 ext. 112
EMERGENCY : 819-210-9565
jfbenoit@csgavocats.com

Assistant

Chantal Lefebvre
819-770-4888 ext. 104
adjointe@csgavocats.com

Areas of expertise

Me Benoît has developed sharp expertise in defending impaired driving charges and contesting police actions. He stands out for his ability to challenge the legality of police interventions, thus ensuring the protection of his clients’ rights. He prioritizes building trust-based relationships with his clients and works relentlessly to minimize the impact of accusations on their daily lives, while also anticipating long-term consequences.

Involvements

  • Member of the Association des Avocats et Avocates de la Défense de l’Outaouais (AADO)
  • Provincial representative for the Association Québécoise des Avocates et Avocats de la Défense (AQAAD)
  • President of the board of directors of the Centre d’intervention en abus sexuels pour la famille (CIASF)

Distinctions

  • Excellence Award from the Association des Avocats et Avocates de la Défense du Québec, recognizing his combativeness, tenacity, and determination in the Lauzon case.

Recent successes

  • Illegal detention in Québec City

    The Superior Court approved a partial settlement agreement in a class action seeking compensation for citizens who were detained for more than 24 hours without appearing before the Québec City Municipal Court. This is a case initiated and led by Me Jean-François Benoît and his partners since 2018. As a result, a global amount of $412,750 will be paid by the City of Québec.

  • Violation of the right to counsel recognized by the Supreme Court

    The Supreme Court of Canada ruled that police officers violated the client’s right to counsel by failing to inform him that Me Jean-François Benoît had arrived at the police station to speak with him confidentially before he was questioned by officers in a murder case. This violation led to the exclusion of the statement made to the officers.

  • Unconstitutional provisions and stay of proceedings

    The Superior Court upheld Me Benoît’s arguments in a 90-page decision, declaring certain provisions of the Courts of Justice Act unconstitutional. The court recognized that the detention of thousands of citizens was illegal and that the system set up by the government did not respect citizens’ rights. The court granted a stay of proceedings for the client, despite the fact that he had been found guilty.

  • Illegal detention in Montréal

    The Superior Court approved a partial settlement agreement in a class action seeking compensation for citizens who were detained for more than 24 hours without appearing before the Montréal Municipal Court. This is another case initiated and led by Me Jean-François Benoît and his partners since 2018. As a result, a global amount of $4.3 million will be paid by the City of Montréal.

  • AQAAD recognition for a six-year legal battle

    The Association Québécoise des Avocates et Avocats de la Défense (AQAAD) awarded an Excellence prize to Me Jean-François Benoît, recognizing his combativeness, tenacity, and determination in a particular case that lasted six years and involved facing off against seven different prosecutors from the DPCP and PGQ.

  • Class action for detention with sentenced individuals

    The Superior Court authorized a class action against the Ministry of Public Security for failing to respect the right of detainees, recognized under the Québec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, to be separated from sentenced individuals. Me Jean-François Benoît identified this violation and assembled the team to defend these citizens.

  • Illegal incarceration for unpaid fines

    The Superior Court authorized a class action, notably led by Me Jean-François Benoît, seeking compensation for impoverished citizens illegally incarcerated for failing to pay fines issued by the Gatineau Municipal Court or who were subject to incarceration warrants for non-payment of fines. Hundreds of citizens are affected by this important decision.

Contact us today

The sooner you act, the greater your chances of securing a strong and well-prepared defense. Our team is here to listen to you, guide you, and protect your rights at every stage of the legal process, with rigor, humanity, and dedication.
819-770-4888
reception@csgavocats.com
Monday to Friday – 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
166 Wellington Street, Gatineau, QC J8X 2J4
Contact us
Terms of use
Privacy Policy
SEO Gatineau & Web Design Gatineau by ihotweb