Services of experts and private investigators

For several years, our firm has benefited from the expertise of two private investigators dedicated exclusively to our cases. These investigators, retired police detectives from the Outaouais region, are now members of the Bureau de la sécurité privée. Thanks to their rich experience and mastery of investigative techniques, they provide a wide range of essential services such as:

In-depth file analysis
Discreet surveillance
Undercover infiltration as double agents
Strategic witness interviews
Thorough preparation of witnesses for testimony
And much more

These services complement the work of our lawyers by providing decisive evidence and strengthening defense preparation. The contribution of these investigators often leads to obtaining crucial elements that can tip the balance in favor of our clients and secure positive outcomes.

Expert services

In some cases, legal analysis alone is not enough. Specific expertise may be necessary to develop the most complete and robust defense possible. For example, when the prosecution files a technical expert report to prove a criminal offense, it is essential that this analysis be reviewed and challenged by our own experts. This ensures not only effective cross-examination but also the production, if necessary, of a counter-expert report to invalidate or challenge the prosecution’s conclusions.

Sometimes, complementary expertise can also be used to challenge the opposing party’s theory or demonstrate our clients’ innocence. Thanks to our network of qualified experts, we provide comprehensive defense, supported by thorough analyses and reliable evidence, ensuring our clients receive the best possible representation.

Toxicology

Toxicology plays a crucial role in many criminal cases, particularly those related to impaired driving, poisonings, or overdoses. Our toxicology experts can analyze blood, urine, or hair test results to detect the presence of toxic substances such as alcohol, illicit drugs, or even certain prescribed medications. They provide scientific assessments of substance concentrations and interpret their effects on an individual’s ability to drive or make rational decisions.

Chemistry

Cases involving chemicals, explosions, or fires require chemistry expertise. Our chemist experts can analyze physical evidence, such as chemical residues, to determine a substance’s origin and composition. For example, in a clandestine drug lab case, a chemist might examine materials found on-site to identify the products being made and determine if illegal activities were involved. They can also assist in environmental contamination cases to assess the impact of substances on health or the environment, providing decisive evidence in civil or criminal liability cases.

Psychology

Psychological assessments may cover an individual’s mental state at the time of the events or during a later evaluation. Our psychology experts intervene in cases of violent crimes, harassment, or sexual abuse to assess the credibility of victims’ or accused’s behavior. They can also testify about the effects of stress, trauma, or mental illness on an individual’s actions. For example, in a PTSD defense, a psychologist might demonstrate how past trauma influenced the client’s behavior during the events. Their expertise is also useful for evaluating witness testimonies, particularly in cases where memories may be distorted by psychological factors.

Psychiatry

In some cases, an individual’s mental health is central, and a psychiatrist’s intervention is indispensable. Our psychiatrists are qualified to diagnose severe mental disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or psychosis and assess whether these conditions influenced the accused’s ability to understand their actions at the time of the offense. They can also establish links between medication treatments and their effects on perception or behavior. For example, in an insanity defense, a psychiatrist might testify that the client was experiencing a psychotic episode during the events, affecting their criminal responsibility. Their expertise is also crucial in assessing whether a client is fit to stand trial.

General medicine

Medical expertise is often needed to corroborate evidence in cases of physical assault, accidents, or negligence. Our general practitioners can examine injuries sustained by a victim or accused and provide a detailed report on the severity and origin of the wounds. For example, in an assault case, a doctor might confirm that the injuries match the victim’s account or, conversely, show that the physical evidence does not align with the allegations. In other contexts, a general practitioner may assess an individual’s health to determine if they are fit to defend themselves, testify, or endure detention conditions.

Former police officer

Former police officers bring valuable expertise in analyzing police procedures and investigative techniques. Our ex-police experts have in-depth knowledge of interrogation methods, surveillance techniques, and arrest procedures. They can review the police practices followed in a case and detect possible errors or abuses that could invalidate evidence or justify a “procedural abuse” defense. For example, in a search and seizure case, an ex-police officer might demonstrate that law enforcement failed to follow search protocols, rendering the evidence inadmissible. Their expertise is also used to review police reports and identify contradictions or inconsistencies.

Speed radar operator (radar and laser)

Speed-related offenses are common but often rely on technological equipment whose use can be questionable. Our cinemometer experts (radars and lasers) can examine speed readings taken by these devices and verify whether they were used properly and calibrated according to current standards. For example, in a speeding challenge, an expert might show that the radar used was not properly calibrated, casting doubt on the validity of the measurement. Their intervention can also reveal environmental or technical conditions that may have skewed the results.

Polygraph examiner

Although polygraph test results are generally not admissible as direct evidence in Canadian courts, they can still play a role in private investigations or in assessing an individual’s credibility as part of a defense strategy. Our polygraph experts can conduct rigorous tests to assess the truthfulness of statements made by witnesses or accused persons. For example, a polygraph test might be used to strengthen the defense by showing that a client was truthful during interrogation. While these results are not always legally admissible, they can influence negotiations or the perception of facts during an investigation.

Handwriting analysis

Handwriting analysis is a powerful tool for verifying the authenticity of documents or identifying fraud. Our handwriting experts (graphologists) can compare writing samples to determine whether a document has been forged or whether a signature is authentic. For example, in a document forgery case, an expert might examine suspicious signatures and demonstrate that they do not match the person’s usual handwriting. Their expertise can also be called upon to analyze anonymous letters or handwritten notes found at a crime scene to help identify the author.

Accident scene reconstruction

Accident reconstruction is essential to understanding the dynamics of a car crash or other incident involving bodily injury. Our accident reconstruction experts use scientific and technical data to recreate the exact conditions of an accident, helping determine causes and responsibilities. For example, in a traffic accident case, an expert might demonstrate, based on skid marks, weather conditions, and road surface state, that the client was not responsible for the collision. Their expertise can also be used to assess vehicle speeds, angles of impact, and vehicle conditions before the accident.

Drug recognition expert

In cases involving the possession or use of illicit substances, drug recognition expertise is crucial. Our experts can identify the types of drugs found on-site and assess their quantity, purity, and legal classification. For example, in a drug possession case, a drug recognition expert might examine the seized substances and determine whether they are indeed illegal drugs or whether errors were made during preliminary tests. Their expertise also allows for challenging the police’s methods of drug identification, which can impact the validity of the evidence.