Pursuant to a broad investigation carried out by the federal authorities, multiple charges had been laid by the Department of Justice against Canadians and immigrants who had contracted false marriages (Section 127 Immigration and Refugee Protection Act). Criminal lawyer Xavier Cormier represented a Canadian woman who was charged with entering a marriage of convenience with a foreigner so that he could receive Canadian citizenship. The client was guilty of the charge but had to avoid having a criminal record for professional reasons. Mr Cormier therefore met the Department of Justice lawyer several times to negotiate with him. Finally, the lawyers agreed to suggest the Judge give a sentence of conditional discharge, subject to her carrying out 80 hours of community work. The Judge accepted the suggestion and the client benefited from the discharge.
Not all clients of our criminal law firm receive discharges. See notice.
