During a night time patrol, a police officer noticed a suspicious-looking individual wandering with a bicycle and a cut lock. After stopping the man, he questioned him about where he found the bicycle and the lock, and then arrested him for theft and possession of stolen goods.
The police officer found a pair of shears on the suspect, who finally admitted having committed the theft. Therefore, the individual was charged with theft and possession of stolen goods under Section 334 of the Criminal Code.
During the trial, criminal lawyer Xavier Cormier asked the Judge to find the evidence of his client’s admission as well as the shears found on his person unreceivable. The reason for this was that his client was denied the right to call a lawyer, the right to remain silent, as well as the right not to be searched abusively.
The Judge agreed with these arguments, and the client was acquitted.
Not all Mr Cormier’s clients are acquitted. See notice.
