Fees

Fees and mandate categories

VP Avocats offers a transparent approach to fees. Every file is unique — complexity, the number of procedural steps and the strategy chosen all shape the total cost. The overview below explains the general framework before your first call.

General framework

Every mandate is set out in a written agreement that defines the scope of work, the applicable rate and the steps covered.
Fees may be structured as fixed amounts (per stage or for the entire file) or as hourly rates, depending on the mandate and the client's preferences.
Payment arrangements can be discussed; VP Avocats reviews requests on a case-by-case basis.
VP Avocats does not accept legal-aid mandates.

Mandate categories

For guidance only, most criminal files fall into three broad categories. The final classification always depends on the evidence and the specific facts of your situation.

Smaller mandates

Less complex files, usually resolved in a limited number of procedural steps. The evidence is typically contained and the stakes more limited.

Usual scope of workReview of Crown disclosure, representation at appearances and pro forma dates, discussions with the prosecution and pursuit of a reasonable resolution, including alternative measures where available.

Types of files concerned

Often a single count
Theft under $5,000
Mischief under $5,000
Simple assault (outside a spousal-violence context)
Simple possession of narcotics
Harassment (outside a spousal-violence context)
Threats (outside a spousal-violence context)

Steps normally included

Opening the file and the initial meeting
Obtaining and reviewing the evidence
Attending court on your behalf
Negotiations with the prosecutor
Representation on plea and sentencing

Factors that increase complexity

Prior convictions
Several counts or several incidents
A constitutional challenge under consideration
A file heading to trial rather than resolution

What may require a separate mandate

Trial
Preliminary motions
Appeal of a decision

Intermediate mandates

Files of medium complexity, with several possible procedural steps, evidence to analyse and conditions to discuss.

Usual scope of workTechnical review of the evidence (certificates, videos, statements), verification that your constitutional rights were respected, negotiation of conditions and sentence, and trial preparation where applicable.

Types of files concerned

Impaired driving
Domestic violence (depending on the charges laid)
Fraud, depending on the amount involved
Theft, depending on the amount involved

Steps normally included

Preparation meetings as often as needed
Full review of disclosure
Representation at every procedural stage
Preparation for the SAAQ assessment (PERRCA) in the impaired-driving files concerned
Negotiation with the prosecution and sentencing representations

Factors that increase complexity

Voluminous evidence: multi-hour video interrogations, multiple statements
Bodily harm or repeat charges
Motion to exclude evidence
Number of witnesses and expected trial length
Bail hearing or applications to vary conditions

What may require a separate mandate

Lengthy trial
Independent expert evidence (toxicology, digital forensics)
Preliminary inquiry
Appeal

Major or complex mandates

Voluminous or highly strategic files, often high-profile, requiring sustained preparation, multiple witnesses, motions or experts.

Usual scope of workA complete defence strategy: preliminary inquiry where available, motions, expert evidence, preparation of witnesses and of the client, trial and sentencing representations.

Types of files concerned

Sexual offences
Child pornography
Fraud against an employer, depending on the amount involved
Aggravated assault
Assault causing bodily harm
Attempted murder / murder
Firearms offences

Steps normally included

Repeated meetings and in-depth client preparation
Exhaustive review of the evidence
Preliminary inquiry where one is held
Motions and representations during the proceedings
Trial and sentencing

Factors that increase complexity

Very extensive evidence and multiple incidents
Minor complainants or particularly serious allegations
Constitutional or disclosure motions
Use of experts
Multi-day trials, sometimes before a jury
Collateral stakes: registry, orders, reputation, employment

What may require a separate mandate

Appeal
Applications for a registry exemption or variation of orders
New charges laid during the mandate

Factors that increase complexity in general

Whatever the category, some elements add to the work required and are discussed with you before being undertaken:

Drafting motions
Facilitation conferences
Case-management conferences
Cross-complaints
High-profile files
Files with co-accused
Files with numerous breaches of conditions

Fixed fees and the retainer

Fees are generally fixed: an amount agreed in advance covers the steps described in the agreement, so you know the cost without surprises.
The retainer is the deposit paid when the mandate opens. It confirms the firm's engagement, allows work to begin immediately and is applied against the agreed fees.
Where a file grows beyond what was foreseen (extended trial, additional motions, new charges), a separate mandate is discussed before any work is undertaken.
No additional work is billed without being explained to you and accepted by you first.

The information above is provided for guidance only and does not replace an individual assessment. Exact fees are established through a written agreement tailored to your file.

Contact

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