A disgruntled defense attorney who resigned mid-trial after causing a stir during cross-examination of an alleged sexual assault victim was recently charged with contempt of court.
“I’ve had enough of this humiliation, Madam Judge. It’s over, I’m quitting,” Me Hugues launched Surprenant on May 4 before exiting the courtroom with a bang.
The criminal defense attorney, who has more than 20 years of experience, had just received another warning from Judge Louise Leduc, angered by his behavior during cross-examination of an alleged victim.
Me Surprenant represented the defendant Mahdi Maali Tafti. His trial for sexual assault and violent detention began last November at the Longueuil courthouse, but had to be suspended due to a crisis on the part of his lawyer.
The judge actually had to intervene several times while questioning the alleged victim. Either because he was standing too close to the witness, arguing with her, or insisting on asking questions that violated the rule of law.
Alleged shaken victim
The judge’s shouts of order didn’t seem to sit well with Me Surprenant. So much so that on November 3, on the second day of cross-examination, he began screaming and banging on the table, to the point where the alleged victim, whose name cannot be given, had asked to leave.
Seeing his boiling anger, special police officers responsible for security at the courthouse even approached the lawyer and were ready to intervene.
“What’s the matter, master? I’ve been a judge for 14 years, I’ve never seen you in such a condition,” the judge asked calmly.
But the lawyer was not discouraged, repeating that the applicant was lying, that he had been prevented from presenting evidence and that his client had been “wrongly” accused.
The lawyer was then absent for medical reasons. The trial has been postponed to May. Despite a six-month hiatus, sentiment quickly deteriorated. On the fourth day of the applicant’s cross-examination, the lawyer again collapsed.
refusal to return
“You got me, I’m exhausted,” he replied to the judge, who again intervened on legal grounds.
He suddenly left the courtroom, leaving his client in tears.
Despite repeated requests from the judge, he refused to return to continue the trial. She therefore sued him for contempt of court.
Me Surprenant is due to appear in court again next week in connection with that quote. He is represented by Me Karl-Emmanuel Harrison.
It’s not the first time “Me Surprenant” has been thrown upside down in the middle of the courtroom. Last December, he got angry with journalists in juvenile court and triggered a panic attack in the father of one of the accused teenagers.
The Bar Association said no disciplinary complaint has been filed against Me Surprenant. However, the organization refuses to disclose whether a complaint is being processed because the process is confidential.
Those convicted of contempt of court face a fine and even imprisonment.
Quote froma lawyer for contempt of court: a very rare means
A lawyer charged with contempt of court is a very rare occurrence in our justice system, argues a retired judge.
“I’ve often issued warnings or watched judges do it, but it never came to that.” We don’t use it incorrectly and consistently,” commented Nicole Gibeault.
Judge Louise Leduc, who charged the defense attorney with contempt of court, herself described the situation in the courtroom as “unprecedented.” When she admitted the next day “that a subpoena will be withdrawn for contempt,” she insisted she “leave it as it is for now.”
“In an unbearable state”
She said she wanted to find “a little dignity and serenity,” both for the “credibility of the justice system, for the witness who was under cross-examination for four days, and for the defendant, who burst into tears.”
“All of the employees were in an unbearable state,” she had pointed out to attorney representing Me Surprenant for contempt of subpoena, Me Karl-Emmanuel Harrison.
The Crown Prosecutor in the case, Me Julie Vincent, had also complained during the trial about the climate of tension created by defense counsel.
“I have never seen such behavior in the courtroom and I find it totally inappropriate. “For a witness who is testifying in court for the first time, it is overwhelming to share what she experienced,” she began.
The alleged victim had also regretted Me Surprenant’s “aggressiveness” and declined to answer his questions. Despite everything, she had continued the trial and later continued the cross-examination.
A message to the alleged victims
“We need to send a message that this is not the case, as is usually done, a sexual assault trial,” stressed Nicole Gibeault. We are just beginning to take steps to protect alleged victims and ensure a fair system. It can be disheartening to watch such a circus caused by explosive emotions.
Last week, Me Harrison was in court over Me Surprenant’s contempt of court and implied talks with the judge had begun, without elaborating.
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