Lea GagnonThe 5 best assault lawyers in Montreal who know how to defend you
You’d like to think you’ll never end up in an assault situation. Most people do. But life is unpredictable. Arguments escalate, misunderstandings happen, and sometimes you find yourself needing legal help when you never imagined you would.
That’s why our team went looking for the best assault lawyers in Montreal. These cases can get complicated quickly, so we paid attention to real experience and smart defence strategies.
If you ever find yourself in a tough spot, these are the lawyers who can help you protect your rights and figure out your next move.
How much do assault lawyers in Montreal charge for their services?
Assault lawyers in Montreal charge based on the complexity of the case. A flat rate for a simple assault case might range from $3,000–$7,000. Complex cases often bill by the hour, ranging from $300 to $800.
How we chose the best assault lawyers in Montreal
1. Stephane Cohen Criminal Lawyer | Avocat Criminel Montreal
Address: 417 Rue Saint-Pierre, Suite 808
Phone: +1 514-886-3710
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8 AM – 6 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
Stephane Cohen handles everything from simple assault to assault causing bodily harm. He also handles aggravated assault, sexual assault, and domestic or conjugal cases.
We’ve heard about a case where one of his clients was accused of assault by a neighbour in what they believed was a completely bogus case.
Instead of dragging the matter through a costly court battle, Cohen secured a peace bond with no criminal charges.
That tells us two things. First, he’s outcome-focused. Second, he understands when de-escalation is more powerful than confrontation.
For clients who want to protect their records and move on with their lives quietly, that’s a major strength.
Clients also said that he explains each step clearly and approaches cases with strategic thinking.
We also appreciate that he’s very fair with fees. He understands real-life financial pressures and works in a supportive way. We think he’s great for middle-class clients or families facing serious charges and unsure how they’ll fund a defence.
That said, he gets busy. We’ve heard that his responses can occasionally take some time.
He was thorough and competent
“I was accused of assault by a neighbour on a totally bogus case and Stephane was sympathetic and understanding. Instead of having to go to court and pay more fees he got the situation dialled down to a peace bond and no criminal charges. He was thorough and competent as was his assistant Alexa who also helped out. I would definitely recommend him to anyone.”
Leslie Nash, Google review
Deeply grateful for his outstanding legal support
“I am deeply grateful for the outstanding legal support provided by Me Stéphane Cohen. From the very beginning, he demonstrated true professionalism, strategic thinking, and a calm, reassuring presence during a highly stressful time. He took the time to explain every step clearly and responded quickly and thoughtfully to all of our questions…”
Mehrdad Sarafrazi, Google review
2. Zayid Al-Baghdadi, Avocat – Lawyer
Address: 507 Place d’Armes #1703
Phone: +1 514-967-3239
Business hours:
- Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
Zayid Al-Baghdadi handles all types of assault cases. His practice covers Montreal, Laval, and Longueuil and extends to higher courts, so he’s comfortable with cases that can get complicated or high-stakes.
His preparation and attention to detail are impressive. He’s known for getting evidence in front of the prosecutor early, which can make a big difference before a trial even starts.
Looking at his history, his strength was clear early on. In 2005, he successfully used a voluntary intoxication defence in an assault case.
He successfully argued that extreme intoxication affected the client’s intent, leading to a full acquittal.
He seems especially strong in cases where careful strategy and negotiation can make a big difference. This includes domestic assaults, intoxication-influenced incidents, or aggravated assault charges.
The main drawback is that pricing isn’t accessible online. It could frustrate those who want upfront information.
One of the best lawyers you can have for your case
“Zayid is probably one of the best lawyers you can have for your case. He truly cares about his clients and he will go above and beyond to help you. He got me the best outcome in my case, better than I could’ve ever imagined. Jesus truly answered my prayers by sending Zayid to help me. I highly recommend his service!”
Raf, Google review
He got the best possible outcome for my case
“Mr. Al-Baghdadi is a great lawyer. He walks you through the process and possible outcomes, gives timely updates, and gets your evidence in front of the prosecutor before a possible trial (this is key!). He got the best possible outcome for my case. You may be asking yourself if it’s worth getting an attorney, but a trial and criminal record is much more costly. Mr. Al-Baghdadi’s services were priceless for my peace of mind.”
David, Google review
3. Ginzburg Legal
Address: 424 R. Saint-François-Xavier
Phone: +1 514-710-6749
Business hours:
- Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
Me Adam Ginzburg, founder and lead criminal lawyer at Ginzburg Legal, is particularly strong with first-time offenders.
Avoiding a criminal record is often the biggest priority in these cases, and their team build its strategy around that goal.
They challenge evidence carefully, examine inconsistencies in witness statements, and prepare for trial instead of assuming a plea deal is the only option.
One notable case that we’ve found involved an aggravated assault allegation from a bar altercation.
By dissecting conflicting witness accounts and successfully arguing self-defence under Quebec’s legal standards, Adam secured a full acquittal after a contested trial.
Some clients also highlighted that Adam anticipates challenges before they arise and keeps them informed every step of the way.
Overall, the feedback we’ve seen is overwhelmingly positive. The only thing to point out is the lack of pricing transparency for their services.
I’m very grateful for Adam’s professionalism
“I’m very grateful for Adam’s professionalism and for the way he guided me from the very first conversation. He gave me the right direction, built a clear path from the start, and made every step of the process easy to understand. I recieved the most strongest support throughout each step of the way, which made the whole situation much easier to navigate…”
Julia Nikolaeva, Google review
I was never left in the dark and always felt supported
“I am grateful for the outstanding legal representation I received from Ginzburg Legal. From the very beginning, they demonstrated a deep understanding of my case and provided me with the guidance I needed during such a challenging time. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication to my defense were evident at every step of the process. The communication throughout the entire process was exceptional. I was never left in the dark and always felt supported. Thank you for everything.”
Pablo, Google review
4. S. Zalman Haouzi Avocat
Address: 84 R. Notre Dame O #200
Phone: +1 514-562-4236
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
The team at S. Zalman Haouzi is very hands-on. They would really invest some time to understand the full context of each case.
In more serious situations—like assault charges tied to prior convictions or self-defence—they don’t rush the process.
Instead, they really dig into evidence, build a strong case file, and make sure the client’s side of the story comes through clearly.
Clients also highlight how empathetic and approachable Zalman is, the lead lawyer. His background in psychology seems to help him connect with people and guide them through the stress of legal proceedings.
The way they work also feels collaborative. Clients are always informed at every step— when the team gathers evidence, negotiates with prosecutors, and prepares for any potential court appearances.
There’s a sense that they’re actively building the defence together.
On the practical side, they usually use fixed fees with clear steps, so clients know what to expect financially from the start.
The downside is that initial responses can sometimes be slow, so clients who need immediate answers might have to wait.
Truly a wonderful, professional, caring lawyer
“…I will forever feel in debt to Zalman after what he’s accomplished for me .. Truly a wonderful, professional, caring lawyer. I spoke to a variety of lawyers before I met Zalman, and he really did stand out. With the outcome accomplished for me, I was really shocked. Now I’m stress free and forever so thankful. AAA+ service. Incredible team of helpful lawyers on his side as well !”
Jo Clint, Google review
I have been thrilled with the great results
“…I highly recommend M. Haouzi and M. Aarenau and encourage anyone who gets wrongly accused in any situation, to not hesitate to reach out to Zalman and Micheal. They are by far one of the best attorney firms in the city, they’re trustworthy, professional, compassionate, dedicated, and hardworking individuals. I have been thrilled with the great results and I haven’t been disappointed ever since.”
Baba, Google review
5. Robert Martin
Phone: +1 514-892-7337
Business hours:
- Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
Robert Martin handles all kinds of assault, including simple assault, assault with a weapon, and even domestic violence.
Based on what clients said, he’s very knowledgeable and responsive.
One client said it was refreshing to deal with someone like him, who thoroughly understands the situation before suggesting next steps.
He also explains everything clearly and provides constructive advice. Multiple clients have independently pointed these out, so we know it’s not a one-off experience.
Working solo is an interesting feature of his practice. This means direct access and more focused attention on each case. There’s no getting shuffled between departments or junior staff.
We also appreciate that he offers free initial consultations. This makes it easier for people to explore their options before committing.
Of course, being a solo practitioner comes with trade-offs. When he’s busy, availability could be tighter.
Outstanding experience working with Me. Robert Martin
“I had an outstanding experience working with Me. Robert Martin. From the very beginning, he was very professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive. He took the time to clearly explain each step, always kept me updated, and was quick to respond to any questions or concerns I had.”
Hernan Strianese, Google review
It is refreshing to meet a lawyer like this
“Robert is very knowledgeable and responsive. He takes the time to discuss your situation and make sure he understands thoroughly before making a suggestion on next steps. It is refreshing to meet a lawyer like this. He advised me very well which ended up in a great outcome for my situation. Thank you!”
Harp Singh, Google review
