Montreal mafia Co-Chief Leonardo Rizzuto Suspended by Quebec Bar Amid Murder Charge
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Leonardo Rizzuto, the alleged co-chief of the Montreal mafia, has been suspended from practicing law by the Quebec Bar following an indictment for premeditated murder. The professional order announced this week that its disciplinary council “ordered the immediate provisional suspension of Leonardo Rizzuto’s right to exercise the profession of lawyer and his right to use the title reserved for members of the Order.”
Background of Leonardo Rizzuto’s Legal and Criminal Involvement
Rizzuto,56,had been a member of the Quebec Bar since 1999.Even after his arrest in November 2015 for gangsterism and illegal possession of weapons and drugs, he retained his title as a lawyer, a situation that caused unease among members of the judicial system.
Concerns arose that Rizzuto may have evaded consequences for certain crimes due to the potential inaccessibility of privileged conversations with his lawyer during electronic surveillance operations. During a search, investigators photographed his law degree and his toga embroidered with his name, highlighting his dual status as both a lawyer and an alleged member of organized crime.
Did You Know? The Law Society of Ontario can suspend a lawyer if there are reasonable grounds to believe the lawyer has committed professional misconduct or conduct unbecoming a lawyer. Source: Law Society of Ontario
Legal Basis for the Suspension
The suspension is based on the professions code, which allows the bar to suspend a member accused of an offense punishable by five years or more of imprisonment. According to the Quebec Bar, “Following the coming conclusions within the framework of the criminal file, the bar will address developments relating to his right of practice.”
Pro Tip: A lawyer’s suspension can have significant implications for their clients, requiring them to find new representation and possibly delaying ongoing legal proceedings.
Implications and Future Proceedings
The suspension of Rizzuto’s legal licence raises questions about the intersection of law and organized crime. The Quebec Bar’s decision underscores the commitment to upholding ethical standards within the legal profession, even when dealing with individuals accused of serious crimes.
The legal proceedings related to the murder charge will likely determine the long-term status of Rizzuto’s membership in the Quebec Bar.The bar will monitor the criminal case closely to assess any further impact on his right to practice law.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1999 | Became a member of the Quebec Bar |
| November 2015 | Arrested for gangsterism and illegal possession of weapons and drugs |
| 2025 | Suspended by the Quebec Bar following a murder charge |
Evergreen Insights: Background, Context, Historical Trends
The Rizzuto family has a long and complex history within organized crime in Montreal.The suspension of Leonardo Rizzuto highlights the ongoing challenges faced by legal institutions in addressing the involvement of lawyers in criminal activities. similar cases in other jurisdictions have led to increased scrutiny of lawyers’ conduct and stricter enforcement of ethical rules.
The legal profession in Canada is governed by provincial law societies, which are responsible for regulating lawyers and ensuring they meet certain standards of competence and ethical conduct. These societies have the power to discipline lawyers who violate their rules, including suspending or disbarring them.
FAQ
- Why was Leonardo Rizzuto suspended from the Quebec Bar?
- Leonardo Rizzuto was suspended due to being accused of premeditated murder, which triggered a review by the Quebec Bar’s disciplinary council under the professions code.
- When did Leonardo Rizzuto become a member of the Quebec Bar?
- Rizzuto became a member of the Quebec Bar in 1999 and retained his title even after previous arrests.
- What previous legal issues has Leonardo rizzuto faced?
- Before the murder accusation, Rizzuto was arrested in November 2015 for gangsterism and illegal possession of weapons and drugs.
- What is the potential impact of the murder charge on Rizzuto’s legal career?
- The murder charge has led to the immediate provisional suspension of his right to practice law, and further developments will depend on the criminal proceedings.
- How does the Quebec Bar’s disciplinary process work?
- The disciplinary council of the Quebec Bar can suspend a member accused of an offense punishable by five years of imprisonment or more, as outlined in the professions code.
- What was the reaction to Rizzuto maintaining his lawyer title after his 2015 arrest?
- His continued status as a lawyer after his 2015 arrest for gangsterism caused discomfort among several actors in the judicial system.
what are your thoughts on the Quebec Bar’s decision? How should the legal system balance the rights of the accused with the need to maintain public trust?
