Request a stay of execution, a revocation of judgment or a reduction in fees

Last updated July 6, 2021

Were you unable to attend your hearing in person, and were you found guilty in absentia under a criminal law? You can ask the judge to suspend or cancel the judgment. Here’s what you need to do to submit your request.

Types of requests that can be issued

Request a stay of the judgment execution

  • This request is aimed at securing, from the court, a suspension of the effects of the judgment rendered against you in your absence. 
  • This request must be accompanied by a request for a revocation of judgment or a request for a reduction in fees.

Request a revocation of judgment and a stay of execution 

  • This request can be submitted by any person who is found guilty by default of a penal offence and who wishes to ask the judge to cancel the judgment on the grounds that they were unable to present a defence. 
  • The judge can cancel the judgment rendered if they are convinced that the grounds on which this person was prevented from presenting a defence are valid.

Request a reduced fee and a stay of execution

  • A person who is found guilty by default and who admits that they are guilty of the alleged infraction can ask a judge to reduce the fees to the minimum amount fixed under law, if the judge is convinced that the person, without being negligent, was unable to know that the statement of offence was issued against them.

Deadline to present a request 

You must submit a request within 15 days of the date on which you learned of the guilty verdict. If you submit your request after this period, you must cite the reasons for the delay.

You must complete the form as required and go in person to one of the customer service counters at the municipal court of Montréal.

Documents

Submit a request

In person

775 Rue Gosford
Montréal, QC H2Y 3B9

303, rue Notre-Dame Est
Montréal, QC H2Y 3Y8