Precedent - Application to Withdraw as Counsel

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Notice of Application

NOTICE TO WITHDRAW AS COUNSEL

C A N A D A File# ________________
PROVINCE OF [PROVINCE]
COUNTY OF [COUNTY]

IN THE [LEVEL OF COURT] OF [PROVINCE]
([name] Region)

BETWEEN:

HIS MAJESTY THE KING

– and –

[ACCUSED NAME]

NOTICE TO WITHDRAW AS COUNSEL
'

WHEREAS the accused, [accused name], has been charged that [on or about/between] [dates of the offence] he/she is alleged to have committed offences contrary to section(s) [list sections] of the Criminal Code;

AND WHEREAS the trial for these outstanding charges is currently scheduled to begin before the [level of court] on [date] at [time].

TAKE NOTICE that before a Presiding Justice of the [name of inferior/superior court] of [province], on the [date] day of, [month], [year], at [time of chambers], at the [address of courthouse], the ...

THE APPLICANT RELIES ON THE FOLLOWING GROUNDS

The accused has an unfettered right to discharge his client at any time: R v Cunningham, 2010 SCC 10 at para 9.
Defence counsel is permitted to withdraw for ethical reasons such that it is impossible to continue in good conscience: paras 48 to 49.
...
[give a short description of the reasons to withdraw]
…
Any additional grounds as counsel may advise and this Honourable Court may permit.

THE APPLICANT SEEKS THE FOLLOWING RELIEF:

An order granting [defence counsel] to withdraw as counsel of record for the accused.

FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS APPLICATION, THE APPLICANT MAY BE SERVED AT:

In accordance with the appropriate Rules of Court,

[party name]
[party title]
[address]
[address]
[address]
Tel: (xxx) xxx-xxxx
Fax: (xxx) xxx-xxxx
Email: [email protected]

DATED at ______________, in the Province of _______________, this _____ day of _____________, 20___.

_________________________________
[Counsel's name]
[Counsel's title]

TO:	[parties requiring notice] [contact info]
AND TO:	[other necessary parties] [contact info]
cc.	[other party where notice not legally required such as co-counsel, etc.]