Desiree Lessard, Criminal Defense Attorney in the United States
Over 24 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Employment, and Family Law
MemberatCohen, Sabsay LLP
Practicing criminal defense since 2002.
- 24+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Desiree Lessard?
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Quick answer
Desiree Lessard is a member based in Toronto, ON. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Employment, and Family Law. Desiree has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cohen, Sabsay LLP.
- Based in
- Toronto, ON
- Experience
- over 24 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Employment · Family Law
- Handles Criminal Defense, Employment, and Family Law matters from Toronto, ON.
- Over 24 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Desiree Lessard: Desiree Lessard is a member based in Toronto, ON. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Employment, and Family Law. Desiree has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cohen, Sabsay LLP.
Areas of practice
Desiree's practice areas in the U.S.
Desiree concentrates on criminal defense, employment, family law, government, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Desiree handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Employment
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Family Law
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Government
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Litigation
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Criminal Defense cases nationwide
Desiree takes criminal defense matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Desiree agrees to represent you.
Employment cases nationwide
Desiree takes employment matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Desiree agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases nationwide
Desiree takes family law matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Desiree agrees to represent you.
Government cases nationwide
Desiree takes government matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Desiree agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases nationwide
Desiree takes litigation matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Desiree agrees to represent you.
Biography
Desiree Lessard, criminal defense attorney serving the U.S.
Desiree Lessard is a member based in Toronto, ON. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Employment, and Family Law. Desiree has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cohen, Sabsay LLP. Desiree works from the U.S. and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Desiree Lessard is a lawyer practicing criminal law, civil litigation, family law and 2 other areas of law. Desiree received a B.A. degree from Queen's University, and has been licensed for 24 years. Desiree practices at Cohen, Sabsay LLP in Toronto, ON.
Desiree's approach to criminal defense cases
Desiree Lessard is a lawyer practicing criminal law, civil litigation, family law and 2 other areas of law. Desiree received a B.A. degree from Queen's University, and has been licensed for 24 years. Desiree practices at Cohen, Sabsay LLP in Toronto, ON.
The kind of cases Desiree takes
Desiree reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, employment, and family law matters in the United States.
Credentials
Credentials — where Desiree studied and practices
Osgoode Hall Law School LL.B.
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Queen's University B.A. Hons. Queen's University B.A. Political Studies and International Law
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Jurisdictions
Desiree's state bar admissions
Ontario
2002 · ACTIVE
Desiree studied at — in Osgoode Hall Law School LL.B. and — in Queen's University B.A. Hons. Queen's University B.A. Political Studies and International Law.
Law school and academic background
Desiree completed — in Osgoode Hall Law School LL.B. and — in Queen's University B.A. Hons. Queen's University B.A. Political Studies and International Law. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Desiree runs in the state is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Desiree Lessard's office in Toronto
Desiree's primary office is at 500 - 350 Bay Street, Toronto, ON, M5H 2S6. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Desiree Lessard
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Desiree Lessard — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Desiree usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Desiree charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Desiree's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Desiree will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in your state
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Desiree
Desiree discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Desiree confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Desiree's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Desiree Lessard
How much does it cost to hire Desiree for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Desiree walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Desiree offer a free consultation?
Desiree charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Desiree's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Desiree's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in this state typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Desiree gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Desiree take my case if I'm outside the area?
Desiree evaluates matters case by case. If the venue is outside Desiree's regular jurisdictions, the intake call will confirm whether direct representation or a referral makes more sense.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Desiree?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Desiree will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Desiree accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Desiree's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.