Montreal hockey legend Guy Lafleur will opt for a jury trial when he faces accusations he gave contradictory testimony at his son's bail hearing last year.

His lawyer, Jean-Pierre Rancourt, said he suggested a jury trial to Lafleur because he feels members of the public would understand his client's reaction.

Guy Lafleur played 14 of his 17 NHL seasons with the Montreal Canadiens.
(Canadian Press)

"You always have to assess whether your chances are better before a jury or a judge alone," Rancourt said Friday.

"In a case like this, since we're talking about a man who tried to help his son and had a lot of problems with this kid, I feel that a father and mother on the jury will better understand [Lafleur's] reaction and the facts."

Rancourt said under the Criminal Code, a witness who gives contradictory evidence faces a maximum of 14 years in prison.

"I don't see that at this point because I feel he is going to be acquitted," he said.

Lafleur is not charged with perjury, which the Criminal Code defines as a statement made knowing that it is false.

The Criminal Code states that someone can be found guilty of the charge of giving contradictory evidence only if the court determines beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused "intended to mislead."

Montreal Canadiens fans appear to have rallied behind the former hockey superstar and some have defended their embattled hero as a father who was just trying to protect a child.

There was also disbelief among Habs' fans over the accusations and the need for an arrest warrant.

Lafleur was originally supposed to turn himself in on Friday but decided to do it a day early because of the media response.

He was given an unconditional release and will make his first court appearance on Feb. 7.

Mark Lafleur faces more than 20 charges

Lafleur testified in October that his son Mark was respecting a court-ordered curfew while in his parents' custody, but he later admitted he drove his son to hotels to spend the night with his 16-year-old girlfriend.

Lafleur's son faces more than 20 criminal charges, including sexually assaulting a minor, armed assault, uttering threats and forcible confinement.

The alleged incidents took place between 2004 and 2007.

The younger Lafleur has been behind bars since his arrest in September for violating his original bail conditions. His trial is scheduled for March. 

Rancourt has said Mark Lafleur suffers from Tourette's syndrome. Tourette's is a neurological disorder that causes physical and vocal tics and can also leave one prone to sudden, aggressive verbal tirades. 

Guy Lafleur, 56, scored 560 goals and 793 assists in 1,126 games with the Canadiens, New York Rangers and Quebec Nordiques. He won five Stanley Cups with the Canadiens.