The RCMP has decided to lay charges against Mike Duffy, according to a statement issued by the suspended senator's lawyer late Wednesday.

Donald Bayne did not specify what the charges will be, but stressed that his client is "innocent of any criminal wrong-doing."

The Senate voted last fall to suspend the former Conservative senator as part of an ongoing controversy over disputed living expenses.

The RCMP has been investigating the housing claims and a $90,000 payment Nigel Wright, Stephen Harper's former chief of staff, made to Duffy.

The RCMP said in April it would not charge Wright, who resigned as Harper's right-hand man after it was disclosed he gave Duffy a $90,000 cheque.

Bayne says Duffy is thankful that 16 months of waiting is over and the matter moves on to an "impartial forum and fair hearing."

Bayne added that his client has never had a fair hearing, either in the Senate or in the media and intends to show that the "truth and innocence are on his side."

The Globe and Mail reported late Wednesday that the RCMP was expected to lay charges against Duffy on Thursday.