The vast majority of firearms in Canada are owned by law-abiding citizens. But in the wrong hands, these weapons can cause serious injury and result in death. That is why the Criminal Code of Canada contains numerous provisions that criminalize illegal use and possession of firearms, with jail time a real possibility upon conviction. If […]
Charter your best defence when it comes to firearm charges Read More »
While it is legal for properly licensed adult Canadians to own certain types of firearms, there are limits on how they are purchased, used, stored and handled. These rules are set out in the Criminal Code and the Firearms Act, with a variety of charges possible for those who don’t heed the regulations. The Acts
Improper handling, storing or use of firearms can result in charges Read More »
While it is legal for properly licensed adult Canadians to own certain types of firearms, there are limits on how they are purchased, used, stored and handled. These rules are set out in the Criminal Code and the Firearms Act, with a variety of charges possible for those who don’t heed the regulations. The Acts
Know the rules about owning, handling and storing firearms Read More »
Firearm ownership in Canada is a fragile privilege, as police can seize lawfully registered firearms for a variety of reasons. If officers feel there are reasonable or probable grounds that someone has committed an offence with a firearm, they can ask the court for a seizure warrant. If granted, the police have the right to
Police can seize your firearms for a number of reasons Read More »
Your ability to reacquire firearms confiscated by police will depend on the circumstances that led to them being seized. If the weapon was used in the commission of an offence and you were found guilty, it will be forfeited to the Crown with no way for you to get it back. Sometimes firearms are taken
Getting firearms back from police depends on why they have them Read More »
If a police officer knocks on your door and requests to speak to you about a firearm-related issue, don’t be lured into talking freely about it, thinking that will clear up any suspicions they have. If they ask about a weapon you own, show them your registration or Possession and Acquisition Licence then tell them
Seek legal advice if you are charged with firearm offences Read More »
Crime involving guns is a serious offence in Canada. If you are accused by police of a firearms-related offence it might not be possible to get that charge dropped. However, there are ways to have the punishment reduced so you can avoid jail time and perhaps a criminal record. Everything depends on the circumstances and
It’s often possible to get penalty reduced with firearms offences Read More »
Visitors can enter Canada with firearms but they must abide by strict limitations. Some Americans don’t realize our country has much tougher gun laws when they cross the border. According to information from the Office of American Citizen Services, “an estimated 200 to 300 U.S. citizens each year … run into trouble for failing to
Those with valid reasons can bring firearms into Canada Read More »
Section 2 of the Criminal Code defines a firearm as a “barrelled weapon from which any shot, bullet or other projectile can be discharged and that is capable of causing serious bodily injury or death to a person, and includes any frame or receiver of such a barrelled weapon and anything that can be adapted for
What is a firearm? It’s not always a simple question Read More »
When prosecuting a charge of robbery the Crown often seeks a sentence that includes a jail sentence. That’s because the use of force, or at least the implied threat of violence, is part of the crime. If a gun was involved, incarceration is almost a certainty. To read more, click here. Finding the best defence strategy
Punishment for armed robbery is almost always jail time Read More »
