Weapons & Firearms

The Charges I Defend

Possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm, possession without a licence, unauthorized possession, careless use or storage, pointing a firearm, using a firearm in the commission of an offence, and weapons-dangerous charges all require a defence built on the specific section of the Criminal Code charged.

Where the Defences Live

Almost every firearms case begins with a search. Was the warrant valid? Was the scope of the search respected? Was the firearm within your control, or simply in a place you had access to? Was the Crown able to prove knowledge? These are the questions a Charter application and a careful cross-examination are built on.

Where the evidence is strong, I negotiate for reduced charges, reduced prohibitions, and sentencing positions that keep clients out of the penitentiary where the law allows.

Mandatory Minimums and Charter Challenges

Some firearms offences still carry mandatory minimum penalties; others have had their minimums struck down as unconstitutional. Knowing which is which, and when to bring a Charter challenge, is part of getting this right.