Weapon Possession Lawyers in Toronto
January 2023
Weapon possession charges in Canada is a serious matter, and if you are convicted of these charges, you could face jail time and other penalties. However, there are ways to defend against weapon possession charges, and with the help of an experienced criminal lawyer, you may be able to have the charges against you reduced or even dismissed.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the ways that you can defend against weapon possession charges in Canada.
What are weapon possession charges?
Weapon possession charges refer to the criminal offense of owning, carrying, or using a weapon illegally. This type of charge is taken very seriously in Canada and can carry serious legal repercussions.
In Canada, weapon possession charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies.
What is considered a weapon?
The Canadian Criminal Code defines a weapon as any device designed to injure or kill, including firearms and certain parts of those firearms. Other items such as tasers, pepper spray, brass knuckles, swords, and knives are also considered weapons in Canada.
In Ontario specifically, weapon possession charges can be laid for a variety of offenses including possessing an unregistered firearm; having a weapon while prohibited from doing so; carrying or using a weapon while committing another criminal offense, and even careless storage of ammunition or a weapon.
Am I able to possess a weapon for self-defense in Canada?
In general, weapon possession for self-defense is not allowed in Canada. In fact, weapon possession for any purpose other than hunting or target shooting is considered illegal.
The consequences of weapon possession charges in Canada
The consequences of weapon possession charges in Canada can be severe, with sentences ranging from jail time to a criminal record. Being charged with possessing a weapon in public can carry a maximum of 10 years in prison in the Crown proceeds by indictment. It can also carry a maximum penalty of six months if the crown proceeds by summary conviction.
However, anexperienced lawyer may be able to have the charges against you reduced or even dismissed. In general, weapon possession for any purpose other than hunting or target shooting is considered illegal in Canada, and owning, carrying, or using a weapon illegally can carry serious penalties.
Defending weapon possession charges
If you are facing weapon possession charges in Canada, there are certain defenses that may be used to defend your rights. These include lack of knowledge or intent, challenging the validity of search and seizure procedures, and more. Understanding weapon possession laws and exploring potential legal defenses can help those facing weapon possession charges avoid conviction or reduce their penalties significantly.
Resources for people facing weapon possession charges
In Toronto, if you are facing weapon possession charges in Toronto, there are a variety of resources available to help. These include legal aid services, experienced criminal defense lawyers, and other advocacy organizations.
What to do if you're arrested for weapon possession
If you have been arrested for weapon possession in Canada, the first thing you should do is contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Your lawyer can review the facts surrounding your case and help create a plan of action to protect your rights and freedom.
Weapon possession charges are serious matters that can carry severe penalties if convicted. To best protect yourself against weapon possession charges in Canada, it is important to understand weapon possession laws and explore potential legal defenses with the help of a skilled criminal defense lawyer. By understanding weapon possession law and exploring all available resources, those facing weapon possession charges may have an opportunity to reduce their penalties or even have the charges dismissed.
If you or someone you know happens to be charged with possession of a weapon in Toronto,contact our experienced team atTitan Defence LLP immediately, so that we can start working on your defense.
Author: Titan LLP
NOTE: THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE AND THIS SHOULD ONLY BE RELIED ON FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES. THIS BLOG IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR LEGAL ADVICE BY AN ACTUAL LAWYER. THE LAW ALSO DYNAMIC IS CHANGES OFTEN, AND AS A RESULT, THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN MAY BE OUTDATED AFTER TIME. THIS BLOG MUST NOT BE RELIED ON AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR ACTUAL LEGAL RESEARCH.