Empower Defense Against Firearms Offenses

Several of the more serious offences that are prosecuted in Canada involve firearms. Depending on the situation, the exact use of any object may give rise to accusations regarding “Firearms“.

The Criminal Code contains numerous different offences involving firearms. Carrying a gun for an unsafe purpose is prohibited in Canada. In some situations, such as when carrying a hidden weapon in public, even owning a firearm might constitute a crime.

What do Firearms Offences Canada indicate?

The term “firearms” has a very broad connotation and can refer to any item that is used to hurt someone. Every tool used to intimidate or threaten someone else qualifies as a firearm. Several firearms fall under legal restrictions or prohibitions. The potential consequences for an offence might be greatly increased if a restricted or forbidden firearm is found to be in illegal possession.

Which Categories Do Firearms Fall Under in Canada?

There are three categories of firearms in Canada:

Restricted,
Prohibited,
Not restricted

Weapons that are neither forbidden nor restricted are referred to as non-restricted firearms.

Among the restricted firearms are:

Handguns are not classified as forbidden weapons
- Non-prohibited guns that: are capable of firing center-fire ammunition in a semi-automatic fashion, have barrels that are less than 470 mm in length; and are designed or modified to discharge when folded, telescoping, or otherwise reduced to a length of less than 660 mm.
Any other type of firearms that are listed in the Regulations as Restricted firearms

Among the prohibited firearms are:

Handguns with barrels that are 105 mm in length or shorter

Handguns built or modified to fire cartridges of caliber 25 or 32

This excludes pistols used in international sporting events subject to International Shooting Union regulations and when the firearm is required to be regulated

- Firearms that have been modified to resemble a rifle or shotgun, whether by sawing, cutting, or other means, and that, as modified, are: less than 660 mm in length 660 mm or larger in length and with a barrel less than 457 mm in length

Automatic weapons, whether or not modified to fire a single shot after pulling the trigger

Guns listed in the Rules as being forbidden firearms

Can I Obtain A Weapons License In Canada If I Have A Criminal Record?

A person’s criminal history does not automatically disqualify them from applying for a license to possess firearms. When a person files for their Possession and Acquisition (PAL) license, the existence of a criminal past is something they must report and is taken into account. The RCMP will be more critical of applicants and may ask follow-up questions or want additional details about the offence (s).

Can I own a Firearm to Defend Myself?

You are not allowed to carry a weapon in Canada if you need it for self-defence. As long as the three components of self-defence can be proven, a person who uses a gun to defend himself or others but ends up being accused of a crime (such as murder or serious assault) may claim self-defence. But in such cases, self-defence only applies to crimes of assault or murder. Whether the suspect did not hold a valid firearms license, used a prohibited weapon, or had a valid license but was only permitted to use the weapon for a limited time, he would still be accused of authorized firearms possession or possession of a prohibited weapon.

Offences involving weapons are complicated and frequently involve multiple criminal accusations. While facing the possibility of a conviction, Kisel Law has the expertise, skill, and experience to guarantee that you have excellent legal representation.

We are available to assist you around the clock if you or someone close to you gets charged with a firearms offence. We can be reached at (289)-835-3465. In order to defend your rights and liberties, Kisel Law legal attorneys will look into the specifics of your case and employ all legal options.