Firearms and Weapons Charges in Alberta

With recent amendments to the Criminal Code of Canada, penalties upon the conviction of weapons charges have increased dramatically with mandatory minimum prison sentences. Such charges may include:

  • Carrying a concealed weapon
  • Possession of prohibited or restricted weapon
  • Weapons trafficking
  • Possession for purpose of trafficking weapons
  • Misuse of dangerous weapons

Transporting Firearms into Canada

The movement of firearms and ammunition across the Canadian border is strictly controlled by Canadian law enforcement. It is mandatory that all firearms be disclosed and presented to law enforcement when crossing into Canada. Failure to do so, and discovered by a vehicle search at the border, can have dire consequences that can result in criminal charges and jail time.

If you are an American citizen carrying a firearm within your vehicle, along with valid registration, and you engage the Canadian border by any means, this can be considered a chargeable offence that can result in temporary custody. Furthermore, it can be expected that the Crown will oppose your release, resulting in further custody and bail.

Canadian weapons laws are very strict, and very different from US law. The Criminal Code of Canada clearly outlines: s. 95.(1) Everyone who commits an offence (possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm and/or readily accessible ammunition) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of:

  • in the case of a first offence, three years, and
  • in the case of a second offence or subsequent offence, five years; or
  • is guilty of an offence punishable on a summary conviction and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year.

Contact our Edmonton criminal lawyers

The possession of illegal firearms in Canada carries a significant minimum jail sentences. In these circumstances you need the experience of a criminal lawyer who can examine your situation, and possibly negotiate a favorable result. An experienced weapon charges lawyer will be essential for all court proceedings. Contact our Edmonton criminal law office today and take a step to resolve this serious matter.

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