Weapons Offences Charges in Brampton
If you have been charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, weapons dangerous to the public peace, possession of a prohibited weapon, and use of a firearm in the commission of an offence in Brampton, the consequences are serious. Unauthorized possession of a firearm carries a maximum of 5 years. Carrying a concealed weapon carries a maximum of 5 years. Using a firearm in the commission of an indictable offence carries mandatory minimums — 1 year for a first offence, 3 years for a second. Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm carries a mandatory minimum of 3 years (5 years for a second offence).
Brampton is home to one of the busiest criminal courthouses in Ontario. Peel Regional Police actively enforces impaired driving along the Highway 410 corridor and Hurontario Street, and domestic assault charges are among the most common matters on the Brampton docket. The high case volume means Crown prosecutors manage heavy caseloads, which an experienced defence lawyer can leverage when negotiating resolutions.
How We Defend Weapons Offences Charges
Every weapons offences case is different, but experienced defence lawyers look for weaknesses in the Crown’s case at every stage. Common defence strategies include:
- Lawful possession — valid licence, registration, or authorization
- Lack of knowledge that the item was a weapon or was prohibited
- Charter violations in the search, seizure, or arrest
- No intent to use the item dangerously or to carry it for a dangerous purpose
- Challenging constructive possession — control and knowledge not proven
- The item does not meet the legal definition of a prohibited or restricted weapon
The Court Process in Brampton
Criminal charges in Brampton are heard at the A. Grenville & William Davis Courthouse. Your first appearance will typically be scheduled within a few weeks of being charged. At that appearance, your lawyer will receive disclosure (the Crown’s evidence against you) and begin assessing the strength of the case.