Weapons Offences Charges in Kitchener
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 Kitchener, 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).
The Kitchener courthouse at 85 Frederick Street serves Waterloo Region, including Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge. Waterloo Regional Police handles law enforcement across the region. The presence of two universities — the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University — contributes to a range of criminal charges including drug offences, assault, and impaired driving. The courthouse handles both Ontario Court of Justice and Superior Court of Justice matters.
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 Kitchener
Criminal charges in Kitchener are heard at the Kitchener 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.