Weapons Offences Charges in Mississauga
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 Mississauga, 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).
Although Mississauga is Ontario's third-largest city, it does not have its own criminal courthouse. All criminal charges laid in Mississauga by Peel Regional Police are heard at the A. Grenville & William Davis Courthouse in Brampton. This is an important practical detail — your first court appearance, bail hearing, and trial will all take place in Brampton, not Mississauga. Impaired driving charges along the QEW, Highways 403 and 401, and domestic assault are among the most common charges for Mississauga residents.
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 laid in Mississauga are heard at the A. Grenville & William Davis Courthouse in Brampton. 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.