Areas of Practice

Technical. Precise. Exacting.

Firearms & Weapons Defence

Firearms law in Canada is dense, technical, and unforgiving. Charges range from regulatory storage offences to serious allegations of possessing loaded restricted firearms — and the difference between categories can mean the difference between a fine and a penitentiary sentence.

These prosecutions frequently rise or fall on search and seizure issues. How the police found the weapon, the validity of any warrant, and the handling of the evidence are all fertile ground for a technical, Charter-driven defence.

I

Defence of possession, storage, transport, and trafficking allegations

II

Charter challenges to searches, warrants, and seizures

III

Classification and licensing issues under the Firearms Act

IV

Weapons prohibition orders — resisting and varying them

Frequently Asked questions.

What makes a firearms charge so serious?
Several firearms offences are prosecuted as serious indictable matters, and some carry mandatory minimum sentences. Beyond jail exposure, convictions typically bring lengthy weapons prohibition orders under sections 109 and 110 of the Criminal Code, which can affect livelihoods — particularly for hunters, farmers, and those working in remote areas.
The gun wasn't mine. Does that matter?
It can be decisive. The Crown must prove possession — knowledge and control — beyond a reasonable doubt. Weapons found in shared vehicles or residences raise real possession issues, and constructive possession arguments are frequently vulnerable to challenge.
Can the police search my home or car for weapons?
Only lawfully — generally with a warrant, valid consent, or in limited exigent circumstances. If the search that produced the weapon violated your section 8 Charter rights, the evidence may be excluded, which often ends the prosecution. This is the single most common battleground in firearms cases.
Do all firearms offences carry mandatory minimums?
No. Parliament and the courts have narrowed mandatory minimums in recent years, and several have been struck down or repealed. Sentencing exposure depends heavily on the specific offence, the circumstances, and your record — competent counsel will map this precisely for your situation.

The information on this page is general legal information about Canadian criminal law and Alberta procedure. It is not legal advice, and it does not create a lawyer–client relationship. Every case turns on its own facts — contact Snukal Law Office for advice about your specific situation.

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