Weapons offences are regarded as being very serious criminal offences. Many of these offences require mandatory imprisonment if one is convicted and found guilty. The maximum penalty for some weapons offences is a life sentence.
The laws relating to weapons offences are equally complex and requires a lawyer with the knowledge and expertise of these laws.
Jeffrey J. Gindin, Q.C. has represented clients facing weapons offences. He has used his knowledge of advocacy, constitutional rights, and regulatory licensing requirements to help his clients obtain the best outcomes.
The Criminal Code of Canada defines several types of weapons offences and variations of such offences. Some of the more common weapons offences one could be charged with include:
- Possession
- Unregistered Use
- Trafficking
- Importing/Exporting
- Using a Weapon in Commission of Another Criminal Offence
- Using an Imitation Weapon in Commission of Another Criminal Offence
- Pointing a Firearm at Another Person
- Carrying a Concealed Weapon
- Unauthorized Possession
A weapon is defined as any item or object which can be used to intimidate, threaten, maim, injure or harm another. This is why toy guns and knives (imitation weapons) are included. Weapons are not limited to just firearms and knives. Essentially any item could be defined as a weapon depending upon the circumstances of its use.
Some other types of items and objects that have been defined as weapons in pervious cases have included:
- Golf Clubs
- Screwdrivers
- Tire Irons
- Letter Openers
- Kitchen Utensils
- Belts
- Articles of Clothing
- Shoe Laces
- Pillows
- Car Keys
When everyday items and objects are used in such a manner that causes injuries, maim, harms, or is used to threaten or intimidate another, then it can be defined as a weapon.