Arson, firearm possession, and robbery with the use of a firearm are all very serious criminal offenses in Canada. Even being in possession of a firearm that is either strictly prohibited, has been altered, or isn’t registered can have you facing extensive penalties, and in some instances, prison time.
Arson
Arson is defined as intentionally or recklessly causing an explosion or fire to property that you do not fully own. If you are found guilty of starting a fire, or arson, then you can face criminal charges including up to 14 years in prison.
Robbery
Robbery is when you steal something from someone using a firearm. If you are charged with robbery in Winnipeg, there is a mandatory minimum sentence of four years in prison. If you murder someone while committing a robbery, then the maximum sentence is life imprisonment.
Discharge of a firearm
If you are charged with discharge of a firearm, that means you discharged it in an unsafe place where another person was present. If you discharge your weapon knowing that other people are around, and you put them in danger, then you can face criminal charges. Places where you can be charged with discharge of a firearm include any structure or building, motor vehicle, railway, container or trailer, and vessel.
If you are charged with discharge of a firearm while committing another criminal act such as robbery, then the consequences can be dire. If someone is injured or murdered due to your reckless discharge, you could face murder charges – even if it was not intentional.
Possession of a firearm
As part of the Firearms Act by Part III of the Criminal Code, there are specific laws related to owning a firearm. There are also laws pertaining to the illegal misuse or possession of a firearm. Under the Criminal Code, a person who is in possession of an unregistered firearm and commits a crime with it will face criminal charges. Within Canada, various municipalities, territories, and Provinces have various regulations and laws regarding firearms. For example, every Province is responsible for restricting when and where you can hunt, as well as the gauge and caliber you can use for hunting various animals.
If you are caught with an unregistered firearm, then it is possible for you to face penalties if you don’t have the proper licensing for it. There are also some firearms that are strictly prohibited, and if you are in possession of them, you can face criminal charges. If you are found in possession of a firearm without registration or of a prohibited firearm, you may face penalties between five to ten years, if the possession was in addition to another criminal offense.
Prohibited Firearms
Some firearms are banned in Canada. Such prohibited firearms include handguns less than 105 mm or those that are manufactured or adapted to use a 25- or 32-caliber cartridge. Also, an individual is strictly prohibited from modifying shotguns or rifles, such as “sawing off a handgun” or adjusting a firearm to have the automatic capability of firing several bullets with one trigger pull.
Firearms are strictly regulated in Canada. If you have one, it must be registered, used properly and unaltered. If you are found either in possession of a firearm, charged with discharge of a firearm, or have a firearm that is prohibited, it is imperative that you seek a criminal defense lawyer from the law office of https://pinxlaw.com/ who is experienced in the complexity of firearms and the use and registration of them.