Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

When you’re charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm, the impact is immediate and overwhelming. The penalties are severe, and the prosecution moves quickly. I step in fast to protect you from the consequences that follow an illegal firearm possession charge.

I’ve spent more than ten years defending firearm offences across Brampton and Ontario. I know how these cases are built and where the weaknesses often hide. My focus is simple: challenge the evidence early and position you for the strongest possible defence.

I defend unauthorized possession charges with a clear strategy, focused intervention, and deep knowledge of Ontario’s firearm laws.

In Ontario, possession goes beyond holding a gun in your hand. The Criminal Code recognizes actual, constructive, and joint possession. If a firearm is in your home, vehicle, or personal space, the law may still consider you responsible.

Here are common situations that lead to unauthorized possession:

• You don’t have a valid PAL or RPAL.
• The firearm is restricted or prohibited, and you lack proper authorization.
• The gun is stored in your home or car without your knowledge.
• The firearm belongs to someone else, but the police believe you had control.
• Your licence expired, and the firearm is still in your possession.

Understanding these elements is the first step in building a defence that challenges every assumption the police rely on.

Peel Regional Police take these cases seriously and often assume possession based on the gun's location. That means even a firearm found in a shared space can trigger a charge.

In Brampton, these are the most common factors that make possession illegal:

• No valid Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL).
• Holding or storing a restricted or prohibited firearm without proper authorization.
• A gun found in your car, even if it belongs to someone else.
• A firearm stored in your home where police believe you have control.
• An expired licence while the firearm remains accessible to you.

These situations move quickly from suspicion to charges. And once charges are laid, the burden shifts to you to protect your rights and challenge how the police linked you to the firearm.

The penalties for unauthorized possession in Ontario are severe. Many charges carry mandatory minimum sentences, even when the firearm was never used or displayed. A conviction can affect your freedom, your job, and your ability to travel.

Here are the standard penalty ranges you may face:

• Jail time with mandatory minimums for certain firearm classes.
• Higher sentences for restricted or prohibited firearms.
• Increased penalties when a firearm is loaded, concealed, or linked to another offence.
• Lifetime bans on owning or possessing firearms.
• Long-term consequences on immigration, professional licences, and international travel.

In some cases, the Crown proceeds by indictment, which exposes you to even more severe penalties. In others, they pursue a summary route, but the consequences are still life-changing.

Most unauthorized possession charges start from innocent situations. Shared homes, shared cars, or expired licences often lead to assumptions that don’t match the facts. These assumptions are easy to challenge.

1. A firearm belonging to someone else in your home
2. A gun was found in a car used by multiple people
3. A PAL or RPAL that expired without your knowledge
4. An inherited firearm that wasn’t transferred yet
5. A weapon stored in a room you didn’t control
6. A visitor leaving a firearm behind without your knowledge
7. A firearm discovered during a landlord or maintenance entry
8. A gun found in a shared storage locker or garage
9. A firearm placed in your belongings by another person
10. A weapon linked to you because of proximity, not proof

Each scenario opens a different legal angle. When the facts don’t match the accusation, the case becomes far easier to break apart.

Unauthorized possession charges often look solid at first glance. But most rely on assumptions about where the firearm was found and who controlled it. I focus on breaking those assumptions fast.

Here are the strategies I use most often:

• Challenging unlawful searches under the Charter
• Attacking constructive possession theories
• Questioning whether you knew the firearm existed
• Showing you had no access or control over the weapon
• Highlighting gaps in police notes or disclosure
• Exposing unreliable witnesses or informants
• Pointing out licensing or classification errors
• Undermining the Crown’s proof of knowledge and intent

Every case has a different weak point. Once I expose the flaw in the Crown’s theory of possession, the entire charge can lose its footing.

Firearm charges demand fast action and precise legal analysis. With more than ten years of defending these cases in Brampton, I understand how local prosecutors build possession files. I also know how to dismantle them.

When you hire me, you work directly with me. No junior lawyers and no assistants are handling your case. You get a focused, defence-driven approach from start to finish.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Direct access to me at every stage
• Immediate review of how the firearm was found
• A defence plan built around your exact situation
• Fast action on search and seizure issues
• Clear guidance on what to do next
• Strategic preparation for each court appearance

My goal is simple: protect you and guide your case. When the stakes involve your freedom and your future, you need focused representation—not guesswork or delay.

An unauthorized possession charge can escalate quickly. The steps you take in the first few hours matter. A simple mistake can make your situation harder to fix.

Step 1: Stay calm and avoid explaining anything to police.

Step 2: Ask to speak with a lawyer and stop answering questions.

Step 3: Do not agree to searches without legal advice.

Step 4: Write down what happened as soon as possible.

Step 5: Contact me immediately so I can protect your rights.

These small steps prevent the Crown from building a stronger case. Early legal intervention gives you the best chance to control the outcome.

Unauthorized possession charges move fast in Brampton, and you need a defence strategy just as fast. I take these cases seriously because I know what’s at stake for you. A strong defence starts the moment you reach out.

You can speak with me directly and get clear guidance right away. Here’s what happens when you call: I review how the firearm was found, identify immediate defence angles, and explain your options in simple terms.

Your next step is simple. Call me at (437) 998-1429 and get the defence you need before the case moves any further.