Reverse-Onus Bail
Many firearms charges require the accused to justify release.
Firearms & Weapons Defence
Firearms & Weapons Lawyer
in Toronto
Firearms allegations are treated very seriously by police, prosecutors and the courts, and they often bring difficult bail hearings from the start.
JT Defence Law represents clients charged with firearms possession, prohibited and restricted weapons, careless storage and related offences in Toronto and across Ontario.
Schedule a Confidential ConsultationWhy Firearms Charges Matter
Many firearms offences carry significant penalties, and a conviction typically comes with an order prohibiting you from possessing weapons.
For many firearms allegations, the accused bears the burden at bail of showing why release is appropriate. Firearms cases also frequently involve vehicle stops, searches of homes or cars, and questions about who actually possessed the weapon, all of which can raise important legal issues.
Serious Sentences
Courts emphasize deterrence and denunciation in gun cases.
Weapons Prohibitions
Convictions often bring mandatory or discretionary weapons bans.
Possession Questions
Proving knowledge and control is often contested.
What We Do
Focused defence for serious weapons allegations.
We begin with bail, preparing a release plan and sureties that respond directly to the concerns the court is likely to raise.
We then examine how the weapon was found, whether the search was lawful, and whether the Crown can prove possession, the classification of the item and any licensing issues.
Bail Preparation
Release planning for reverse-onus and contested hearings.
Search Challenges
Reviewing the lawfulness of stops, searches and warrants.
Possession Analysis
Testing knowledge, control and shared-space evidence.
Licensing Issues
Addressing storage, transport and authorization questions.
Allegations We Defend
Firearms and weapons allegations
We defend clients facing Criminal Code weapons offences, from licensing and storage issues to the most serious firearms allegations.
- Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm or weapon
- Careless storage or use of a firearm
- Carrying a concealed weapon
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Breach of a weapons prohibition order
Our Approach
- 01
Secure Release
We prepare a strong bail plan and sureties for what is often a contested hearing.
- 02
Examine the Seizure
We review the circumstances of the search and the evidence linking you to the weapon.
- 03
Advocate in Court
We bring Charter applications, defend you at trial or pursue the best available resolution.
Our Goal: If you have been charged with a firearms or weapons offence, early representation, especially for bail, can make a significant difference.
FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to common questions about firearms and weapons charges in Ontario.
01 What Is A Reverse-Onus Bail Hearing?
Normally, the Crown must justify keeping an accused in custody. For many firearms offences, the law reverses that burden, so the accused must show why release is appropriate. A credible release plan and well-prepared sureties are especially important in these hearings.
02 What If The Firearm Was Not Mine?
The Crown must prove that you knew about the firearm and had some control over it. Being in a car or home where a weapon was found is not enough on its own. These cases depend closely on the facts and the evidence.
03 What Is A Weapons Prohibition Order?
It is a court order that bans a person from possessing firearms and other weapons, for a period or for life. These orders are mandatory for some offences and discretionary for others.
04 Can I Be Charged If I Have A Firearms Licence?
Yes. Licensed owners can still face charges related to storage, transport, display or possession outside the terms of their licence or registration.
05 Can An Illegal Search Affect A Firearms Case?
It can. If police breached your Charter rights in finding the weapon, we may apply to have the evidence excluded. Whether exclusion is ordered depends on the court’s assessment of the breach and its impact.
This page provides general information about Ontario criminal law and is not legal advice. Every case depends on its own facts. Speak with a lawyer about your specific situation. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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JT Defence Law
If you have been charged with a firearms or weapons offence, early representation, especially for bail, can make a significant difference.
- Firearms possession
- Prohibited weapons
- Reverse-onus bail
- Search and seizure
Proudly representing clients across Toronto and Ontario.
