Being charged with a firearms or weapons offence in Ontario is serious—these cases often carry mandatory jail time, strict bail conditions, and lasting consequences. Whether the charge involves possession of a handgun, unsafe storage, use of a weapon during another offence, or violating a prohibition order, you need an experienced criminal defence lawyer on your side.

At Affordable Defence, we represent clients across Ottawa facing stand-alone firearms charges or weapons allegations tied to other crimes. These cases are complex and highly technical, often involving Charter issues, search and seizure challenges, and the need for detailed legal analysis.

Don’t leave your future to chance. We’re here to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and help you move forward—whether it’s your first charge or you’re facing a more serious allegation. Affordable Defence in Ottawa offers free and confidential consultations.

We will help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and build a strong defence to fight your firearm or weapons charges in Ottawa. Affordable Defence will:

• Analyze the evidence against you for any weaknesses
• Build a powerful defence
• Push for case dismissal, acquittal at trial, or reduced charges

Our comprehensive knowledge of the gun law regime in Canada is fundamental to your strongest possible defence.

Solomon Friedman, is a local authority on the matter, speaking and writing regularly about firearms law in Ottawa.

In Canada, gun ownership laws are not as liberal as in the U.S. but there are many lawful gun owners and collectors in the country.

Firearm offences in Canada refer to criminal charges related to the possession, use, storage, transportation, trafficking, or handling of firearms and other regulated weapons. These laws are primarily outlined in the Criminal Code of Canada and the Firearms Act, and are strictly enforced throughout Ontario.

Charges can range from relatively minor offences, like improper storage of a firearm, to serious crimes such as armed robbery or weapons trafficking. Each offence carries its own penalties, which may include fines, probation, mandatory minimum sentences, or long-term imprisonment—depending on the type of firearm, the circumstances, and whether the accused has a valid licence.

The relevant laws and penalties are laid out in the Criminal Code and the Firearms Act (1995), The latter covers:

• Firearms
• Cross-bows
• Prohibited weapons
• Restricted weapons
• Prohibited devices
• Ammunition 

Gun ownership is heavily regulated in Canada and a gun registry was established in 2002 to maintain control.

According to the Criminal Code, prohibited firearms are:

• Handguns with a barrel “equal to or less than 105mm in length”, or designed to utilize .25 or .32 caliber ammunition
• Any firearm which is a rifle or a shotgun less than 660mm in length or with a barrel less than 457mm in length
• Any automatic firearm that has not been “altered to discharge only one projectile with one pressure of the trigger” 

These firearms rules apply to everyone except police officers and other exempt categories.

If you owned a registered firearm that became prohibited when the firearms act was initiated, you may still legally possess that firearm.

Firearm and weapons laws in Canada are complex, and misunderstandings—both by the public and law enforcement—can lead to criminal charges. In some cases, an experienced firearms lawyer in Ottawa may be able to quickly challenge or dismiss the charges based on a lack of evidence, improper search procedures, or licensing issues.

However, many firearms offences carry mandatory minimum sentences, and the consequences can be life-altering without proper legal representation.

At Affordable Defence, we regularly defend clients charged with firearm offences under the Criminal Code of Canada and Firearms Act. Below are some of the most common firearm-related charges in Ontario:

Unauthorized possession of a firearm

It is illegal to possess a firearm in Canada without a valid Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL). If the firearm is restricted, a registration certificate is also required. This is one of the most common firearm charges. Unauthorized possession is a hybrid offence and may result in fines, probation, or imprisonment depending on the firearm involved and the circumstances of the case.

Possession of a Restricted or Prohibited Firearm

Restricted and prohibited firearms require special authorization to own. Possessing one without the appropriate licence or certificate is a serious criminal offence. If prosecuted as an indictable offence, a conviction could lead to up to 10 years in prison.

Possession of a Weapon Obtained by Crime

It is a criminal offence to possess any weapon, including a firearm, that was stolen or acquired through criminal means. This charge can carry up to 10 years in prison if treated as an indictable offence. Summary convictions carry lower penalties but are still serious.

Carrying a Concealed Weapon Without Authorization

Carrying a concealed firearm or weapon without the proper permit is a criminal offence under Canadian law. This charge often arises in traffic stops or during searches. If convicted, penalties can include imprisonment for up to 5 years.

Possessing a firearm in a vehicle without authorization

A firearm must be properly stored and secured while being transported. Possessing a loaded or unsecured firearm in a vehicle can result in criminal charges. Penalties vary depending on the firearm’s condition and accessibility, but may include jail time.

Unsafe or Improper Firearm Storage

Under federal law, firearms must be stored safely to prevent unauthorized access or accidental discharge. Failing to meet these requirements can result in criminal charges. Depending on the severity, this may be prosecuted as a summary or indictable offence.

Pointing a firearm

Pointing a firearm at another person without a lawful excuse is a standalone offence—even if the firearm is unloaded. This charge is taken seriously by the courts and can result in up to 5 years in prison.

Additional offences involving firearms

In Ontario, firearms offences extend beyond simple possession. You may also face serious criminal charges for:

• Firearms trafficking – Transferring or delivering a firearm, weapon, or ammunition to someone who is not legally permitted to possess it.
• Illegal use of a firearm – Includes pointing a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, or using a firearm in a careless or threatening manner.
• Use of a firearm during the commission of a crime – A separate offence that applies when a firearm is used in the course of a robbery, assault, break and enter, or other indictable offence—even if no one is injured.

Facing Firearms Charges in Ottawa?

If you’ve been charged with any firearm or weapons offence in Ontario, your best defence starts with experienced legal representation. At Affordable Defence, we understand the technicalities of firearm law and will work to protect your rights and your future.

The main concern with firearms charges is the perceived risks posed to public safety.

If you do not exercise enough care or take reasonable precautions for the safety of others while owning, using, storing, or transporting firearms or ammunition, the consequences are serious.

Your case can be treated as a “hybrid offence”, meaning that it can be either a summary charge or an indictable charge, depending on the level of perceived risk to public safety.

Being found guilty for the first time of a “non-severe” firearms offence will generally mean:

• Six months to five years in prison 
• A $5,000 fine 

For more severe offences, you can expect:

• A minimum prison sentence of six months to 2-3 years (up to 10 years maximum)
• A $5,000 fine 

Repeat offenders will face more severe penalties.