Your Firearms & Weapons Lawyer Serving Brampton
Nirwal Law, located in Brampton and led by criminal defence lawyer Manbir Nirwal, focuses exclusively on safeguarding your rights and protecting your future. Knowing the stakes are high, Manbir brings extensive courtroom experience and a results-driven approach to your case.
Manbir takes a strategic and a personalized approach to every case. Whether the charge is minor or serious, Manbir is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you. Your defence begins here!
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Criminal Defence Lawyers
Results Driven Firearms & Weapons Defence Lawyers
Weapons offenses and firearm related offenses are serious and can lead to some very harsh penalties. For example, being convicted of an offense may prohibit you from possessing a firearm, limit your employment opportunities, and/or result in significant jail time. Criminal defense attorney Manbir Nirwal is well aware of the complexity of Canadian firearm law and is here to assist you with understanding all of your legal options regarding your case. Additionally, Mr. Nirwal is experienced in negotiating on behalf of his clients (whether that be by reducing charges, negotiating a plea agreement etc.), as well as preparing cases for trial.
At Nirwal Law, we provide our clients with experienced, skilled and dedicated representation when it comes to their firearm and weapon related offenses. We also strive to ensure that each client receives the most effective defense available to them. Whether you are facing a firearms or weapons offense, Manbir Nirwal would like to meet with you to review your case and determine the best course of action moving forward.
Types of Firearms and Weapons Offences
In addition to the illegal possession of firearms, there are many other offenses related to weapons under the Criminal Code. These include:
- Illegal Possession of a Firearm: Possessing a firearm without being licensed or registered. Prohibited and Restricted Firearms fall into this category; as do all Un-Registered Weapons.
- Possessing a Weapon for a Dangerously Purposes: Having a weapon with the intention of harming another person or using it illegally.
- Concealing a Weapon: Hiding a weapon from view when carrying it without having a license or proper authority to carry one.
- Smuggling/ Trafficking: Transporting (across international borders), selling, or giving away firearms or weapons that have been banned by laws outside of Canada. Without appropriate licenses these activities will result in serious consequences.
Possible Consequences for Firearms & Weapons Charges in Ontario
Weapons offenses and gun offenses are viewed by Canadian authorities as very serious offenses and offenders can receive long prison sentences that vary based upon the offense itself; type of weapon used in commission of the offense; and/or the specific circumstances surrounding each case.
Penalties may include:
- Imprisonment: Mandatory minimum prison terms apply for some firearm offenses (e.g. Possession of a Prohibited Firearm) with possible imprisonment time frames being 10 years or longer.
- Fine: Fines have been imposed in some cases where the firearm offense was related to an administrative violation, i.e., improper storage or non-compliance with firearm regulations.
- Prohibitions against firearm ownership/possession: Following conviction for a firearm or weapons offense, a judge may issue a Firearm Prohibition Order which prohibits the offender from owning or possessing any type of fire arm or weapon for a fixed amount of time, and/or forever.
- Seizure of all firearms/weapons involved in the crime: A judge has discretion to seize all firearms/weapons that were used in the course of committing the offense.
How We Defend These Charges
It is very important when charged with a firearms/weapons offense to realize you do have the option to present defenses on your own behalf at trial.
Defense options may include:
- Unlawful Search and Seizure: Any items seized from you by police without their having first received lawful authority to do so may be excluded as admissible in court based upon The Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
- No Knowledge or No Intention: If you had no knowledge of the weapon’s existence or did not intend to commit an unlawful act with the weapon, this could be used as a defense.
- Misidentification: Where there are several possible suspects (i.e., in cases where there are many people who could have been responsible), demonstrating that the weapon did not belong to you or was not being held by you would be a valid defense.
- Authorization and Licenses: If you had the appropriate licenses/authorization for the firearm or weapon, you might successfully argue that these should result in dismissal of charges.
Why Clients Choose Manbir
Manbir Nirwal is the founder and lead lawyer at Nirwal Law, offering exclusively criminal defence services across Ontario. With a deep understanding of the justice system and a proven track record, Manbir is committed to defending your rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your case. What Sets Manbir Nirwal Apart:
Experience – Having appeared in various Jurisdictions throughout Ontario, Manbir is familiar with the intricacies of the criminal justice system. He brings this deep knowledge to each case, ensuring your defence is crafted with care and precision.
Communication – From the moment you reach out to Nirwal Law, you’ll have direct access to Counsel Manbir Nirwal. He prioritizes clear, consistent communication and is often available for evening and weekend appointments to accommodate your schedule. With 24/7 availability, Manbir ensures you’re never left in the dark about your case.
Tailored Defence Strategies – Every client and every case is different. Manbir takes the time to fully understand your situation and craft a defence plan that is uniquely suited to your needs, maximizing your chances of a favorable result.
Manbir Nirwal
Manbir Nirwal
Manbir Nirwal is the founder and lead lawyer at Nirwal Law, offering exclusively criminal defence services across Ontario. With a deep understanding of the justice system and a proven track record, Manbir is committed to defending your rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your case. What Sets Manbir Nirwal Apart:
Experience – Having appeared in various Jurisdictions throughout Ontario, Manbir is familiar with the intricacies of the criminal justice system. He brings this deep knowledge to each case, ensuring your defence is crafted with care and precision.
Communication – From the moment you reach out to Nirwal Law, you’ll have direct access to Counsel Manbir Nirwal. He prioritizes clear, consistent communication and is often available for evening and weekend appointments to accommodate your schedule. With 24/7 availability, Manbir ensures you’re never left in the dark about your case.
Tailored Defence Strategies – Every client and every case is different. Manbir takes the time to fully understand your situation and craft a defence plan that is uniquely suited to your needs, maximizing your chances of a favorable result.
Firearms & Weapons Charges FAQs
Yes. It is possible to receive firearms/weapon charges in Ontario simply by being in possession of, transporting, storing, or carrying a prohibited/unauthorized firearm. The Crown typically doesn't have to show that the firearm was fired/discharged or involved in another crime. Charges are often brought after traffic stops/searches/investigations/law enforcement responses related to licensing/storage issues.
A weapon, by way of example, does not have to be firearm. Other objects may qualify as weapons if they are knives or bats; tools; imitation firearms; or even ordinary items used in such a manner as to legally qualify as weapons based on how they were carried, intended for use, and/or used. Courts will look at all the surrounding factors when determining whether an object meets the legal definition of a weapon.
Possessing an illegal firearm will have serious consequences that could result in imprisonment, time spent at a penitentiary, being placed under probation, having weapons taken away from you for life, and a criminal record that will stay with you forever. The length of your sentence will depend on how many firearms were involved; if they were loaded, if you had a license to possess them, and if the charges related to the firearm also relate to other crimes.
In many instances, law enforcement agencies are required by law to adhere to very specific protocols when it comes to searching vehicles or homes with regards to charges of possession of a firearm. There may be times that officers obtain a warrant, or they feel there is a public safety concern, and therefore, the officer has the right to conduct a search after someone has been arrested. The illegal search of one's vehicle or residence could result in serious consequences as the search may violate one's charter rights. If evidence was collected illegally, it may also be used against you at trial.
Will your firearms conviction influence your firearms license or future employment? Yes. A firearms conviction will result in the potential for firearm license revocation, weapons prohibition orders, and possibly long term restrictions on you being able to own or possess firearms in Canada. Additionally, a criminal record could potentially impact the availability of future employment, as well as immigration status, professional licenses, and international travel including to the U.S.
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