Gun Possession, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Firearms Use
Conviction for an unlicensed gun possession or use offence can result in serious penalties, including jail, fines and a permanent mark on your criminal record. With more than 30 years of experience, David G. Bayliss is a veteran of defending firearms offences and related charges, both under the Criminal Code of Canada and, for legal gun owners, regulatory offences under the Firearms Act and its regulations.
Canada’s Criminal Code firearms laws have recently undergone dramatic changes. Now, almost all gun possession and firearms offences carry mandatory minimum jail sentences ranging up to seven years. While the Supreme Court of Canada has struck down some of the firearms offence mandatory minimums as unconstitutional, the mandatory minimums legislation has had the effect of dramatically increasing the sentencing floor across the board, despite declarations of unconstitutionality. Indeed, it is not uncommon for trial judges to impose sentences well in excess of legislated mandatory minimums.
Obtaining bail in firearms cases is also much more difficult than in the past. As with sentences, bail release has been substantially restricted, driven in large degree by the public outcry over illegal gun use and a recent spike in gun related homicides. Despite these challenges, David G. Bayliss and his associates have had great success in obtaining bail for clients charged with firearms use and possession offences. Seek legal counsel as soon as possible if you or a family member has been charged with any type of firearms offence.
David G. Bayliss and his legal team have a strong record of success defending clients against various allegations involving firearms, including:
- Unlawful possession of a firearm
- Unlawful possession of a firearm with ammunition
- Reckless discharge of firearm
- Other Criminal Code offences involving weapons, handguns or firearms
- Regulatory violations by legal gun owners under the Firearms Act and its regulations.
Contact the criminal law firm of David G. Bayliss online or call 416.598.5250 to schedule a free initial consultation with a highly experienced Toronto defence lawyer with a strong history of success.