Weapon Offences Lawyer in Toronto
Protecting Your Freedom, Your Record, and Your Future
Charged With a Weapons Offence in Toronto?
Weapons offences are treated extremely seriously under Canadian law, often carrying significant jail time, a permanent criminal record, and lifelong consequences. If you’ve been charged with a weapons-related crime, it’s critical to have an experienced criminal defence lawyer on your side.
At Robert Geurts Law, we represent clients facing all types of weapons offences throughout Toronto and the GTA. With over 35 years of criminal law experience — including 12 years as an Assistant Crown Attorney — Robert understands how prosecutors approach these cases and builds strong, strategic defences to protect your rights.
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Understanding Weapons Offences in Ontario
What Is a Weapons Offence in Ontario?
In Ontario, “weapons offences” cover a broad range of charges under the Criminal Code of Canada, from possession of illegal firearms to using everyday objects as weapons in an assault. You don’t need to have used a weapon for violence — simply possessing a prohibited or restricted weapon, or carrying a legal one in a dangerous way, can result in criminal charges.
Common weapons offences include:
Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
Having a gun without the proper licence or registration.
Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Weapon
Owning weapons that are banned in Canada, such as certain handguns, switchblades, or brass knuckles.
Carrying a Concealed Weapon
Possessing a weapon in a way that hides it from view.
Use of a Firearm in the Commission of an Offence
Using or brandishing a firearm while committing another crime.
Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
Having a weapon with the intent to harm someone or commit an illegal act.
Trafficking or Smuggling Weapons
Selling, distributing, or illegally importing weapons into Canada.
What Are The Consequences?
Penalties for a Weapons Conviction
Weapons convictions in Ontario can result in severe consequences that impact your freedom, employment, and future:
First Time Offence:
Criminal record
Fines and probation
Mandatory firearms prohibition orders
Potential jail time depending on the nature of the offence
Serious or Repeat Offences:
Lengthy prison sentences (often years for firearms-related crimes)
Lifetime firearms bans
Forfeiture of seized weapons
Immigration consequences for non-citizens
Aggravating Factors That Can Increase Penalties:
Use of a weapon during another crime
Prior weapons-related convictions
Violence or threats of violence
Organized crime connections
How We Defend Weapons Charges
How Robert Geurts Builds a Weapons Defence
Weapons cases often hinge on how the evidence was obtained, whether your Charter rights were respected, and the exact classification of the item in question. As a former prosecutor, Robert Geurts knows the weaknesses in the Crown’s case and how to challenge them.
Common defence strategies include:
Challenging the legality of the search, seizure, or arrest
Questioning the classification of the weapon under Canadian law
Arguing lack of intent to use the item as a weapon
Raising issues of mistaken identity or false accusations
Addressing Charter violations, such as unlawful detention or search
Every case is unique. Robert carefully reviews police reports, disclosure, and evidence to find every possible avenue for defence.
What To Do If You’ve Been Charged
Act Quickly — Your Next Steps Matter
If you’ve been charged with a weapons offence, the stakes are high. Do not speak to police or attend court without legal representation. Contact Robert Geurts Law immediately for a confidential case review. We’ll explain the charges, your rights, and how we can fight to minimize or eliminate the consequences.