Gun Charge Defence Lawyer
Firearms laws are complex—your defence shouldn't be handled by someone learning on the job.
When your right to possess firearms is threatened, we stand between you and severe consequences.
Firearms Charges in Alberta
Firearms charges in Alberta are among the most aggressively prosecuted offences in the Canadian justice system. Canada maintains strict firearms regulations under the Criminal Code and Firearms Act, with violations carrying severe penalties including mandatory minimum sentences in many cases.
The consequences of firearms convictions extend far beyond imprisonment. A firearms conviction creates a permanent criminal record, lifetime weapons prohibitions, and restrictions that can severely limit employment opportunities, travel options, and future prospects.
We understand the technical complexity of firearms cases and the various legal and regulatory issues they present. With our experience on both sides of the legal system, we identify crucial weaknesses in the prosecution's case and develop effective defence strategies tailored to your specific situation.
Types of Firearms Charges in Alberta
Unauthorized Possession (Section 91/92 Criminal Code)
These charges apply when a person possesses a firearm without a valid license or registration, or possesses a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition without proper authorization.
Penalties for Unauthorized Possession in Alberta:
Non-restricted firearms: Up to 5 years imprisonment
Restricted or prohibited firearms: Mandatory minimum 3 years (first offence)
Permanent criminal record
Lifetime weapons prohibition
Careless Use or Storage (Section 86 Criminal Code)
These charges apply when firearms are stored, transported, or handled in a manner that contravenes regulations or creates danger to others.
Penalties for Careless Use or Storage in Alberta:
Summary conviction: Up to 2 years less a day imprisonment
Indictable offence: Up to 2 years imprisonment
Permanent criminal record
Weapons prohibition
Weapons Trafficking (Section 99/100 Criminal Code)
These serious charges apply to selling, giving, bartering, or offering to sell firearms without proper authorization.
Penalties for Weapons Trafficking in Alberta:
Mandatory minimum 3 years imprisonment (first offence)
Up to 10 years imprisonment
Permanent criminal record
Lifetime weapons prohibition
Firearms in Motor Vehicles (Section 94 Criminal Code)
These charges apply when unauthorized firearms are found in a motor vehicle under your care or control.
Penalties for Firearms in Vehicles in Alberta:
Mandatory minimum 1 year imprisonment (first offence)
Up to 10 years imprisonment
Permanent criminal record
Weapons prohibition
Our Firearms Defence Process
We approach each firearms case with a proven methodology developed through years of criminal defence experience. From immediate intervention after charges to strategic representation in court, we guide you through every step while protecting your rights and pursuing the best possible outcome.
Free Consultation
We begin with a thorough discussion of your case to understand the full context of your situation. During this meeting, we listen to your concerns, review available documentation, and explain potential approaches to your legal matter. This foundation allows us to develop a relationship based on understanding and trust.
During this meeting we discuss fees and a budget that can work with your financial situation.
Obtain and Review Disclosure
The first step when someone is charged with a crime is to find out exactly what the Crown is going to try to use against you. This sometimes takes months of diligent inquiry and follow-up.
Once we obtain the Crown’s disclosure file, we sit down with you to discuss the best way to proceed with your defence. Sometimes, this is by way of a quick resolution to a favourable Crown offer; other times, it is by proceeding to trial.
Plan the Defence
If we proceed to trial, we lay out the best defence strategy well in advance, so we have a clear picture of where we are headed.
This includes planning all pre-trial applications (for instance, to introduce expert evidence), lining up any relevant witnesses, and making critical decisions about things like whether you will testify and whether the trial will be by judge alone or judge and jury.
Prepare for Trial
We prepare you and any witnesses for the trial by thoroughly explaining how the trial will look, showing you around a courtroom so that you are comfortable, asking you practice questions so that you get used to speaking in public, and doing mock cross-examinations so that you are not flustered when answering questions.
Trial
At the trial, we stand between you and the power of the State, and mount your best defence.
About Zachary Al-Khatib
Founder of ZK Law specializing in criminal defence and complex legal matters. Former Supreme Court of Canada clerk bringing unique judicial perspective to each case. I combine rigorous advocacy with compassion, ensuring every client's story is heard. Currently teaching at the University of Alberta while maintaining my practice.
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Contact ZK Law today for a confidential consultation. We will explain your legal options, answer your questions, and start building your defence strategy immediately.
FAQs
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Exercise your right to remain silent and immediately request to speak with a lawyer. Do not consent to searches without a warrant. Do not provide statements to police before consulting with legal counsel. We can advise you on protecting your rights from the earliest stages.
Firearms charges can be withdrawn or reduced through various legal strategies. These may include successful Charter challenges if your rights were violated during the investigation, identifying weaknesses in the Crown's ability to prove knowledge or control, or demonstrating compliance with storage regulations.
Non-restricted firearms generally include common hunting rifles and shotguns. Restricted firearms include certain handguns and semi-automatic rifles. Prohibited firearms include fully automatic weapons, converted automatics, and firearms with shortened barrels. Each category has different licensing and storage requirements.
Charges for certain offences, even those unrelated to firearms (such as domestic assault), can result in weapons prohibitions and the suspension or revocation of firearms licenses. We address both the primary charges and any potential firearms implications.
To prove possession, the Crown must establish that you had knowledge and control of the firearm. This can be challenging in cases involving shared properties, vehicles, or where firearms are discovered in common areas.
Still have questions?
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