Weapons & Firearms Offences Recent Case Summaries

Client was charged with threatening bodily harm and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. The Crown alleged the client held a knife to the complainant’s face during an altercation and threatened to kill her. We successfully negotiated the withdrawal of all charges before trial.

Client was charged with possession of heroin for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of proceeds of crime, and carrying a concealed weapon. Police investigated the client following two confidential tips. Officers conducting surveillance alleged they observed the client engage in hand-to-hand transactions with two individuals. Police searched the client and his vehicle, allegedly finding heroin in separate bags, brass knuckles, and cash. We exploited issues with the police investigation and Crown disclosure delays, persuading the Crown not to pursue the charges.

Client was stopped while driving in the entertainment district. Police alleged they smelled freshly burned cannabis from the vehicle. A search revealed approximately two ounces of marijuana packaged in two-gram bags, a ceremonial sword in a knapsack, and approximately $6,000 in Canadian and American currency. We negotiated a resolution where all charges were withdrawn after the client completed 50 hours of community service.

Client was charged with possession of a firearm and possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Police discovered the client had escaped from a halfway house and was operating a crack lab in his apartment. Officers forced entry, and the client fled by climbing down balconies until police caught him. We successfully argued the apartment search was illegal and the client’s right to counsel was breached upon arrest. All evidence, including a substantial quantity of crack cocaine and loaded firearms, was excluded.

Client faced robbery with a firearm, which carries a minimum four-year sentence. The Crown alleged the client and a co-accused offered to sell narcotics to a man, then blocked him in an alley and robbed him at gunpoint. We represented the client at a lengthy preliminary inquiry and successfully argued for dismissal of all charges despite strong opposition from the Crown.

Client faced three counts of robbery with a firearm and use of a firearm while committing an indictable offence. The Crown alleged the client and three others robbed three restaurants at gunpoint. We challenged the admissibility of the client’s statements based on voluntariness concerns and a breach of the client’s right to counsel.