Canadian Criminal Sentencing/Offences/Possession of a Restricted or Prohibited Firearm

Legislation possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition 95. (1) Subject to subsection (3), every person commits an offence who, in any place, possesses a loaded prohibited firearm or restricted firearm, or an unloaded prohibited firearm or restricted firearm together with readily accessible ammunition that is capable of being discharged in the firearm, unless the person is the holder of (a) an authorization or a licence under which the person may possess the firearm in that place; and (b) the registration certificate for the firearm. Punishment Punishment (2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1) (a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years; or (b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction. ... R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 95; 1991, c. 28, s. 8, c. 40, ss. 9, 37; 1993, c. 25, s. 93; 1995, c. 39, s. 139; 2008, c. 6, s. 8. CCC The mandatory minimum came into force on May 1, 2008. This does not apply to offences pre-dating the amendment. Subsequent offences include any conviction under s. 85, 95, 96, 98, 98.1, 99, 100, 102 or 103. Application See Canadian Criminal Sentencing/Offences/Weapons Offences Principles As with all mandatory minimums, the minimum is an "inflationary floor" which sets a minimal punishment for the "best" offender.R. v. Morrisey, 2000 SCC 39, [2000] 2 SCR 90, at para 75 The "possession of a loaded firearms is inherently dangerous. When such weapons are allowed in the community, death and serious injury are literally at hand, only an impulse and a trigger-pull away."R. v. Chin, 2009 ABCA 226 (CanLII) at para. 10 2 Factors Aggravating factors: Type of firearm (particularly how dangerous it is) the firearm was stolen or had serial numbers removed children nearby drugs nearby suggestion of drug dealing or organized crime Mitigating factors: guilty plea remorse no prior criminal record Ancillary Orders Weapons Prohibition Forfeiture of firearm (if seized by police) DNA Order Offence-related Probationary Terms not to possess weapons, ammunition, or explosive substances Possession of a Restricted