I’ve been charged with Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm. What do I need to know?

You commit the crime of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm if you have a gun, weapon, or ammunition in your possession but:

• you don't have a valid licence for that type of gun, weapon, or ammunition
• you don't have a registration certificate for that gun, if it is a prohibited or restricted gun.

Maximum sentence

The maximum sentence for Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm is:

• 2 years in jail if the Crown proceeds summarily
• 5 years in prison if the Crown proceeds by indictment

Sentences if Unauthorized Possession is on purpose

The sentences are different if you know that you don't have the licence or registration certificate for the gun, weapon, or ammunition. In that situation, the sentences are:

• If this is your first time:
  • a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison
• If this is your second time:
  • a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison
• If this is your third time or more:
  • a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison