Possession of a Firearm
Possession charges range from unauthorized possession of a non-restricted firearm to possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm. The latter carries a mandatory minimum sentence of three to five years in federal custody. Michael Bloom has had charges stayed entirely on Charter challenges to unlawful searches, including cases in which police entry into a residence was found unconstitutional.
Possession of a Weapon for a Purpose Dangerous to the Public Peace
This is a frequently laid charge alongside assault and threat allegations. The Crown must prove not only that the accused possessed the item, but that it was possessed for a dangerous purpose. Michael Bloom regularly resolves these files through Conditional Discharges, Stays of Proceedings, Alternative Measures, and Section 810 Peace Bonds.
Careless Storage and Use of a Firearm
Careless storage and careless use are commonly laid where a firearm is found improperly stored during a police search, or where a firearm is handled in a manner the Crown considers reckless. Michael Bloom has resolved these files through Conditional Discharges and Stays of Proceedings, including after successful challenges to the legality of the search that produced the firearm.
Pointing a Firearm and Discharging a Firearm
Pointing a firearm is a hybrid offence that the Crown frequently elects to proceed by indictment. Discharging a firearm, particularly with intent to wound or endanger, is one of the most serious offences in the Criminal Code and routinely results in penitentiary sentences. Defence work in these files demands precise factual investigation, careful witness analysis, and strong Charter advocacy—you’ll get all of this with Michael Bloom as your criminal defence lawyer.
Prohibited Weapons, Knives, and Replica Firearms
Prohibited weapons (this includes certain knives, brass knuckles, replica firearms, and modified items) carry their own set of charges and consequences. These cases often hinge on whether the item meets the Criminal Code definition of a “prohibited weapon” or “prohibited device”, and on the lawfulness of the search that produced it.
Bail in Firearms Cases
Bail is much harder to obtain in firearms cases, particularly for repeated offences. Many firearms offences carry a reverse onus—this means the accused must justify release rather than the Crown justifying detention.
Up against a firearms or weapons charge? The strength of the defence depends heavily on what is done in the first 48 hours. Call Michael Bloom before saying anything to police.