Firearms Prosecution Flashcards
What is the paramount consideration in firearm prosecutions?
The safety of the public
What is a “firearm”?
A barreled weapon from which a shot, bullet or other projectile can be discharged and that is capable of causing serious bodily harm
Automatic position on firearm bail
Detention order
What is required to consent to a firearms bail?
Exceptional circumstances and the consent of the CA
What hybrid offences require the Cr. to elect by indictment?
- possession of restricted or prohibited firearm with ammunition
- possession of firearm obtained by crime
- making automatic firearm
- carrying a concealed firearm
- possession of a firearm for purpose dangerous to the public
- unauthorized possession of a firearm
- possession of firearm at unauthorized place
- possession of firearm in motor vehicle
- transfer a firearm without proper authority
- unauthorized importing or exporting of firearms
- possession of a firearm contrary to a court order.
What must be considered when assessing whether to proceed by indictment or summarily in none itemized hybrid offences?
- Circumstances of offender
- Circumstances surrounding offence
- Prior convictions
- Conduct of accused
- Criminal organizations
- Other criminal conduct
- Whether firearms etc will be forfeited
- Prior prohibition order
- Whether the sentence if prosecuted summarily would reflect the gravity of the offence
What is the goal of resolution discussions in FA offences?
Providing the greatest protection possible of the public
The prosecutor must not in FA resolution discussions
- reduce or withdraw a charge involving a firearm to avoid a mandatory minimum
term of imprisonment - reduce or withdraw a charge of break and enter to steal a firearm, robbery to
steal a firearm, possession of restricted or prohibited firearm with ammunition,
any firearms trafficking offence, any importing or exporting firearms offence - reduce or withdraw a charge of possession of firearm contrary to a court order.
When does the CR have to file notice in a FA prosecution?
When the Cr is seeking a higher range of sentence by reason of the accused’s previous criminal record
What are the common groups fire arm offences are put in to?
- Use offences
- Possession Offences
- Trafficking, exporting and importing offences
What is a “weapon”
Anything designed to be used or intended for use in causing death or injury to any person or for the purpose of threatening or intimidating any person
What is an “imitation firearm”
S. 84(1)
Anything that imitates a firearm, and includes a replica firearm
What is a “replica firearm”
S. 84(1)
Any device that is designed to exactly resemble, or resemble with near precision, a firearm - does not include antique firearms
What are offences related to imitation firearms
Only one - the use of an imitation firearm in the commission of an indictable offence
No criminal offence relating to the possession of an imitation firearm
What is the definition of “use” in the context of firearms?
Includes discharging, pointing, displaying for the purpose of intimidation or alarm.
Test not met by metre possession, idle threats, or evidence that firearm was proximate for future use
What type of intent must be present to be convicted of a s. 85(1)(a) offence
General intent - relates only to the conduct which constitutes the act and not an ulterior motive of purpose