What kind of sentence will I receive if I am convicted of a weapon offence?

The type of sentence a person can receive for a weapon offence depends on a myriad of factors. Some weapon offences can carry a maximum penalty of life in prison. Others carry minimum sentences (which means that if the offence has a minimum sentence of one year, a judge must sentence an individual to at least one year in jail). Some of the factors considered include, but are not limited to: i)the type of weapon (for example, weapons such as knives or uncommon weapons will generally result in lighter sentences than firearms or explosives. ii)the manner in which the weapon was being possessed (was it simply in the person’s pocket or was it being held for everyone to see) iii)whether the person is convicted of possession, using the weapon, or possession for the purpose of trafficking or actually trafficking iv) the criminal record of the person found guilty v)the facts surrounding the case including whether there was a Charter violation Many firearm related offences have minimum sentences of three years and up depending on the firearm-related offence charged and whether the individual has any prior firearm related convictions.