Firearm Offences
Firearm Offences
Canadian law defines a “firearm” as a barrelled weapon from which any shot, bullet, or other projectiles can be discharged and that can cause bodily injury or death to a person. This includes any frame or receiver of a barrelled weapon and anything that can be adapted for use as a “firearm.” Air guns can be classified as a firearm as well. Fake guns or imitation firearms may also meet definition.
If a firearm is used while committing a crime it can constitute a separate crime in and of itself. If bodily harm occurs, liability can be found whether or not it was intended.
If you carry, handle, transport, or store a firearm or a restricted weapon in a careless manner without reasonable precautions to the safety of others it can be a crime. Section 177(h) of the Firearms Act sets out the regulations around storage and safety.
It is illegal to point a firearm at someone without a lawful excuse.
The type of license required depends on the type of firearm in question. Some are restricted, non-restricted, and others are outright prohibited. You need some form of firearm licence to be legally allowed to possess a standard rifle or pistol. It is important to have the proper license to handle the type of firearm in question. It is your responsibility to be informed of this. Ignorance of the law is not a defence to breaking the law in firearm cases.
Discharging a firearm at a person to endanger them or prevent an arrest is illegal. If the discharge of the firearm was simply reckless, criminal liability may apply.
One or a combination of, fines, license revocation, ownership and use prohibitions or restrictions, fines, and potentially jail time depending on the seriousness of the circumstances.
Both lawyers at East Law grew up on farms and began hunting and using firearms at a young age. Both lawyers at East Law have their ‘gun licence’ and while these days they hunt less, both lawyers at East Law still shoot for sport. We understand the ins and outs of firearm offences, and given our background, will easily be able to understand your side of the story.
- NicholasI really don't know where to start. I am beyond thrilled with the work John has done for us. He has fought tooth and nail to get us the results we needed an wanted. He was extremely patient and understanding when it came to the situation and took into account the hardships that people deal with on a day to... Read moreI really don't know where to start. I am beyond thrilled with the work John has done for us. He has fought tooth and nail to get us the results we needed an wanted. He was extremely patient and understanding when it came to the situation and took into account the hardships that people deal with on a day to day basis. When you hire John as your attorney you can expect many things, but for certain; he will go all out for you. He is hungry and determined to win like no one else. Over a period of two years John has showed compassion, patience, empathy, dedication, and most importantly, grit. He will go to war for you. I will always choose John East as my attorney. The best there is, hands down. Read less
- Mark/Brenda ParfettJohn East is by far the best, most outstanding defense lawyer in the Hamilton/G.T.A., area!! We hired him to defend our son against a couple of charges. He listened and did not judge. He began working diligently on the case and patiently answered all of our questions and concerns, either in person or by phone/text messages. John was thorough and... Read moreJohn East is by far the best, most outstanding defense lawyer in the Hamilton/G.T.A., area!! We hired him to defend our son against a couple of charges. He listened and did not judge. He began working diligently on the case and patiently answered all of our questions and concerns, either in person or by phone/text messages. John was thorough and came up with an extensive defense which exceeded far beyond our expectations... always focusing on the facts and advocating for the first amendment rights of our son. He exudes confidence, intelligence, professionalism while still maintaining a sense of humour. John's honesty and hard work ethic paid off and he was able to get the charges dropped. We would give him a 10 star rating if possible!! Other defense lawyers would not put in the effort required to win.. but John did!! Do yourself a favour and hire John
East from East Law... you will not regret it!! Thank you John for never giving up and fighting until the end, we are very grateful!
Read less - Alyssa SpeicherJohn East is an Amazing lawyer! My husband and I contacted John East after firing our previous attorney, my husband was being charged with horrible charges. John East immediately went to work on his case and for his trial! John East did an absolute fantastic job when it came to representing my husband. He was kind, compassionate and direct. John... Read moreJohn East is an Amazing lawyer! My husband and I contacted John East after firing our previous attorney, my husband was being charged with horrible charges. John East immediately went to work on his case and for his trial! John East did an absolute fantastic job when it came to representing my husband. He was kind, compassionate and direct. John East was affordable and willing to help with payment plans when needed. We are happy to announce that as of Today January 6th Mr.East won my husband's trial and he was found not guilty to the charges before him. John East handled the trial in a very professional manner, he explained everything very thoroughly throught the entire process. He made this very stressful situation alot less stressful. Thank You John East for your amazing service in defending me through the trial. I am forever greatful. Read less
- Christopher EI was looking for a free lawyer consultation so I googled such and came across Attorney John East and his firm East Law. I made it clear I had limited resources and was looking for legal advice on a neighbour dispute that was getting out of hand with police involvement. Mr. East listened extremely well without judgement and gave me... Read moreI was looking for a free lawyer consultation so I googled such and came across Attorney John East and his firm East Law. I made it clear I had limited resources and was looking for legal advice on a neighbour dispute that was getting out of hand with police involvement. Mr. East listened extremely well without judgement and gave me very cogent legal advice. Ultimately he did not think it was a good use of my limited funds to hire him as he believed my issues were not meant for a court room as the matter was a non-criminal event though police had become involved. Ultimately, his advice (free) to just avoid my neighbour was so common sense even if my ego could not see that prior to Mr. East’s involvement. He explained how quickly a neighbour, or any dispute, can become a criminal matter if one does not act prudent. Thank you Mr. East for your good will, patience, and sage legal advice in not one, but two courtesy consultations. You are such a gentleman to be so gracious and generous with your time. Sincerely Christopher E. Read less
- Eamonn KellyMr East and I met by chance just as I needed legal representation and I am glad we did. He immediately went to work for me, in a calming, compassionate manor. He was flexible, prompt, thorough, prepared, and professional. He clearly explained my situation, what his representation could offer vs. self representation and I immediately hired him.... Read moreMr East and I met by chance just as I needed legal representation and I am glad we did. He immediately went to work for me, in a calming, compassionate manor. He was flexible, prompt, thorough, prepared, and professional. He clearly explained my situation, what his representation could offer vs. self representation and I immediately hired him. He is affordable but also saved me thousands of dollars in the long term. Mr. East was able to construct a deal with prosecution to remove regularly mandatory jail time, and massively reduce my license suspension too. Due to Mr. East’s work, my outcome was the very best possible, and I couldn’t be more grateful He saved my marriage, career, and well being. Thank you forever John. Read less
- Dave StevensI was worried about what my outcome was going to be until I had my first sit down with East Law. Thanks to John and the team at East Law, my case didn’t even make it to trial and my charges were withdrawn. John and his team did an amazing job on informing me what was going on and messaging... Read moreI was worried about what my outcome was going to be until I had my first sit down with East Law. Thanks to John and the team at East Law, my case didn’t even make it to trial and my charges were withdrawn. John and his team did an amazing job on informing me what was going on and messaging or calling me same day as my court dates. John and the team at East Law are the go to team for your case! Read less
- Amy KomocsiJohn East was the best decision I've ever made. He was always responsive and honest, kept us informed at all stages, and was very supportive of my teenage son (who unfortunately made a bad decision). John worked hard to research and bring forth good arguments for our case. I feel like he gave 100%. We had a favourable outcome. I... Read moreJohn East was the best decision I've ever made. He was always responsive and honest, kept us informed at all stages, and was very supportive of my teenage son (who unfortunately made a bad decision). John worked hard to research and bring forth good arguments for our case. I feel like he gave 100%. We had a favourable outcome. I couldn't be happier with the service provided by John.From the bottom of my heart... Thank you John! Read less
- John DoughMr East is professional and caring He sees people innocent until proven guilty not guilty until proven innocent I highly recommend him to anyone and everyone in need of a criminal matter Mr East had gotten me accuited of all charges and I'm very thankful I can move forward with my life Mr East is an amazing lawyer and deserves... Read moreMr East is professional and caring He sees people innocent until proven guilty not guilty until proven innocent I highly recommend him to anyone and everyone in need of a criminal matter Mr East had gotten me accuited of all charges and I'm very thankful I can move forward with my life Mr East is an amazing lawyer and deserves the recognition 2 long years and it's finally over Thank you Mr East for everything you have done for myself and my family you are greatly appreciated and I will never forget the day you changed my life for the better thank you.The way you did the cross-examination was at the highest of expertise I've witness in a criminal matter the police and crown were so stumped Ty Mr East Read less
- Blake (Balak)John East is a legend and a life savior!With his compassion and Hard work behind each case, he truly stops at nothing to make sure you are ultimately satisfied with your outcome. He has went above and beyond for my case and I am so grateful to have such an intelligent, courageous and talented lawyer to be represented by. THANK... Read moreJohn East is a legend and a life savior!With his compassion and Hard work behind each case, he truly stops at nothing to make sure you are ultimately satisfied with your outcome. He has went above and beyond for my case and I am so grateful to have such an intelligent, courageous and talented lawyer to be represented by. THANK YOU Mr.East! You truly have turned my life around in such a positive way and allowed me too continue to build forward. So if you need help with the law, Call East Law! You will be so thankful that you did! Read less
- Tia Lane JohnsonJohn is passionate about law and I found him very intelligent, speaks articulately. I especially enjoy his "A Winning Approach" talks on900 CHML.Most importantly, John is a Fighter....that is what you want in the Courtroom. A fighter that not only throws a good punch....but can take the punch back and not go down. Performance is everything in the... Read moreJohn is passionate about law and I found him very intelligent, speaks articulately. I especially enjoy his "A Winning Approach" talks on900 CHML.Most importantly, John is a Fighter....that is what you want in the Courtroom. A fighter that not only throws a good punch....but can take the punch back and not go down. Performance is everything in the Court Room !!!!And this lawyer has a heart too !!! Read less
- Ryan BarberSaved my life and healed my soul:Please read my story if you're seeing this because this man, as a lawyer and as a human being, was everything and beyond what I could have ever hoped for.I was charged with a multitude of charges stemming from an incident that occurred over 2 years ago. Since then, I have been dealing with... Read moreSaved my life and healed my soul:Please read my story if you're seeing this because this man, as a lawyer and as a human being, was everything and beyond what I could have ever hoped for.I was charged with a multitude of charges stemming from an incident that occurred over 2 years ago. Since then, I have been dealing with the stress and remorse of being involved in a horrible situation and feeling crippled by the impact that it took on my life. I have developed a weight crushing anxiety disorder and have been unable to be positive in my life leaving me burdened with depression that had me constantly drowning from the gravity of my troubles. I felt that I would never recover.... Insert Mr. John East. Through some grace of chance this lawyer accepted my case and immediately began to reassure and guide me through the proceedings. During my trail he was well spoken, courageous and the true embodiment of a commanding presence in the court room. I was expecting the worst, but watching him in action was something to behold. It sounds as if I'm using hyperbole to describe him but I believe that I am being conservative in my accounting of his work. If you don't know where I'm going with this by now; He won. I now have a new found wave of energy and focus and have been tackling life as my best self possible. I can breathe againI HIGHLY recommend this lawyer and wish him nothing but the absolute best in his long career. Thank you for everything.Ryan B. Read less
- tatiana shevtsovaJohn East is a miracle worker! being a permanent resident and facing immigration problems for DUI, John saved my life. I got careless driving instead and no criminal record. I had to switch a lawyer because he was useless and simply didn't care, thank god someone recommend me John! He took his time to explain every single detail.He was... Read moreJohn East is a miracle worker! being a permanent resident and facing immigration problems for DUI, John saved my life. I got careless driving instead and no criminal record. I had to switch a lawyer because he was useless and simply didn't care, thank god someone recommend me John! He took his time to explain every single detail.He was super professional, knowledgeable, and it was a great communication. from the first meeting to the end I felt very confident that i'll be taken care of. Highly recommend John!!! Read less
- HammertownMr East has gone above and beyond to help me through an otherwise daunting legal ordeal. He provided a comfortable space to discuss the case and relevant personal history. He was friendly and welcoming and willing to take the time to anwser my many questions. Mr. East went beyond his title requirements to help put my mind at ease during... Read moreMr East has gone above and beyond to help me through an otherwise daunting legal ordeal. He provided a comfortable space to discuss the case and relevant personal history. He was friendly and welcoming and willing to take the time to anwser my many questions. Mr. East went beyond his title requirements to help put my mind at ease during a stressful ordeal. He took the time to familiarize himself with previous cases similar to my own and advised me on my best options going forward.I would not hesitate to recommend his services. Read less
- Mirko BucikWhen it comes to legal representation John East will be the Harvy Specror of Hamilton.I listened to John's radio ad and who he said he is in the ad, is exactly who you get in person, the real deal. If he keeps it up he'll be the peoles champ.I spent 2 months purring over case law and familiarizing myself with... Read moreWhen it comes to legal representation John East will be the Harvy Specror of Hamilton.I listened to John's radio ad and who he said he is in the ad, is exactly who you get in person, the real deal. If he keeps it up he'll be the peoles champ.I spent 2 months purring over case law and familiarizing myself with the law. When I met John and discussed my case he knew every term, applications of the law, case law; he is extremely knowledgable. Very witty, thinks quick on his feet and that gunslinger you want beside you for every legal battle.If you for some reason you dont pick up the phone and call John and just decide on another lawyer, you must like being dump trucked and love jail time. Your choice .John got my charges dismissed. Read less
- I AmJohn East IS DA MAN! Young energetic responsive attention to CONSTITUTIONAL LAW “GRANTED” & SO “BESTOWED” By the Constitution Of Canada 🇨🇦 To ALL OF ITS “37 Million” Canadian 🇨🇦 Citizens, Whom “ individually” and “COLLECTIVELY”. CALL 📞THIS GREAT 👍 COUNTRY CANADA 🍁 🇨🇦 , ITS HOME 🏡 & NATIVE LAND❣️💕💌 🧑💻🌈💝🚀❣️
- Naomi SherwinJOHN EAST IS THE BEST LAWYER! HE PRETTY MUCH SAVED MY LIFE. HE TAKES THE TIME TO UNDERSTAND THE CASE AND FIGHTS FOR HIS CLIENTS. He KNOWS THE LAW! I WOULD RECOMMEND HIM TO ANYONE IN TROUBLE WITH THE LAW! HE IS VERY PROFESSIONAL, RESPONSIVE, INTELLIGENT AND OUT RIGHT BRILLIANT. HIS PERFORMANCE IN THE COURT ROOM IS TOP QUALITY 100... Read moreJOHN EAST IS THE BEST LAWYER! HE PRETTY MUCH SAVED MY LIFE. HE TAKES THE TIME TO UNDERSTAND THE CASE AND FIGHTS FOR HIS CLIENTS. He KNOWS THE LAW! I WOULD RECOMMEND HIM TO ANYONE IN TROUBLE WITH THE LAW! HE IS VERY PROFESSIONAL, RESPONSIVE, INTELLIGENT AND OUT RIGHT BRILLIANT. HIS PERFORMANCE IN THE COURT ROOM IS TOP QUALITY 100 %. I COULD HAVE LOST 8 TO 12 YEARS OF MY LIFE BUT HE PUT THE WORK IN AND FOUGHT MY CASE WITH A HIGH PERFORMANCE CROSS EXAMINATION THAT ULTIMATELY POINTED OUT FACTS THAT HELPED ME BEAT MY CASE. WHEN YOU NEED A LAWYER YOU CAN TRUST WITH YOUR LIFE CALL JOHN EAST! Read less
- Sandy MahonI was referred to John through the Law Society to assist me on a very stressful legal matter. He was very responsive and confident we could achieve positive results.He guided me through every step of the process and ultimately had my charges withdrawn! It was so much more than I had hoped for! Thank you John for all your hard... Read moreI was referred to John through the Law Society to assist me on a very stressful legal matter. He was very responsive and confident we could achieve positive results.He guided me through every step of the process and ultimately had my charges withdrawn! It was so much more than I had hoped for! Thank you John for all your hard work and professionalism- I couldnt be happier with the results Read less
- Ben HudsonExperienced excellent legal representation from John at East Law. He built a strong case and handled everything in a prompt and diligent manner. I was thoroughly impressed by his trial experience and preparedness. His cross-examination made all the difference to get the desired outcome. Everything was communicated to me effectively and efficiently throughout the entire process. Would highly recommend John... Read moreExperienced excellent legal representation from John at East Law. He built a strong case and handled everything in a prompt and diligent manner. I was thoroughly impressed by his trial experience and preparedness. His cross-examination made all the difference to get the desired outcome. Everything was communicated to me effectively and efficiently throughout the entire process. Would highly recommend John to anyone looking for a talented, honest and professional lawyer. Read less
ABOUT JOHN EAST
B.A. (Hons), M.A., J.D.
John East lives for a fight. He is not afraid to throw a punch and is certainly not afraid to take a punch. He then became a Criminal Defence Lawyer. Having spent many years working on a farm, John East understands that hard work is what wins out at the end of the day. He applies this motto to every case that he defends, no matter what.
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