If you’ve discovered that your firearm is missing or has been stolen, the clock is ticking. What you do next could determine whether you keep your firearms licence or face criminal charges that could stay on your record for life.
At Davidson Gregory, our experienced firearms defence lawyers are here to guide you through this high-risk situation with confidence and discretion. We understand how quickly a misunderstanding can turn into a prosecution and how to prevent that from happening to you.
Why a Missing Firearm Is a Legal Emergency
Owning a firearm in Canada comes with strict legal obligations. If your gun is lost or stolen, even through no fault of your own, you may still be exposed to criminal liability, including:
- Unsafe storage, careless use, or other firearms charges under the Criminal Code
- Firearms Act violations, which could result in the revocation of your PAL or RPAL
- Long-term consequences for your ability to possess or acquire firearms in the future
These investigations can move quickly, and they can easily spiral out of your control. That’s why your first step should be to speak with a knowledgeable firearms lawyer who knows how to protect your rights.
Contact a Firearms Lawyer Before Saying Anything Else
Even if you believe you’ve done nothing wrong, speaking to police or the Chief Firearms Officer without legal advice can create unintended consequences. Statements made in good faith can be misunderstood or taken out of context.
At Davidson Gregory, our firearms defence team can:
- Advise you on how to proceed when speaking with the police and the Chief Firearms Officer
- Guide you through the investigative process and help you gather and present your evidence
- Prevent overreach or improper assumptions by law enforcement
- Help you avoid unnecessary charges or the loss of your firearm licence
- Defend you against any allegations if charges are laid
We’ve seen too many law-abiding gun owners face serious consequences simply because they didn’t seek legal advice early on.
Step 1: Immediately Report the Firearm Missing
Under Canadian law, you must report a lost or stolen firearm without delay to:
- Local police
- The Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) or the Chief Firearms Officer of your province
When reporting, you’ll be expected to provide:
- The firearm’s make and model
- A timeline and location of where it was last seen
- Evidence of a break-in or other relevant facts (photos, security footage, alarm logs)
Keep a record of your report, including the police file number and the names of the officers involved. These details can become key evidence in your defence if charges are laid.
Step 2: Protect Your Firearms Licence and Your Record
Once a firearm is reported missing, your entire firearms history can come under scrutiny. Police may review your storage practices, inspect your home, or question your eligibility to possess firearms.
We act quickly to:
- Gather records showing your compliance with safe storage laws
- Prepare legal responses for the Chief Firearms Officer (CFO)
- Advise you on how to avoid missteps during the investigation
- Represent you in court if any charges are laid
Don’t wait to see if the situation escalates. In many cases, we’re able to resolve these matters before they become formal criminal proceedings.
Missing Firearm or Facing Gun Charges? Davidson Gregory is Ready to Defend Your Rights
We are trusted firearms defence lawyers with extensive experience representing clients in:
- Edmonton & Calgary: Missing and stolen firearms, improper storage allegations, and PAL revocation hearings.
- Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Red Deer, St Albert: Rural and urban firearms prosecutions, including theft-from-vehicle scenarios and hunting-related incidents.
- Hinton, Jasper, Lethbridge, and across Alberta: Firearms lost during travel, recreational use, or property crimes.
We have also represented firearms owners across British Columbia and Saskatchewan, helping clients avoid criminal charges, retain their licences, and preserve their reputations.
Contact us today to speak with an experienced firearms lawyer at Davidson Gregory who will act quickly to protect your future, your rights, and your legal standing as a responsible gun owner.
Davidson Gregory Criminal Defence Lawyers: Western Canada’s trusted advocates for firearms law and criminal defence law.