Charged with Carrying a Concealed Weapon in Ontario?

Section 90(2) Criminal Code Defence — Clear, Affordable, and Fast Legal Help


Why You’re Likely Here

  • You were caught with a weapon hidden in your clothing, bag, or car
  • Police charged you under section 90(2) for carrying a concealed weapon
  • You’re unsure what counts as a “weapon” and how serious this is
  • You want fast legal help without paying thousands in hourly lawyer fees
If that sounds like your situation, you’re in the right place.

A charge under s. 90(2) of the Criminal Code is a serious hybrid offence. It can lead to jail time, a criminal record, and lasting damage to your reputation, job, and freedom. But you do have options — and you don’t have to face it alone.


Licensed firearm owner preparing to store a hunting rifle, representing common storage issues leading to section 86(3) charges in Canada.

What is Section 86(3)?

“Every person who carries a weapon, a prohibited device or any prohibited ammunition concealed, unless authorized under the Firearms Act, commits an offence.”
(Criminal Code of Canada, s. 90(2))

This means you don’t need to be using the weapon — or even intend to — to be charged. Simply concealing it (in a coat, glovebox, waistband, etc.) is enough for police to lay this charge.


Examples of Concealed Weapons Charges:


  • Knife or blade hidden in a pocket or boot
  • Brass knuckles or prohibited self-defence items
  • Firearms not openly carried or stored correctly
  • Improvised weapons (e.g. sharpened tools) deemed concealed
  • Replica guns or BB guns in a backpack or vehicle


Even if the item was never used — or even if you didn’t know it was illegal — police can still proceed with a criminal prosecution.


Potential Penalties


Carrying a concealed weapon is a hybrid offence, meaning it can be prosecuted summarily or by indictment, depending on the facts.


If prosecuted summarily (common for first-time or non-violent cases):

  • Up to 2 years less a day in jail
  • Up to $5,000 in fines
  • A permanent criminal record
  • Possible weapons prohibition order
  • Immigration and travel consequences (especially to the U.S.)


If prosecuted by indictment:

  • Up to 5 years imprisonment


The stakes are high, and prosecutors take these cases seriously — especially in urban areas or near schools, transit hubs, or airports.




Man reading legal documents near a window, reflecting on penalties related to firearm storage violations under section 86(3) of the Criminal Code.
Ontario paralegal consulting with clients about firearm storage charges under section 86(3), providing guidance and legal strategy.

Who Gets Charged Under s. 90(2)?

You might be surprised by how common this charge is — and who it affects.


We regularly defend:


  • First-time offenders caught with pocket knives or multitools
  • Workers who carry tools that may be reclassified as weapons
  • Youth or students with self-defence items unaware of the law
  • Drivers stopped for traffic offences whose cars are searched
  • Immigrants or permanent residents unaware of legal definitions


Many of these people had no criminal intent — just a moment of poor judgment or misunderstanding. We help make sure that doesn’t ruin your life.


How Cordaie Paralegal Can Help

As a licensed paralegal firm in Ontario, we can represent you for summary conviction offences under section 90(2) — fully authorized under the Law Society of Ontario.


Here’s what we do:


  • ✔ Review all police and disclosure evidence
  • ✔ Identify unlawful search & seizure or Charter violations
  • ✔ Determine whether the object qualifies legally as a weapon
  • ✔ Argue for charge reduction, diversion, or withdrawal
  • ✔ Represent you in court and negotiate directly with the Crown
  • ✔ Help protect your job, immigration status, and record


Professional paralegal consulting with a client about a concealed weapon charge under section 90(2) of the Criminal Code.
Confident and diverse legal professionals standing with arms crossed in a modern office, ready to represent clients facing concealed weapon charges.

Why Choose Us


  • ✔ Licensed Ontario Paralegals – LSO-authorized criminal defence
  • ✔ Flat-Rate Fees – No hourly billing. Know the cost upfront.
  • ✔ Fast Legal Action – We move immediately to protect your record
  • ✔ Focused on Summary Charges – Our defence work is strategic and affordable
  • ✔ Serving All of Ontario – Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Windsor & more
  • ✔ Free Consultations – No pressure. Know your options right away.


Don’t Wait. Defend Your Future Now.


The longer you wait, the harder it may be to protect your record or secure a better outcome. Early legal strategy can make all the difference.


Whether this is your first charge — or you’ve been through this before — we’ll help you:


  • ✔ Understand your legal rights
  • ✔ Protect your record
  • ✔ Resolve this with clarity and confidence


Call 844-4-WIN-4-ME

or

Book Your Free Consultation Now


FAQs – Concealed Weapon Charges (s. 90(2))

  • 1. Is carrying a concealed knife illegal in Canada?

    Yes — if the knife is concealed and not for a lawful, specific purpose, it may qualify as a weapon under s. 90(2), even if it's legal to own.

  • 2. Can I be charged even if the weapon was never used or shown?

    Yes. The charge is about concealment, not use. Intent is not always required.

  • 3. Can a paralegal really represent me for this?

    Yes — if the Crown is proceeding summarily, licensed paralegals in Ontario can defend this charge under Law Society of Ontario rules.

  • 4. Will this show up on a criminal record check?

    If convicted — yes. That’s why early representation matters. Many cases can be diverted or resolved without a criminal record.

  • 5. What’s the difference between this and weapons dangerous (s. 88)?

    Section 90(2) is about concealment. Section 88 is about intent to cause harm or public danger. Very different defences apply.

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