Transfer of firearm without lawful authority
R. v. King
Sentence and the Crown's position
What the law allows
Christopher Michael King pleaded guilty at trial to transferring a restricted firearm without lawful authority, after agreeing to procure handguns for a third party in exchange, at least in part, for fentanyl. The Crown sought two years in custody; the defence sought a sentence similar to the 22-month conditional sentence his co-accused received in Provincial Court. Justice Ross rejected the parity argument, finding the co-accused's circumstances extraordinary, and imposed two years' imprisonment, citing the need for general deterrence in firearms cases.
In the judge's words
1I further accept that Mr. King has shown remorse and he entered a guilty plea. Despite that, I accept the need for general deterrence in cases involving firearms. Mr. King put other members of the community at high risk by putting the guns into the hands of dangerous individuals. He did so for profit.
The record
- Convicted of
- Transfer of firearm without lawful authority (CC 101(1))
- Prior convictions
- Not recorded
- At the time of the offence
- Not stated1
- Appeal
- Not yet checked
- Counsel
- Crown: H.J. Shook
Defence: M. Ritzker
Sources
- R. v. King, 2025 BCSC 1138 Court decision, CanLII, April 29, 2025
[4] The Crown concedes that a CSO is technically available on this offence; however, the Crown submits that Ms. Meek's circumstances were exceptional, leading to a significantly lighter sentence. The Crown submits that I should apply the principles of proportionality and parity in relation to sentences imposed on other offenders convicted of like crimes. That leads the Crown to seek a sentence of two years' incarceration.
[1] THE COURT: Christopher Michael King is before the court for sentencing for the offence under s. 101(1) of the Criminal Code, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-46, transferring a restricted firearm without lawful authority.
[46] I further accept that Mr. King has shown remorse and he entered a guilty plea. Despite that, I accept the need for general deterrence in cases involving firearms. Mr. King put other members of the community at high risk by putting the guns into the hands of dangerous individuals. He did so for profit.
[48] On the charge to which you pled guilty, transporting firearms under s. 101(1) of the Criminal Code, I sentence you to a period of incarceration of two years.
- Criminal Code, s. 101 Record, Justice Laws Website
- R. v. King, 2025 BCSC 1138 Court decision, Courts of British Columbia