Attempted murder with a firearm
R. v. Hackl
- Below the Crown's ask
Sentence and the Crown's position
What the law allows
Daniel Hackl pleaded guilty to attempted murder after firing three shots at two police officers during a standoff at his home. The Crown sought five years; the defence sought the four-year mandatory minimum. Justice Ahmad imposed four years (1,460 days) with 1,385 days of credit for pre-sentence custody, followed by three years of probation, finding that a mental health crisis causally linked to the offence significantly reduced his moral culpability and made rehabilitation the primary objective.
In the judge's words
1However, the unique circumstances of this case--primarily being the singular incidence of mental health decompensation that led to the offence--makes this case an exceptional one. I am satisfied that due to the role of Mr. Hackl's mental illness, the primary objective is that for rehabilitation.
The record
- Convicted of
- Attempted murder with a firearm (CC 239(1)(a.1))
- Prior convictions
- 0 prior convictions1
- At the time of the offence
- Not stated1
- Defence asked for
- 4 years in custody1
- Mandatory minimum
- Applied1
- Appeal
- Not yet checked
- Counsel
- Crown: A. Burns, A. Carter
Defence: M. Sandford, K.C., A. Khamdamov
Sources
- R. v. Hackl, 2026 BCSC 1167 Court decision, CanLII, May 29, 2026
[53] … The issue between them is whether the minimum sentence of four years is appropriate (as the defence argues) or whether a five-year sentence is required to meet the sentencing principles and objectives (as the Crown suggests).
[53] … The issue between them is whether the minimum sentence of four years is appropriate (as the defence argues) or whether a five-year sentence is required to meet the sentencing principles and objectives (as the Crown suggests).
[52] Pursuant to s. 239(1)(a.1) of the Criminal Code, Mr. Hackle is subject to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for four years up to imprisonment for life.
[3] Mr. Hackl was charged with two counts: the discharge of a firearm with the intent to maim, wound, or disfigure Cpl. Cropley and the attempted murder of police officers. On January 12, 2026, Mr. Hackl pleaded guilty to the charge of attempted murder.
[25] He did not have a criminal record.
[85] However, the unique circumstances of this case--primarily being the singular incidence of mental health decompensation that led to the offence--makes this case an exceptional one. I am satisfied that due to the role of Mr. Hackl's mental illness, the primary objective is that for rehabilitation.
[93] After taking all of the relevant factors into consideration, I sentence you to serve a jail sentence of four years or 1,460 days. … [94] You have served 923 days in custody for this offence. It is appropriate to credit you for that time at a rate of 1.5 to one, amounting to a total enhanced credit of 1,385 days. With that credit, your sentence for the offence before the court today--that is, on Count 1 on the Indictment--is 75 days, to be followed by three years of probation.
- R. v. Hackl, 2026 BCSC 1167 Court decision, Courts of British Columbia