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FIREARM OFFENCES

The possession and use of firearms is strictly regulated. Not every person who possess a firearm is guilty of a criminal offence. In order to lawfully possess a firearm, the firearm must be registered, kept in a safe place and it must not be a prohibited model or type. Legally, a firearm includes not only a ‘gun’, but also any weapon that is, or was at any time, capable of propelling a projectile by means of an explosive. This includes blank fire firearms and air-guns.

In addition, for legal purposes, firearms include dangerous articles, which are defined as items which can constitute an irritant matter in liquid, powder, gas, chemical form or any dense smoke, a fuse which can be used with an explosive or detonator, or a detonator itself. An offence is committed if you are found with a dangerous article in your possession whilst in a public place. You can also be charged with an offence if you keep such items on your own private premises, as long as you are deemed to have intended to use the explosives for an unlawful purpose.

Firearm and dangerous weapons offences carry potentially severe financial penalties and punitive sanctions. This includes significant imprisonment sentences for major offences. However, if you have a reasonable excuse for being in possession of firearms or dangerous articles, there are potential defences that may apply. Our expert criminal defence lawyers can present these defences to the court for you in a cogent and persuasive manner so that you obtain the most favourable outcome possible in the circumstances.

Our criminal defence lawyers can provide you with sound legal advice and representation in relation to the following charges;

* Possession or use of unregistered firearms
* Possession or use of unlicensed firearm
* Possession or use of dangerous articles
* Possession or making of an explosive
* Possession of explosives or dangerous articles in a public place
* Possession of explosives or dangerous articles in a private place
* Trespassing with a firearm or spear-gun
* Dangerous use of a firearm or spear-gun
* Causing danger with a firearm or spear-gun
* Aggravated possession or use of an unregistered or unlicensed firearm in a public place

If you have been charged with such an offence, it is essential that you contact one of our expert criminal defence lawyers to seek legal advice as soon as possible. At GMH Legal, we will thoroughly investigate the charge against you in order to identify potential defence and vigorously represent your interests in court if necessary.