Weapons Act Offences

Do you need a defence lawyer for a criminal law matter? Look no further!

If you have been charged with a Weapons Act offence, you are wise to seek legal advice from our experienced defence solicitor.

Greenhalgh Pickard provides professional, expert advice and assistance relating to weapons offences including:

When you choose to put your trust in Greenhalgh Pickard you can rest assured that expert lawyers will address your matter with the utmost professionalism and confidentiality in order to achieve the best results for you.

Greenhalgh Pickard’s experienced criminal law solicitor, Braden Milburn, offers easy-to-understand, thorough advice you can count on.

You will also benefit from Greenhalgh Pickard’s transparent fixed-or-capped fee structure, meaning you will know exactly how much you will spend from the start.

Weapons offences in public places
Penalties for Weapons Offences can range between $2,356 or 3 months in prison up to $11,780 or 2 years in prison for the following actions:

• carry a replica weapon in public
• carry a weapon that is exposed to public view in a public place
• carry a firearm that is loaded, or a weapon that is capable of being discharged, in a public place
• go armed in a public place in such a manner as would cause a person to feel fear
• fire or in any way discharge any firearm in, into, towards, over, or through a public place.

Shortening firearms
It is a criminal offence to shorten a firearm, or to possess, acquire or sell one that has been shortened. The maximum penalty for this offence is $11,780 or 2 years in prison.

Unregistered Firearms
A person must not possess an unregistered firearm. If you do not hold a valid Weapons Licence you may be charged with a Weapons Act offence.

The penalty for possession increases if the person:

• has more than 10 weapons
• has weapons of a certain category, or
• if the weapon is used to commit an offence.

The maximum penalty is up to 13 years in prison.

Where you are caught possessing a weapons such as: machine guns, military style weapons, or pump action shotguns, the penalty is more severe.

Unlawful Supply & Trafficking of Weapons
If you are charged with supplying a weapon, the penalty will vary depending on the type and number of weapons being supplied.

The maximum penalty for trafficking weapons can be 20 years imprisonment.

Secure Storage of Weapons
You must have secure storage facilities for your firearm and ensure the firearm is stored in this secure storage facility when it is not in your physical possession. The maximum penalty for failing to do so is $11,780 or 2 years in prison.

Lost or Stolen Weapons
A person who owns or possesses a weapon that, while in the person’s ownership or possession, is, or apparently is, lost or stolen must report the lost or stolen weapon to a police officer immediately after the person becomes aware. Maximum penalty is 10 penalty units.

Weapons Licences
A firearms licence allows you to possess and use single shot and manual repeating rifles and shotguns. Semi-automatic rifles and shotguns may also be possessed under a firearms licence for some specified reasons; however, you must provide sufficient evidence to justify your need for these firearms.

You can apply online, or complete a paper application at a police station, however you must meet the below criteria:

• be over the age of 18 years
• have successfully completed a firearms safety training course within the previous year
• have secure storage for your guns
• have a genuine and legal reason for owning a gun (you may be asked to provide proof in support of your reason).
• be a fit and proper person (in deciding this, your criminal record and potential health issues are considered).

A minor, 11 to 17 years, can apply for a gun licence to learn to shoot, or to compete in sporting events, as long as they are under the strict supervision of a licensed adult.

If you possess an invalid or fraudulent licence, you may be penalised 100 penalty units or 2 years imprisonment.

Any licence or approval obtained by false statement or misrepresentation is void.

Greenhalgh Pickard’s criminal law solicitors

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