Firearms or Weapons
Defending Firearms or Weapons Charges in NSW
The consequences of a firearms or weapons conviction
Firearms and weapons offences are considered serious offences in NSW and if convicted, you are likely to receive gaol time or a lengthy good behaviour bond.
If you are convicted of committing a crime while in possession of a firearm, you can expect a longer sentence. Even if you aren’t carrying the firearm at the time of your arrest, you may still be considered “in possession” of a firearm and charged accordingly.
Being convicted of any firearms or weapons offences will result in a criminal record. As a result, you may lose your job, be unable to pass relevant employment tests or certificates and will experience difficulty travelling to some countries. Depending of the type of firearm or weapon, and how it was used, you may be facing a lengthy gaol sentence.
What can you expect when charged with a firearms or weapons offence?
Firearms and weapons charges are treated so seriously by the Courts and police, it’s likely you will be refused bail and remain in custody until your matter is dealt with. You can also expect the police to lay compounding charges such as not having a firearms’ licence or not keeping a firearm safely.
If convicted, you can expect:
- Lengthy good behaviour bonds
- The loss of any firearms licence you may already hold
- Possible gaol time
- Potential loss of employment and the possibility of being unable to continue in your chosen occupation
What offences affect a firearms licence?
Having a firearms licence is considered a privilege. Applicants must prove that they have a genuine reason for having the licence, and that they are a fit and proper person to hold it. Consequently, being involved in criminal matters has an impact on this and may result in the Firearms Registry suspending or cancelling your licence. For example:
- Being the defendant in an AVO will restrict your ability to have a firearms licence for 10 years. Although an AVO is not a criminal charge, the implications of having one means the Firearms Registry will either cancel your current licence or refuse any application for one during that period
- A conviction for certain offences involving children or being on the Child Protection Register will deem you ineligible
- A conviction for drug offences may exclude you from eligibility, depending on the sentence imposed
- Previous firearms offences, or any offence involving violence will also preclude you
There are high stakes in relation to firearms licences when charged with another offence. That’s why it is very important you receive prompt, experience legal advice and representation from Mate Lawyers.
Likely defence options
Firearms and weapons charges include possession, firing, concealing and unauthorised use. They require expert knowledge to defend but few NSW lawyers have this experience. By choosing an inexperience firearms and weapons defence lawyer, you are at risk of being convicted on more serious charges than necessary and therefore, incur more severe penalties.
Mate Lawyers are highly experienced in defending firearms and weapons charges. When considering your situation, we’ll look at the circumstances around the charge. For example:
- How the firearm was brought to the attention of the police
- Was the search legal
- Have the correct charges been laid
Then we will prepare the best possible defence according to your instructions.
Are you or someone you know facing firearms or weapons charges?
We fight to get the best results for your particular situation. If you or someone you know are facing firearms or weapons charges in NSW, get in touch with us here.
Mate Lawyers are experienced defence lawyers who will fight hard to obtain the best outcomes for your individual situation. We ditch the jargon to help you understand the charges and we will explain your defence options simply and clearly.
