Our expertise with firearms offences includes offences contained under the Firearms Act 1968, including:
- Possession, purchase or acquisition of a prohibited weapon or ammunition
- Possession, purchase or acquisition of a firearm/ammunition/shotgun without a certificate
- Possession of a firearm or ammunition by person with previous convictions prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition
- Carrying a firearm in a public place
- Possession of firearm with intent to endanger life
- Possession of firearm or imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence
- Use of firearm or imitation firearm to resist arrest/possession of firearm or imitation firearm while committing a Schedule 1 offence/carrying firearm or imitation firearm with criminal intent
- Manufacture/sell or transfer/possess for sale or transfer/purchase or acquire for sale or transfer prohibited weapon or ammunition
Our firearms offence solicitors are members of the Law Society Criminal Litigation Accreditation scheme, reflecting our high levels of skill and expertise. In addition to this, we are also Lexcel Accredited, recognising our high standards of client care and legal practice management.
Police station representation
The police station stage of an investigation is critical and will often have a bearing on the final outcome of your case, whatever that may be. Depending on the circumstances, it may be possible to have any criminal investigation for a firearms offence end at this stage, which will likely be the best possible result.
As such, we have heavily invested in training our police station representatives to ensure that they are able to provide the highest standard of support.
It is important to note that you are entitled to receive free legal advice while at the police station. No matter what type of offence you are accused of, we would always recommend that you do not answer any police questions until we are present to support you. This is because anything that is said during this stage can be used as evidence against you.
For more information on this, please visit our Police Station Representation Solicitors page.
Court representation
We understand that facing court proceedings for a firearms crime can be an extremely daunting prospect. If you find yourself in such a scenario, it is important that your case is presented in the best possible way and that you have a robust defence strategy that will help to protect your legal rights.
Our specialist firearms offence solicitors will be able to represent you at both the Magistrates Court and the Crown Court. Over the years, we have also been able to establish close relationships with criminal barristers who hold a strong track record for achieving positive results in various firearms cases.
Our skills and experience often help us to achieve acquittals for our clients, or a lesser charge than originally proposed by the prosecution.
Funding your firearms crime defence
Police station representation
You are entitled to receive free legal advice and representation if you are ever arrested, or are invited to attend an interview under caution. This is something our firearms solicitors will be able to provide, 24 hours a data, 365 days a year.
Legal aid
Depending on your individual circumstances, it may be possible for some or all of your legal defence fees covered by legal aid.
Legal aid is means tested. This mean that you will only be eligible to receive legal aid under certain conditions. Our team can advise you on whether it will be possible to use legal aid to fund your criminal defence and how it could work for your circumstances.
For further information regarding legal aid, please visit our Funding your Case page.
Private funding
We can also accommodate any clients who wish to pay for their legal representation for a firearms offence on a private basis. Our fees are proportionate to the work that needs to be carried out, meaning we are more affordable to many other criminal defence firms.
In the majority of cases, we will use hourly rates to estimate how much your legal fees will cost. We are also happy to discuss a quotation for fixed fees, but this will depend on the circumstances of your case.
Transferring your case to Conspiracy Solicitor
We often hear from clients who have started a case with another law firm, only to be dissatisfied with the quality of advice and client care they have received. We are happy to accept clients to have previously instructed another firm at the outset of their case.
How simple it is to transfer a case will depend on your funding options and the stage you are currently at in the criminal justice system.
For more information, see our guide on transferring your case to Conspiracy Solicitor.
Common questions about firearms offences
What is considered a firearm under UK law?
Under Section 57(1) of the Firearm Act 1968, a firearm is considered to be:
- A lethal barrelled weapon
- A prohibited weapon
- A relevant component part in relation to a lethal barrelled weapon or prohibited weapon
- An accessory to a lethal barrelled weapon or prohibited weapon where the accessory is designed or adapted to diminish the noise or flash caused by firing the weapon.
What is a firearms offence?
The majority of firearms offences are based on the Firearms Act 1968. Offences can range from the simple act of possessing a firearm or certain types of ammunition, through to using a firearm to manufacturing or selling a firearm.
What is the minimum sentence for firearms?
The minimum sentence that can be handed out for a firearm offence will depend on the exact offence in question.
For most firearms offences, the minimum sentence that is likely to be handed out is a Band C fine (125-175% of someone’s weekly income).
What is the maximum sentence for firearms?
Again, the maximum sentence for a firearms offence will depend on the exact offence that is being investigated.
A life sentence can be handed out for offences such as possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
Are there further punishments for firearm offences?
If you are found guilty of a firearms offence, the court may also see fit to impose an ancillary order. This is an extra element to a sentence and will include additional restrictions or requirements which will affect someone’s finances, property or activity.
Typical ancillary orders that can be added to a sentence for a firearms offence include:
- The destruction of the firearm
- Victim compensation
- Confiscation orders
Assets can also be frozen as part of a firearms investigation.
Are there any mitigating factors for firearms offences?
There may be a range of mitigation factors for firearms crimes which can reduce the sentence which is handed out.
Mitigating factors could include:
- Lack of previous convictions
- Genuine remorse
- The level of cooperation with an investigation
- Signs of good character
- The presence of learning difficulties or mental disorders
- Whether you are the sole or primary carer for related dependents
Have you been arrested or charged with a firearms offence?
For expert advice and police station representation in relation to a firearms offence, get in touch with our Conspiracy Solicitors today by using our simple contact form to request a call back or contacting us on one of the following numbers:
- Call 0333 009 5968 – for standard enquiries during office hours
- WhatsApp 07535 215140 – for 24/7 emergency support including police station representation
