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Possession, use, or control of a firearm or weapon

Lack of lawful authority or reasonable excuse

Knowledge or intent relating to the weapon


Relevant Legislation:

  • Firearms Act 1968

  • Offensive Weapons Act 2019

  • Criminal Justice Act 2003

Maximum Penalties:

  • Mandatory minimum sentences may apply, including lengthy imprisonment

  • Life imprisonment for the most serious firearms offences

Key Legal Definitions:

  • Firearm: any lethal barrelled weapon

  • Offensive weapon: made, adapted, or intended to cause injury

The Law

Firearms & Weapons Offences

Firearms and weapons offences involve the possession, use, manufacture, or supply of prohibited weapons or firearms without lawful authority.
These allegations often arise from stop and search operations, intelligence-led investigations, or linked serious crime enquiries. Early legal advice is vital due to the severity of penalties and strict sentencing guidelines.

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What the Prosecution Must Prove

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How We Defend These Cases

  • Immediate representation at the police station

  • Detailed review of search, arrest, and evidence procedures

  • Challenging forensic and digital evidence

  • Strategic defence planning for Crown Court proceedings

  • Experienced advocacy in serious and complex cases

Common Evidence Used in These Cases

  • Recovered weapons and forensic examination

  • CCTV, body-worn camera footage, or ANPR data

  • Fingerprints, DNA, and gunshot residue analysis

  • Phone downloads, messages, and intelligence material

Common Problems in Prosecution Cases

  • Breaches in stop and search powers

  • Failures in evidence continuity or storage

  • Incomplete disclosure under CPIA

  • Over-reliance on intelligence rather than admissible evidence

  • Procedural errors during arrest or interview

Potential Defences

  • Lack of knowledge or possession

  • Lawful authority or reasonable excuse

  • Unlawful search or seizure

  • Forensic contamination or handling errors

  • Misidentification or third-party responsibility

Sentencing and Possible Outcomes

  • Custodial sentences are common for firearms offences

  • Sentencing depends on weapon type, intent, and criminal history

  • Mitigation may reduce sentence length

  • Early guilty pleas can impact sentencing outcomes

Why Choose ASL


We are committed to delivering consistently strong results rooted in legal expertise and proven advocacy.

Experience

Our solicitors and advocates have extensive experience in Criminal Defence, Family Law, Road Traffic Offences, Immigration, and Civil Litigation.

Success Rate


We are proud of our strong record in achieving favourable outcomes in complex & high-stakes cases, from serious criminal allegations to sensitive family matters.

Client Care Standards

Your case is handled with dignity, respect, and complete confidentiality. We provide:

  • Clear communication without legal jargon

  • Regular case updates and guidance

  • Support through every stage of the legal process

Fast, confidential support when you need it most.

Get Legal Advice in Minutes

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