Possession of Firearms Defence Lawyers

If you are accused of a firearms offence, our expertise offers you the greatest chance of a positive outcome in court.

Firearms offences are extremely serious, and the law relating to weapons and firearms in the UK can be challenging to navigate. Fortunately, our experienced team of defence solicitors have over 35 years of experience of assisting clients accused of offences such as this, and we will always strive to achieve the best possible outcome, holding the police to account where necessary.

We understand that each case is different, but Clifford Johnston and Co. can offer you expert representation, whatever the severity of your situation, ensuring that your rights are safeguarded throughout the legal process.

Clifford Johnston & Co. has been practising in this area of law for over 35 years, and we are extremely skilled in representing clients who are facing allegations of firearm offences. We are proud of our excellent reputation. People choose us because of our outstanding levels of client care – so you can be confident that we will represent your case with professionalism and care. Our team of Serious Crime Solicitors have considerable expertise in defending Firearms cases, which has seen us shortlisted as finalists for Crime Team of the year at the Manchester Legal Awards in 2021.

Why choose Clifford Johnston & Co?

Our legal knowledge, experience, and history of offering outstanding personal support mean that Clifford Johnston & Co are well equipped to represent you if you are facing allegations or charges relating to firearms offences. We understand the importance of proactive legal representation to achieve the best possible outcome, so it is crucial that, if you are accused of a firearms offence, you contact us as soon as possible. Our experienced defence lawyers will work with you by explaining the process  and making sure that you understand what is happening and of your options.  Where possible we will work to secure evidence to support your case, ensuring that you are treated fairly and in line with your legal rights.

What are firearms offences? 

There are a wide range of offences under the Firearms Act 1968, and this can be a complex area of law, with sentences ranging from a fine to life imprisonment.  Broadly speaking, a firearm is a lethal barrelled weapon, a prohibited weapon or a relevant component part or accessory to either. This includes shotguns, handguns, air weapons, imitation firearms, CS gas and pepper spray. An imitation firearm can be anything that looks like one, regardless of its actual capabilities.

When a firearm is seized by the police,  it will be examined by a trained firearms police officer in order to determine the exact nature of the weapon and its capabilities. We are able to instruct experts to consider the above, in addition to Forensic Discharge Residue (FDR), DNA and fingerprint analysis.  Experts can also determine whether the weapon and any ammunition recovered are compatible with each other .

There are lots offences under the Firearms Act.  Gun ownership in the UK is tightly regulated and possessing certain weapons or ammunition without having met the legally required conditions is an offence. Failing to obtain a firearm certificate or to comply with the terms of the certificate, unlawfully possessing or selling a firearm, importing or modifying a weapon and carrying a weapon or imitation weapon in a public place can all incur severe penalties.

Common firearms offences include:

• Possession of firearms and shotguns without a certificate
• Manufacture, sale or transfer of firearms
• Conversion – shortening the barrel of a shotgun to a length less than 24 inches, or converting anything which has the appearance of being a firearm (but not capable of discharging a missile) into a firearm
• Possession of prohibited weapons
• Criminal use of firearms – it is an offence to have possession of a firearm, imitation firearm or ammunition with the intent to endanger life, or to cause a person to fear or believe that they are at risk of violence
• Committing certain offences whilst in possession of a firearm or imitation
• Resisting arrest or preventing the arrest of someone else whilst using a firearm or imitation
• Importation of firearms.

Possession of a firearm is a relatively straightforward charge.  Section 1(1) of the Firearms Act 1968 states that it is an offence to possess, purchase or acquire a firearm or ammunition without a certificate or otherwise than as authorised by such a certificate

This area of law is complex and, therefore, if you are charged with an offence or summonsed to court, it is always advisable to seek expert legal advice. At Clifford Johnston and Co., we will always examine the circumstances surrounding your case to ensure that the charges are valid and will offer you bespoke legal advice.

What are the penalties for firearms offences?

Firearms offences are extremely serious and the penalties for committing an offence reflect that severity. The most serious offences are punishable by life imprisonment, whilst others carry sentences of up to 10 years. Certain offences carry a Mandatory Minimum Sentences of 5 years imprisonment. The 5 year minimum sentence includes the possession of any of the following:

• machine guns, burst fire weapons
• any self-loading or pump-action rifled gun
• handguns
• revolvers
• self-loading shotguns
• any missile, such as a bomb or grenade designed to explode
• any firearm concealed or disguised as another object, such as a phone gun, pen gun or key fob gun.

Where the minimum term provisions under the Firearms Act 1968 apply, a court must impose a sentence of at least 5 years’ imprisonment unless the court can be persuaded that there are exceptional circumstances relating to the offence or to the offender which justify its not doing so.

If you are unsure as to whether a weapon falls into the prohibited category, or if you have been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon or any other firearms offence, you should contact Clifford Johnston & Co as a matter of urgency to ensure that you receive the best possible advice.  We will always seek to give you clear and comprehensive legal advice.

Contact us

If you are facing firearms charges, seeking legal advice as soon as possible is important.   You need a trusted Criminal Defence Lawyer by your side, which we can provide here at Clifford Johnston.

In addition to offices in Stockport and Manchester, we regularly support clients across the UK who have been charged with a firearms offence. As one of the top 3% of legal aid providers in the country and with a reputation for outstanding client care, you can be assured that your case is in safe hands with us.

Get in touch today for affordable and high-quality representation.