Firearms Offence and Licensing Solicitors
Due to their nature, firearms offences are taken very seriously, and come with an array of consequences, ranging from fines and licence revocation, to prison time. If you have been accused of misuse of a firearm, using a firearm without the appropriate licence, are a business that deals in the creation or use of such weapons, or require legal advice in relation to your firearm application or certificate, seek our expert firearm and licensing solicitors now.
The regulation and control of firearms have come under close scrutiny following the tragic events in Plymouth. Police forces have been compelled to adopt a new approach to firearms licensing, in accordance with the November 2021 statutory guidance for chief officers of police on firearms licensing.
JMW offers a strong portfolio of high-quality and efficient service. With our extensive success in this sensitive area of the law, our expert firearms offence solicitors will approach your case with both the enthusiasm and respect you deserve.
To speak to a firearms offence solicitor about allegations made against you, call us today on 0345 872 6666. Alternatively, request a call back by filling in our online enquiry form.
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How JMW Can Help
Firearms accusations can escalate quickly, bringing dangers to your freedom that you may not have anticipated or realised before. The police have an obligation to ensure the public is protected. If you own a firearm and are not aware that you have been using it unsafely, or without the proper licence, you could be shocked to find out the severity of such accusations.
Court hearings can be daunting and, without the proper legal advice and support, may yield more severe consequences than you deserve at closer inspection. Our expert firearms solicitors will analyse every angle of your case, from your licence to whether you might not, in fact, present as much danger as is first made out. If you need advice on how to build your defence, or representation in court, our team is standing by to get you back on track.
We are aware of the many applications of firearms in both business and personal life, from enjoyable sporting activities to the manufacturing of unique and modern tools. Our solicitors and partners have gained specific expertise due to our northern roots and heritage. This has been instrumental in our team’s appreciation of the importance of farmland and country life, of which firearms are a huge part.
Lack of Licence
One of the most common accusations we deal with is the lack of official documents that enable ownership or usage of firearms in various contexts. Whether your licence has expired, or you have applied for the wrong one, we are experienced in the handling of such situations.
Firearms licences are issued to prove that the owner of a potentially dangerous weapon is responsible and will only use it for the specified reasons. This is to reduce firearms to the places where they will be used for sporting activities, hunting, or farming purposes.
UK law states that they may not be carried in populated areas, such as towns, cities, and suburbs, and an owner must be able to prove that they will be using the tool for lawful reasons. The applicant will also be required to complete a test. Of course, these processes are conducted by people, so mistakes can be made.
If you think an error in the application process was not your fault, call our specialist firearms lawyers for advice on how to proceed.
Licence Refusal
If your application for a new firearms licence has been denied, it could be for a few reasons. If you have received a custodial prison sentence of any length of time between three months and three years, you must wait five years before applying for a firearms licence. Alternatively, if your sentence was three years or longer, you will not be able to apply for a firearms licence for the rest of your life.
Having a criminal record with other sentences, fines or crimes may also impact your ability to get hold of a licence, and you should enlist the support of our expert firearms offence solicitors for advice and law break-downs, as there may be ways we can circumnavigate this.
Licence Revocation
Firearms are obviously dangerous in the wrong hands, but can even cause serious harm in accidents if the user does not maintain the utmost care and attention to their handling of such a tool.
If you have committed an obvious crime with a firearm, such as shooting at a person, or handling one irresponsibly in other, potentially unsafe ways, a police officer can lawfully confiscate it and revoke your licence.
These are clear reasons to have a firearm confiscated, but what if you were unaware that you were using it in the wrong way? Accidents happen for both new and experienced users of firearms, therefore, it is important to be informed about your rights and the options available to you. A firearms offence lawyer will be able to help break down the correct path for you, and it is imperative that you start this process as soon as possible so you have plenty of time to learn about your situation. Call JMW now, and we will guide you through this process.
Firearms Offences in Business
Any business that sells (usually registered firearms dealers (RFDs) or manufactures products deemed as firearms must abide by UK law specific to that type of supply. Unlike other commercial shops, firearms dealers must be registered as such, and have limitations on what they can sell, and who to.
Certain firearms classifications are outlawed for retail and purchase by civilians. These are typically firearms that use a certain type of ammunition, or that are considered ‘military weapons’.
It is of paramount importance that, as a seller, you are aware of these laws, as you are responsible for the distribution of potentially dangerous weapons, and could indirectly harm lives, leading to very severe legal consequences.
If you are looking to start a business of this type, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced firearms offence lawyers so we can ensure you are safe from the law, and that other people are safe too.
FAQs About Firearm Offences and Licensing
- How do I know if my firearm is illegal?
The main use of firearms in the UK is for either hunting, sports, or farming activities. Firearms used in these fields are typically slow firing rifles or shotguns. Anything the police or military might be armed with, or anything similar, is illegal for civilian usage in the UK.
- Can I bring a firearm into the country?
As you can probably expect, moving firearms internationally can be difficult, and there is a process for it. To bring a firearm into the UK, it must first meet the specifications of what firearms are allowed for civilian use in the UK.
If you are visiting the UK, you will need to apply for a visitor’s firearm permit, and you must do this at least six weeks in advance. You will not be allowed to enter the country without one, and may be questioned as to why you are bringing something potentially dangerous over the border.
The police are within their right to refuse entry or applications if they deem your possession of a firearm a danger to the public.
- What are the rules surrounding the storage of firearms?
A firearm licence holder can keep their firearm at home, but it must be locked in a cabinet or case that is attached to a wall. This is so it can not be stolen and used against someone, or accidentally accessed by a member of or visitor to your household.
Garages, sheds, and other outside buildings are not suitable for firearm storage as they can be accessed much more easily than a locked house. This is due to thin walls or weak doors. Any structure that houses a firearm must be built from bricks or concrete blocks.
If you have further queries about this, or have a specific situation that may contradict these rules, the police can inspect your property and advise, or our specialised firearms offence solicitors and offer input and suggested actions.
Talk To Us
If you have been accused of committing a firearm offence or require advice and assistance with a firearm application or certificate, and are seeking expert representation, or are simply looking for advice on the law surrounding such, contact JMW today.
Call us on 0345 872 6666, or fill in our online enquiry form and our knowledgeable and approachable team will help you.
