Firearms Offences
If you do not have a valid firearms licence, it is an offence to carry, purchase, or acquire a firearm.
If you are charged with a firearms offence, it is crucial to have an experienced and well-connected Firearms Solicitor on your side. Our firm, one of the most highly recommended in Nottingham and across the East Midlands, will look after you and your family during this stressful time.
Based in Nottingham, we are a diverse, multi-lingual law firm that uses best-in-class technology to provide streamlined, modern, and highly effective criminal defence services. With years of experience in criminal law, we have established relationships with some of the UK’s best Barristers and King’s Counsel. Our clients benefit from our ability to instruct the country’s most respected expert witnesses who can provide the Court with the facts required to support a not guilty plea or mitigate the sentence handed down by a Judge.
Advising and Representing People Accused of Committing a Criminal Offence
We are highly recommended as an expert criminal defence law firm for people accused of committing a crime. Our Nottingham and East Midlands-based solicitors provide 24/7 police station representation, ensuring that we are at your side, protecting your interests from the start. We understand the correct procedures the police must follow when making an arrest, and we will carefully examine the circumstances surrounding your detention to get the charges dropped if proper processes were not complied with.
Our criminal law team has in-depth experience in defending serious criminal charges, including firearms offences. We work with the country’s top expert witnesses and focus on providing you with advice and representation you can trust. We know that your reputation, freedom, and financial security are at stake – therefore, we never give up until every appeal has been exhausted.
Below are several common questions clients ask us concerning firearms offences.
What are the different types of firearms offences?
Firearms offences range from those involving air weapons and firearms certificates to more serious matters relating to the possession of certain weapons. The most serious firearms offences are almost always dealt with in the Crown Court and can attract lengthy custodial sentences.
What is classed as a ‘firearm’?
The statutory definition of “firearm” includes:
- A lethal barrelled weapon from which a shot, bullet, or other missile can be discharged with kinetic energy of more than one joule at the muzzle.
- A prohibited weapon.
- A relevant component part of a lethal barrelled or prohibited weapon.
- An accessory to a lethal barrelled or prohibited weapon designed to diminish noise or flash caused by firing.
An air weapon is defined as an air rifle, air gun, or air pistol not declared especially dangerous by the Secretary of State.
Can I sell or transfer a firearm without a licence?
Unless registered as a firearms dealer, it is an offence to manufacture, sell, transfer, repair, test, or proof test any firearm or ammunition. Antique firearms sold or acquired as curiosities or ornaments are exempt. It is crucial to ensure that a firearm meets the definition of ‘antique’ to avoid falling under firearms legislation.
What is possession of a firearm with criminal intent?
It is illegal to possess a firearm (with or without a licence) or an imitation firearm intending to endanger life or enable another person to do so. The Prosecution must prove intent to endanger life. We will gather and present evidence to show the Judge and Jury that you did not intend to endanger life.
What are the sentences for firearms offences?
Sentences for firearms offences range from six months imprisonment and/or a fine for less severe offences to life imprisonment for the gravest offences. Sentences of five to ten years in custody are common for severe offences. Contact us immediately if you are charged with a firearms offence.
Why Choose Us?
Regardless of the charges against you, you are entitled to a criminal defence. We do not judge our clients; our only objective is to defend you against the Prosecution’s allegations. You can be confident that by instructing us to defend you, your chances of acquittal or a reduced sentence are greatly improved. The most important factor is to contact us as soon as you become aware of the criminal allegations.
Smalleys Solicitors provides exceptional Firearms Offences and Criminal Law services to clients. People choose and recommend us not just in Nottingham, Arnold, Hucknall, Derby and Mansfield, but across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire & the East Midlands, and the whole of the UK, because we get results.
To receive expert advice and representation regarding Firearms Offences and Criminal Law, please contact us using the form below, call us on (0115) 955 6555, email via the Request a Callback form on this contact page.