Have you been charged with the Offence for an Unlicensed Person to Store a Firearm in an Insecure Manner?
You may have defences available to you that you are unaware of. Can the prosecution prove all elements of the offence? Were you unaware that an unlicensed person was required to store a weapon in a particular way?
With the assistance of an experienced criminal lawyer, you may be able to answer these questions and lodge a successful defence to this charge.
For more information, please read below.
The offence
Section 129A of the Firearms Act 1999.
The prosecution must prove:
That the defendant possessed a firearm;
That the defendant did not have a licence authorising possession; and
That the firearm or ammunition was stored in an insecure manner.
The maximum penalty
The maximum penalty for the offence for an unlicensed person to store in an insecure manner is 240 penalty units or 4 years imprisonment.
Where will my case be heard?
A charge for the offence for an unlicensed person to store in an insecure manner will be heard in the Magistrates’ Court.
What to do next?
It is critical that you contact an experienced criminal lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you have enough time for the best possible defence to be prepared. The more time your lawyer has, the greater the chance of a successful outcome.
The legislation
Section 129A Offence for unlicensed person to store in an insecure manner
A person who possesses a firearm and who does not have a licence under this Act authorising the possession of that firearm must not store that firearm or any cartridge ammunition in his or her possession in an insecure manner.
Penalty: 240 penalty units or 4 years imprisonment.
