Have you been charged with Possession of a Traffickable Quantity of Unregistered Firearms?
If so, there are some questions you should consider. Can the prosecution make out their case? How many unregistered firearms have you been charged with possessing? What were the firearms in question? Did you have a valid reason for possession of the firearms?
An experienced criminal lawyer may be able to help you argue a legal defence to this charge. It is important, however, that you leave plenty of time to prepare for your matter.
Please read below for more information in relation to this charge.
The offence
Section 7C of the Firearms Act 1996.
The prosecution must prove:
- The defendant possessed more than 2 firearms;
- The firearms were unregistered; and
- The defendant did not have a licence for the possession of the unregistered firearms.
The maximum penalty
1200 penalty units being a fine issued by the Court, or 10 years imprisonment.
Where will my case be heard?
A charge for Possession of a Traffickable Quantity of Unregistered Firearms will generally be heard in the Magistrates’ Court but may also be heard in the County Court.
What to do next?
You should contact an experienced criminal lawyer urgently. They can guide you through the legal process and help you achieve the best possible outcome in court.
The legislation
S7C Possession of a Traffickable Quantity of Unregistered Firearms
(1) A person must not possess 2 or more firearms unless the person does so in accordance with this Act or the regulations.
Penalty: 1200 penalty units or 10 years imprisonment.
(2) A person who is convicted or found guilty of an offence against subsection (1) is not liable to be convicted of an offence against section 5(1), section 6(1), (2), (3), (4), (5) or (6), section 6A(1), (2) or (3), section 7(1), (2), (3), (4), (5) or (6) or section 7B(1) or (2).
