Melbourne criminal law specialist and family lawyer

Firearms and weapons offences

If police want to search you for a weapon, you should not consent to the search but you should not resist the search.

According to the law, you cannot carry, possess or use firearms or certain weapons unless you have a proper licence or lawful excuse to do so. Further, you cannot use any firearm or weapon to cause injury to another person unless you have a reasonable excuse at law such as self-defence. The law aims to limit the possession of firearms in order to promote public safety.

In certain circumstances, if police suspect you of carrying a weapon, they have powers to search you, your bag or your car without a warrant. If you resist arrest, you can be charged. If this happens to you, you should not consent to the search but you should not resist the search. If it happens that the search was improper or illegal, arguments can be mounted on your behalf at court to have the search deemed inadmissible, meaning that any items seized from the search are not admissible against you in any trial.

At Nelson Brown Legal, we specialise in:

  • Unregistered firearm

  • Unlicensed firearm

  • Using a firearm in a dangerous manner

  • Damaging property with a firearm

  • Possessing, carrying or using any firearm, including, long arms, handguns, imitation firearms

  • Possession of prohibited weapons

  • Storage of firearms

  • Prohibited persons possessing a firearm

Firearm and weapon offences can result in serious penalties. If you’ve been charged with a firearm or weapon offence, it’s vital you get trusted legal advice from an expert in the field. At Nelson Brown Legal, we are focussed on providing you the best outcome and empowering you through this stressful time.

Call today to discuss your matter.