Central Chambers Law
Firearms and Weapons Offences
Possession of firearms, ammunition and offensive weapons. Knife crime and bladed articles. Mandatory minimum sentences apply.
Defending Weapons Charges
Firearms and weapons offences carry some of the most severe mandatory sentences in UK criminal law. The public and political concern about knife crime and gun violence has led to increasingly harsh penalties, with mandatory minimum sentences removing judicial discretion in many cases. Understanding these complex laws and mounting effective defences requires specialist expertise in this highly technical area.
The definition of prohibited weapons extends far beyond what many people expect. Items kept for legitimate purposes, collectors' pieces, and even some tools can fall within weapons legislation. Combined with strict liability for some offences, innocent people can face devastating charges without criminal intent.
Understanding Weapons Laws
Firearms offences divide into possession, use, and supply categories. Possession of prohibited firearms carries a mandatory minimum five-year sentence, even for antique weapons or those incapable of firing. The definition of 'firearm' includes imitation weapons, some air guns, and component parts. Even possessing a single bullet without a firearm constitutes an offence.
Knife crime legislation creates numerous offences with varying severity. Carrying a knife in public without good reason is illegal, but defining 'good reason' proves complex. Chefs carrying knives to work, tradespeople with tools, and religious kirpan wearers all need careful legal consideration. Second offences involving knives carry mandatory minimum sentences.
Offensive weapons encompass items made, adapted, or intended for causing injury. This broad definition catches not just obvious weapons but everyday items carried for self-defence. Baseball bats in cars, tools carried without clear purpose, and even keyrings can constitute offensive weapons depending on circumstances and intent.
Technical Defences and Expert Evidence
Firearms cases often turn on technical classification issues. We work with ballistics experts who can demonstrate whether items meet legal definitions of firearms. Antique firearms exemptions, deactivation standards, and airgun power limits all provide potential defences requiring expert analysis.
Reasonable excuse defences apply to many weapons charges. Demonstrating legitimate reasons for possession requires careful preparation and evidence gathering. We've successfully defended cases involving historical collectors, sports shooters, and those with genuine occupational needs for prohibited items.
Exceptional circumstances can override mandatory minimum sentences. Mental health issues, exploitation, and lack of sophistication can constitute exceptional circumstances. We work with medical professionals and social workers to present compelling mitigation that judges cannot ignore.
Protecting Your Liberty
Joint possession charges often arise in weapons cases. Proving knowledge and control becomes crucial when weapons are found in shared homes or vehicles. We challenge assumptions about joint possession, demonstrating lack of knowledge or control where appropriate.
Young people face particular risks from weapons charges. Gang involvement, peer pressure, and exploitation often underlie youth weapon offences. We work with youth justice specialists to secure rehabilitative outcomes rather than devastating custody sentences.
Stop and search powers feature heavily in weapons prosecutions. We scrutinise police conduct during searches, challenging illegally obtained evidence. Improper searches, lack of reasonable grounds, and breaches of PACE codes can exclude crucial evidence.
Don't let a weapons charge destroy your future. Our specialist team understands the technical complexities and mandatory sentencing provisions that make these cases so challenging. Contact us immediately for expert advice on defending weapons allegations.