The criminal offence of unauthorised possession or use of firearms is a serious indictable offence that can lead to severe repercussions. Criminal Lawyers Group have been nationally recognised as the top criminal law firm in NSW for securing the best outcomes for clients who have been charged with the criminal offence of unauthorised possession or use of firearms.
If you or anyone you know have been accused or charged with the criminal offence of unauthorised possession or use of firearms, contact our award-winning team of expert criminal firearm lawyers at Criminal Lawyers Group immediately for a free consultation.
WHAT IS THE CRIMINAL OFFENCE OF UNAUTHORISED POSSESSION OR USE OF FIREARMS?
The criminal offence of unauthorised possession or use of firearms is constituted a criminal offence pursuant to Section 7 and Section 7A of the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW).
Section 7 of the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW) defines the criminal offence of unauthorised possession or use of pistols or prohibited firearms as the possession or use of a pistol or prohibited firearm without being authorised to do so by a licence or permit. A holder of a licence is also guilty of an offence under this section if the person:
- Uses a pistol or prohibited firearm for any purpose otherwise than in connection with the purpose established by the person as being the genuine reason for possessing or using the pistol or prohibited firearm, or
- Contravenes any condition of the licence.
Section 7A of the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW) defines the criminal offence of unauthorised possession or use of firearms generally as the possession or use a firearm without being authorised to do so by a licence or permit. A holder of a licence is also guilty of an offence under this section if the person:
- Uses a firearm for any purpose otherwise than in connection with the purpose established by the person as being the genuine reason for possessing or using the firearm, or
- Contravenes any condition of the licence.
WHAT IS THE PENALTY FOR THE CRIMINAL OFFENCE OF UNAUTHORISED POSSESSION OR USE OF FIREARMS?
Section 7 of the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW) prescribes a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment for a person convicted of the criminal offence of unauthorised possession or use of pistols or prohibited firearms.
Section 7A of the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW) prescribes a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment for a person convicted of the criminal offence of unauthorised possession or use of firearms generally.
TWO PEOPLE CHARGED WITH FIREARM POSSESSION OFFENCES AFTER FATAL SHOOTING
A 14 year old boy and a 33 year old man have been charged after a 9 year old boy was killed by the unintentional discharge of a firearm.
Emergency services were called to a property in Windellama, following reports of the shooting. The boy was treated for neck injuries although was unable to be saved. Police commenced an investigation under Strike Force Dalzeill.
The 33 year old man and 14 year old boy were arrested and taken to Goulburn Police Station.
The 33 year old man was charged with the criminal offence of allow unauthorised person to possess firearm and not keep firearm safely and is scheduled to appear before Goulburn Local Court on 14 May 2025, whilst the 14 year old boy was charged with possess unauthorised firearm and was granted conditional bail to appear before a children’s court on 16 May 2025.
MAYOR URGES COMMUNITY TO BE SAFE WITH GUN SAFETY
In light of the alleged shooting in Windellama, Goulburn Mulwaree mayor Nina Dillon has urged rural communities to take utmost care with firearms. “Most rural properties have a gun, at the end of the day … they really need to be very careful as far as security,” stated the Mayor.
AWARD-WINNING CRIMIANL LAWYER WARNS OF RISKS OF 3D-PRINTED FIREARMS
In discussing the criminal offence of unauthorised possession or use of firearms at a legal seminar prior to and unrelated to the Windemalla incident, Criminal Lawyers Group’s Principal and award-winning firearms lawyer Mr Steven Mercael warned of the risks of 3D-Printed Firearms, stating that “there is a risk of falling foul of the law and of injury and death to be considered for people contemplating producing or purchasing a 3D-Printed Firearm.”
CONTACT CRIMINAL LAWYERS GROUP NOW
If you or anyone you know have been accused or charged with the criminal offence of unauthorised possession or use of firearms, contact our expert criminal firearm lawyers at Criminal Lawyers Group immediately for a free consultation so that we may secure the best outcome for you.
Our award-winning team of criminal law experts are nationally recognised for securing not guilty verdicts, the withdrawal of charges and the avoidance of prison sentences for our clients across NSW who have been charged with the criminal offence of unauthorised possession or use of firearms.