One area of the criminal law that attracts significant public concern, is weapon offences. These are serious matters that often attract lengthy deterrent prison sentences, due to the inherent danger posed to others by someone who is carrying a dangerous weapon.
The most obvious category of weapon offences involves firearms. However, this actually relates to a group of offences beyond simply being in possession of a gun. Our page on firearms offences will focus on the main offences covered by the legislation, including possessing a firearm or ammunition without a certificate, possessing an imitation firearm, and possessing firearms with intent.
In addition, there are separate offences for carrying a bladed article in a public place, and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place. Over the last 10 years, these weapon offences have been the focus of significant media coverage and accordingly are targeted by police forces nationwide.
If you are accused of any offence relating to the possession of a firearm or other weapon, there is a significant risk of a long prison sentence. This means that you need clear and reliable legal advice from the start of your case.
For more information on the key issues about weapon offences, please see the following pages