Firearms Offences
Carrying, purchasing, or acquiring a firearm without a valid licence is a serious offence. If you are facing a firearms charge, having an experienced and well-connected Firearms Solicitor on your side is essential. Our firm, highly recommended in Nuneaton and across the East Midlands, will support you and your family through this challenging time.
Based in Nuneaton, we are a diverse, multi-lingual law firm that employs best-in-class technology to offer streamlined, modern, and highly effective criminal defence services. With extensive experience in criminal law, we have built strong relationships with some of the UK’s top Barristers and King’s Counsel. Our clients benefit from our ability to instruct the country’s most respected expert witnesses, who can present the facts needed to support a not guilty plea or mitigate the sentence handed down by a judge.
Advising and Representing People Accused of Criminal Offences
We are highly recommended for providing expert criminal defence for individuals accused of crimes. Our Nuneaton and East Midlands-based solicitors offer 24/7 police station representation, ensuring we are there to protect your interests from the outset. We understand the procedures the police must follow during an arrest and will scrutinise the circumstances surrounding your detention to get the charges dropped if proper procedures were not followed.
Our criminal law team has extensive experience defending serious criminal charges, including firearms offences. We collaborate with the country’s top expert witnesses, focusing on delivering advice and representation you can trust. Acknowledging that your reputation, freedom, and financial security are at risk, we never relent until every possible appeal has been explored.
Here are some common questions clients ask about firearms offences.
What are the different types of firearms offences?
Firearms offences can range from those involving air weapons and firearms certificates to more severe cases involving the possession of specific weapons. The most serious firearms offences are typically handled in the Crown Court and can result in lengthy prison sentences.
What is classed as a ‘firearm’?
The statutory definition of a “firearm” includes:
- A lethal barrelled weapon from which a shot, bullet, or other missile can be discharged with kinetic energy exceeding one joule at the muzzle.
- A prohibited weapon.
- A relevant component part of a lethal barrelled or prohibited weapon.
- An accessory to a lethal barrelled or prohibited weapon designed to reduce noise or flash caused by firing.
An air weapon is defined as an air rifle, air gun, or air pistol not declared particularly dangerous by the Secretary of State.
Can I sell or transfer a firearm without a licence?
It is an offence to manufacture, sell, transfer, repair, test, or proof test any firearm or ammunition without being registered as a firearms dealer. Antique firearms sold or acquired as curiosities or ornaments are exempt, but it is vital to ensure a firearm qualifies as ‘antique’ to avoid falling under firearms legislation.
What is possession of a firearm with criminal intent?
Possessing a firearm (with or without a licence) or an imitation firearm with the intention to endanger life or enable another person to do so is illegal. The Prosecution must prove the intent to endanger life. We will gather and present evidence to demonstrate to the Judge and Jury that you did not intend to endanger life.
What are the sentences for firearms offences?
Sentences for firearms offences can range from six months imprisonment and/or a fine for less severe offences to life imprisonment for the most serious offences. Sentences of five to ten years in custody are common for severe offences. Contact us immediately if you are charged with a firearms offence.
Why Choose Us?
Regardless of the charges against you, you are entitled to a criminal defence. We do not judge our clients; our sole objective is to defend you against the Prosecution’s allegations. By instructing us to defend you, your chances of acquittal or a reduced sentence are significantly improved. It is crucial to contact us as soon as you become aware of the criminal allegations.
Cocks Lloyd Solicitors provides exceptional Firearms Offences and Criminal Law services to clients. People choose and recommend us not just in Nuneaton, Tamworth, Atherstone, Hinckley and Leicester, but across Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Leicestershire and the West Midlands, and the whole of the UK, because we get results.
To receive expert advice and representation regarding Firearms Offences and Criminal Law, please contact us using the form below, call us on (0247) 6641642, email via the Request a Callback form on this contact page.