Have you been charged with Offence for Non-Prohibited Person to Possess, Carry or Use a Handgun Without a Licence?
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Prohibited Person Possessing Firearms
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Non-Prohibited Person to Possess, Carry or Use a Longarm Without a Licence
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A non - prohibited person possessing, carrying, or using an unregistered longarm
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Non-Prohibited Person to Possess, Carry or Use a Handgun Without a Licence
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Possessing, carrying or using an unregistered handgun
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Possession of a Traffickable Quantity of Unregistered Firearms
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Using a firearm to resist arrest
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Immediate Cancellation of a Licence
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Cancellation of a Licence Held by a Non-Resident
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Suspension of a Licence and Notice of Proposal to Cancel
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Suspension of a Firearms Licence for Certain Prohibited Persons
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Power of the Chief Commissioner to Cancel Licence
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Restrictions on an Application for a Licence Following Cancellation
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Notice of Chief Commissioner’s Decision and Coming into Effect of Cancellation
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Storage of Firearms under Longarm and Handgun Licences
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Permit to Store Handguns
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Storage of Firearms Under Firearm Collectors and Firearm Heirlooms Licences
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Storage of firearms under dealer licences
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Possession of Cartridge Ammunition
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Safekeeping of Firearms and Ammunition Whilst Being Carried, Used or Kept
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Using a Firearm in a Dangerous Manner
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Offence of being an Unlicensed Person having Stored in an Insecure Manner
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Application to be Deemed not a Prohibited Person
What does it mean to be charged with being a non-prohibited person, with possession, carry or use of a handgun without a licence?
Section 7 of the Firearms Act 1996 makes it an offence for a non-prohibited person to possess, carry, or use a registered handgun without holding the appropriate licence. The law distinguishes between different categories of handguns (general category handguns and category E handguns) and the purposes for which the handguns are used (such as collecting).
The key elements of the offence include:
- The possession, carrying, or use of a registered handgun by a non-prohibited person.
- The non-prohibited person must have a valid licence under the appropriate sections of the law, depending on the type of handgun and the purpose for its use.
What the Prosecution Must Prove:
For a successful prosecution under Section 7, the following elements must be established beyond a reasonable doubt:
- You are not barred from possessing or using firearms due to a legal prohibition (e.g., criminal convictions or mental health restrictions).
- It must be proven that you had possession of, carried, or used the handgun. The handgun must be registered under the law, which means it is not an unregistered or illegal firearm.
The prosecution must establish whether the handgun was a general category handgun or a category E handgun, as different penalties apply depending on the type.
3.You were not in possession of the required licence under Division 3 or 5 of the relevant part of the Act (or under sections 21, 21A, or 25 for collectors).
The prosecution must prove that the purpose of possession, carrying, or use of the handgun was not permitted by the type of licence held by the defendant. For example, if the person was using a general category handgun for a purpose other than collecting, this would constitute an offence.
Where will my case be heard?
An offence for non-prohibited person to possess, carry or use a longarm without a licence will be heard in the Magistrates’ Court.
Penalties for being a non-prohibited person with a handgun without a licence:
Penalties vary based on the category of the handgun, the date of its manufacture, and whether the handgun is being collected or used for other purposes.
Penalties include:
- Up to 240 penalty units or 4 years imprisonment for breaches involving general category handguns.
- Up to 600 penalty units or 7 years imprisonment for breaches involving category E handguns.
Factors and defences to consider:
- Did you possess, carry or use a handgun?
- Did you possess, carry or use it without a licence?
- Did you possess the handgun for reasons other than active use, such as for its historical value or as a collector’s item?
- Do you have any previous convictions of a similar nature?
- What were the surrounding circumstances of this offence?
Due to the serious nature of this offence, it is crucial that you seek expert legal advice immediately to ensure a tailored defence strategy is developed for your situation.
Testimonials
What people Say
St Kilda, Victoria 3182
1800 130 120
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Michael Sunderland from MK Law handled my matter with professionalism, respect, and genuine care. It was clear that he genuinely cared about gett... Read MoreMichael Sunderland from MK Law handled my matter with professionalism, respect, and genuine care. It was clear that he genuinely cared about getting the best result possible, and his preparation and courtroom presence reflected that commitment. Michael’s professional demeanour and respectful conduct, both with me and within the court, gave me the utmost confidence I was in the right hands. He clearly explained the process, kept me informed, and made me feel confident throughout. The outcome was far better than I expected, thanks to his expertise and strategic approach. I’m truly grateful for his support and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him. Read Less55/5
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I cannot thank Michael Sunderland from MK Law enough for the way he handled my case. From the very beginning, Michael was highly professional, kno... Read MoreI cannot thank Michael Sunderland from MK Law enough for the way he handled my case. From the very beginning, Michael was highly professional, knowledgeable, and thorough in every aspect of the process. He took the time to explain everything clearly, which gave me great comfort and confidence throughout what could have been a very stressful time. Michael’s expertise and guidance reassured me that I was in the best hands, and his calm and confident approach made a huge difference to my peace of mind. He was always approachable, responsive, and dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for me. I would highly recommend Michael Sunderland to anyone seeking a lawyer who is not only exceptionally skilled but also genuinely cares about his clients. Read Less55/5
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I would like to sincerely thank Ashleigh for her exceptional support and professionalism during a very difficult time in my life. From the first m... Read MoreI would like to sincerely thank Ashleigh for her exceptional support and professionalism during a very difficult time in my life. From the first meeting, she was calm, respectful, and clear about what I could expect. She never judged me, always listened carefully, and explained every step of the legal process in a way that made me feel supported and confident. Ashleigh handled my case involving a traffic offence with care and honesty. She gave me solid advice, helped me prepare all the right documents, and even guided me on how to speak respectfully in court. Because of her help, I was able to present myself properly before the judge and achieve a much better outcome than I expected. What really stood out to me was her genuine concern for my future. She didn’t treat me like “just another case.” Ashleigh is not only a skilled lawyer — she is also a kind person who truly cares about her clients. I highly recommend Ashleigh to anyone in need of legal help. She is trustworthy, professional, and goes above and beyond for her clients. Thank you again for everything. Read Less55/5
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I would like to highly recommend Michael Sunderland. Michael took on my matter from another lawyer that was not able to represent me at the time. ... Read MoreI would like to highly recommend Michael Sunderland. Michael took on my matter from another lawyer that was not able to represent me at the time. Michael was well prepared, taking onboard all the information, with communication all the way. He clearly explains all the outcomes and was by my side every step of the way. A genuine caring lawyer that has your best interest. Read Less55/5
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Prohibited Person Possessing Firearms
-
Non-Prohibited Person to Possess, Carry or Use a Longarm Without a Licence
-
A non - prohibited person possessing, carrying, or using an unregistered longarm
-
Non-Prohibited Person to Possess, Carry or Use a Handgun Without a Licence
-
Possessing, carrying or using an unregistered handgun
-
Possession of a Traffickable Quantity of Unregistered Firearms
-
Using a firearm to resist arrest
-
Immediate Cancellation of a Licence
-
Cancellation of a Licence Held by a Non-Resident
-
Suspension of a Licence and Notice of Proposal to Cancel
-
Suspension of a Firearms Licence for Certain Prohibited Persons
-
Power of the Chief Commissioner to Cancel Licence
-
Restrictions on an Application for a Licence Following Cancellation
-
Notice of Chief Commissioner’s Decision and Coming into Effect of Cancellation
-
Storage of Firearms under Longarm and Handgun Licences
-
Permit to Store Handguns
-
Storage of Firearms Under Firearm Collectors and Firearm Heirlooms Licences
-
Storage of firearms under dealer licences
-
Possession of Cartridge Ammunition
-
Safekeeping of Firearms and Ammunition Whilst Being Carried, Used or Kept
-
Using a Firearm in a Dangerous Manner
-
Offence of being an Unlicensed Person having Stored in an Insecure Manner
-
Application to be Deemed not a Prohibited Person
What happens next?
If you have been charged with the offence of possessing, carrying, or using a handgun without a licence, it is important to understand the legal process ahead. After being charged, you will be required to attend court, where the prosecution will present their case against you. This is a serious offence with penalties that may include substantial fines or imprisonment. It’s essential to seek immediate legal advice to protect your rights and understand your options moving forward. Contact MK Law for expert, confidential advice tailored to your situation, and to begin building a strong defence strategy. Call 1800 130 120 today.
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- 2/212 Barkly Street, St Kilda Victoria, 3182 Australia
- 1800 130 120
- marcus@mklawfirm.com.au