As with most other criminal offences, there are aggravating and mitigating circumstances which are applicable to the offence of possession of an unregistered firearm in a public place. Aggravating factors increase the severity of the offence, whilst mitigating factors decrease the severity of the offence.
If you are convicted of this offence in ‘circumstances of aggravation’, this increases the severity of the offence and thus the punishment imposed by the court can be more severe
Section 93I of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) outlines the aggravating factors for the offence of possession of an unregistered firearm as:
(a) Possession of more than one unregistered firearm, or
(b) of an unregistered firearm that is a pistol, or
(c) of an unregistered firearm that is a prohibited firearm.
Penalty
The maximum penalty for possession of an unregistered firearm with an aggravating factor present is 14 years imprisonment.
Defences to this charge
Defences to the aggravated form of this offence include duress and necessity.
How can Prime Lawyers help you?
If you have been charged with the offence ofAggravated Possession of an Unregistered Firearm in a Public Place, our experienced criminal lawyers can represent you. If you are convicted of this offence it is possible that you will be imprisoned – it is therefore imperative that you obtain legal advice from a criminal lawyer.
Our criminal lawyers will thoroughly analyse every aspect of the charge(s) against you and will provide you with advice in relation to whether the charge(s) should be dropped by the Police. If your matter proceeds to a court hearing or to sentencing, our criminal lawyers will represent you in court and fight vigorously to protect your freedom.
Contact us today and speak with an experienced criminal lawyer.