A Guide to Firearms Offences for Criminal Lawyers

Introduction

Experienced criminal lawyers and prosecutors often have difficulties navigating their way around the many firearms offences and the relevant penalties available.

This live broadcast session will ‘demystify’ the issues surrounding firearms in the context of criminal offences and explain some of the common pitfalls encountered.

It will be particularly valuable for those criminal lawyers and CPS prosecutors who regularly encounter offences relating to the possession and use of firearms.

What You Will Learn

This live and interactive session will cover the following:

• Definition of all major terms including ‘firearm’; ‘component part’; ‘deactivated’; ‘antique’; ‘prohibited’; ‘weapon’ and several others
• Classification of firearms and ammunition within the three categories in the Act
• Definition of air weapons
• Definition of imitation firearms and realistic imitation firearms
• Recent legislative changes narrowing the exemption for antique firearms
• Definition of deactivated weapons
• Classification of ammunition
• The prohibitions in respect of some types of weapons
• How the licensing of firearms and ammunition affects criminal offences
• Expert evidence - when is it necessary?
• The principal firearms offences covering the following situations:
• Possession including the specific definition of ‘possession’ applied to firearms offences.
• Criminal use of firearms
• Criminal dealing in and manufacture and conversion of firearms
• ‘Minding a weapon’
• Possession of a firearm by those prohibited
• The various defences available in respect of possession offences
• Offences concerning the use of firearms
• Intent to endanger life/put in fear of unlawful violence/resist arrest/commit indictable offence
• Carrying in a public place without reasonable excuse
• Regulatory offences in relation to firearms
• Sentencing for firearms offences, including mandatory sentences
• The Sentencing Council guidelines for firearms offences in force from 1 January 2021

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.