Weapons and firearms offences are treated very seriously in NSW, and some carry maximum penalties of 14 years’ imprisonment or more. Whether it is a knife found in your car, an unregistered firearm or a prohibited weapon bought online, you need advice before you speak to police. Call Robert Kaufmann on 1300 276 529 for a free initial consultation with an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law.
Weapons and firearms lawyer in Sydney
Robert Kaufmann has practised criminal law in NSW for over 23 years. For 17 of those years he has been an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law, recognised by the Law Society of NSW. He defends weapons and firearms charges in the Local, District and Supreme Courts, including the bail applications that often go with them.
Common weapons charges
- Possessing an unauthorised firearm or a prohibited firearm, under the Firearms Act 1996.
- Possessing a prohibited weapon, such as knuckledusters, flick knives, tasers, batons or capsicum spray, under the Weapons Prohibition Act 1998.
- Custody of a knife in a public place or school (section 11C Summary Offences Act 1988). A reasonable excuse, such as work or a lawful activity, can be a defence.
- Unsafe storage of firearms and ammunition.
- Breaching a firearms prohibition order.
- Firearms licensing matters, including licence suspensions and refusals.
Possible defences
- No knowledge or control: you did not know the item was there, for example in a shared car or house.
- The item is not a prohibited weapon under the law. This often turns on technical definitions.
- Reasonable excuse or lawful purpose.
- Unlawful search: if police had no lawful basis to search you, your car or your home, the evidence may be excluded.
Bail
Many serious firearms offences are “show cause” offences under the Bail Act 2013, so getting released requires careful preparation. See our bail page.
Sentencing
Penalties range from fines and community orders for lower-level knife and prohibited weapon matters, to full-time imprisonment for serious firearms offences. A guilty plea at the right time, the circumstances of the offence, and your background all affect the outcome, and we prepare that material carefully.
Courts we appear in
We appear for clients across Sydney and NSW, including Parramatta, Sydney (Downing Centre), Burwood, Bankstown, Blacktown, Penrith, Liverpool, Campbelltown, Sutherland, Newtown, Waverley and Hornsby Local Courts, as well as the District and Supreme Courts.
Weapons offence FAQs
I bought something online that turned out to be a prohibited weapon. Am I guilty?
Not necessarily. Whether the item is legally prohibited, and what you knew about it, both matter. Get advice before speaking to police.
Can I keep my firearms licence?
A criminal charge, an AVO or a firearms prohibition order can lead to suspension or cancellation of your licence. We can advise on both the criminal case and the licence.
Is carrying a pocket knife illegal?
It is an offence to have a knife in a public place or school without a reasonable excuse. Whether your excuse is reasonable depends on the circumstances.
Speak to a weapons lawyer now
Call Robert Kaufmann on 1300 276 529 for a free initial consultation, book a phone consultation online, or send an enquiry through our contact form.
This page is general information about NSW law and is not legal advice. Every case depends on its own facts.