In Queensland, Weapons Act 1990 details a number of offences relating to the possession, registration and the use of weapons.
The laws relating to the use of weapons/firearms are there to enhance public and individual security by imposing strict controls on the possession, safe storage and carriage of weapons. If you have a licensed firearm, it is of the utmost importance to adhere to all the requirements relating to weapon ownership.
The consequences for convictions in relation to Weapons Act offences may be extremely serious. Convictions for many Weapons Act offences require defendants to serve mandatory imprisonment in a corrective services facility.
Weapon Possession and Unregistered Firearms
The Weapons Act states that a person may not unlawfully possess a weapon. The penalty for this offence varies according to the type of weapon as well as the amount of weapons in possession of the defendant.
In certain circumstances, a conviction for a weapons possession offence mandatorily requires a defendant to serve actual time in custody in a corrective services facility.
Secure Storage of Weapons
The Weapons Act states that a licensee who has ownership of a weapon must keep it in secure storage facilities. The maximum penalty for failing to do so is 100 penalty units or 2 years imprisonment.
Lost or Stolen Weapons
In circumstances where upon a weapon has been misplaced or stolen, weapons licencees are required by law to report this to the police as soon as they become aware of the loss or the stealing. Failure to provide this report is also an offence under the Weapons Act.
Weapons Act Charges
Being charged with a Weapons Act offence can potentially lead to extremely serious consequences and can have a major impact on all aspects of your life and future. If you have been charged with a Weapons Act offence, we strongly recommend that you contact our expert criminal defence lawyers today.
