Firearms licensing solicitors

Firearms licensing FAQs

Will past convictions affect my ability to gain a certificate?

Each application for a certificate will be judged on its merits by the police. Although some types of sentences may disqualify a person from possessing firearms of any kind, even lesser sentences may make the police believe that you are a ‘danger to public safety or to the peace’. If you are worried that your previous convictions may impact your application or renewal, please contact us so that we can provide you with advice on how to maximise your chances of success.

How can I appeal a decision to refuse to grant a certificate?

A decision by the police to refuse to grant a firearms certificate or a shotgun certificate can be appealed to the Crown Court. Although the matter is in the Crown Court these proceedings are civil in nature. The court hearing is essentially a new application but is made orally before a Crown Court judge. It is therefore important to acquire expert legal advice as soon as possible.

How can I maximise the chances of a successful appeal?

Much depends on why the application was refused in the first instance. If the police were concerned about your previous convictions, then the context of the offending can be explained in order to mitigate the court’s concern. If the police were of the opinion that the firearm sought is not suitable then an expert can be instructed to comment on the suitability or to suggest an alternative. Our advice is necessarily tailored to each appeal.

How are air weapons regulated?

Air weapon law in England and Wales in complicated. Some can be freely possessed by those of a certain age, whilst others are either prohibited or are section 1 firearms and require firearm certificates to possess. Shooting, transporting and storing air pistols and air rifles is also legally complicated and it is relatively easy to fall foul of the law. The consequences of doing so can be severe since firearms legislation does not always distinguish between the usage of air weapons and other firearms.