Charges
Possess an unauthorised firearm
Firearms Act 1996 (NSW) s 7 (pistols and prohibited firearms) and s 7A (firearms generally)
What is the maximum penalty for possess an unauthorised firearm in NSW?
Maximum penalty. s 7, unauthorised possession or use of a pistol or prohibited firearm: imprisonment for 14 years. s 7A, unauthorised possession or use of a firearm generally: imprisonment for 5 years.
A maximum is the ceiling the law sets for the worst category of case. It is not what a court is likely to impose, and it is not a prediction about any particular matter.
What the charge covers
It is an offence to possess or use a firearm without a licence or permit authorising it. Section 7 covers pistols and prohibited firearms and carries the much higher maximum; section 7A covers firearms generally. A licence holder can still commit the offence by using the firearm for a purpose outside the genuine reason their licence was granted for, or by breaching a licence condition.
Where these figures come from
Every figure on this page was taken from the legislation or the Judicial Commission of New South Wales, not from secondary summaries:
Legislation changes. Figures are general as at publication; confirm the current position with a lawyer.
This page is general information about NSW law, not legal advice about your matter. Whether a charge can be defended, and what a court is likely to do, depends on the evidence and the circumstances.
Related charges
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