Firearms & Weapons Defense Lawyer

Facing charges related to firearms or restricted weapons in New Zealand carries severe consequences, including significant prison sentences and the permanent loss of your firearms license. The laws governing firearms are notoriously strict, highly scrutinized, and frequently changing. Whether you are dealing with allegations of unlawful possession, a misunderstanding regarding secure storage, or fighting a license revocation, you need a highly experienced criminal defense barrister. I provide strategic, pragmatic representation to protect your rights, your livelihood, and your freedom.

Firearms & weapons cases we defend

Unlawful Posession of a Weapon

Defending against charges of possessing firearms, airguns, or ammunition without a valid license, or failing to establish a lawful, proper, and sufficient purpose.

Prohibited & Restricted Weapons

Handling complex cases involving the possession or importation of prohibited firearms, restricted magazines, and parts under the heavily amended Arms Act.

Discharging a Firearm

Providing robust defense for allegations of discharging a weapon in or near a dwelling, or discharging a firearm with reckless disregard for the safety of others.

Presenting a Firearm

Challenging charges related to presenting a firearm at another person (whether loaded or unloaded), including cases involving self-defence, provocation, or mistaken identity.

License Revocations & Appeals

Assisting individuals in appealing police decisions to suspend or revoke firearms licenses, fighting to prove you remain a "fit and proper person" under the law.

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Meticulous Evidence Review

Firearms cases often hinge on police procedure. We relentlessly scrutinize search warrants, the legality of police search and seizure actions, and the technical classification of the alleged weapon. If evidence was obtained unlawfully or procedures were breached, we fight to have that evidence excluded from court.

Protecting Your Livelihood

We understand that for many New Zealanders—particularly in rural communities, agriculture, or competitive sports—a firearms license is essential. Beyond defending against criminal convictions, we actively work to protect your "fit and proper" status and mitigate the long-term impact on your livelihood.

Formidable Courtroom Advocacy

From negotiating with prosecutors and handling complex bail applications to representing you in defended hearings and trials, we are your strongest advocate. We demand the prosecution prove every element of their case beyond a reasonable doubt, ensuring you receive a fair and robust defense.

Defending against firearms charges in New Zealand

Lack of Knowledge or Possession

Simply being in the vicinity of a firearm, such as in a shared house or a vehicle with multiple passengers, does not automatically mean it was in your legal possession. We can challenge the prosecution to prove you had actual knowledge of the weapon and physical control over it.

Lawful, Proper, and Sufficient Purpose

For many restricted items (like certain knives or tools), possessing them is only an offense if you lack a lawful purpose. We can argue that your possession was entirely justified for agricultural work, legitimate recreational use, or your specific trade.

Unlawful Search and Seizure

The police must adhere to strict protocols under the Search and Surveillance Act. If officers searched your property, vehicle, or person unlawfully, or without a valid warrant or reasonable grounds, we can fight to have the resulting evidence excluded from court.

Self-Defence

In cases involving charges like presenting or discharging a firearm, it may be a valid defense to prove that your actions were a legally justifiable, reasonable, and proportionate response to an immediate threat to your life or the safety of others.

Firearms & weapons FAQs

Not automatically, but police can suspend or revoke your licence while charges are pending if they consider you no longer a fit and proper person to hold one. You can appeal that decision.

It generally means having a firearm, airgun, or ammunition without a valid licence, or without a lawful, proper, and sufficient reason for having it.

Knowledge matters. The police need to show you knew about the weapon and had some level of control over it, not just that it was nearby.

This is treated as a serious charge in New Zealand, regardless of whether the firearm was loaded, and can carry a significant term of imprisonment depending on the circumstances.

Yes, this is possible through an appeal or reapplication process once the underlying issue is resolved, though it depends heavily on the outcome of any charges and the reasons for the original suspension.