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Firearms Offence Solicitors

Our specialist Firearm Offence Solicitors provide expert legal representation for individuals accused of serious firearms offences. We act swiftly to protect your rights and build a robust defence from the earliest stages of an investigation.

Firearms offences are governed by complex legislation, and the circumstances of each case require careful consideration. We will examine the allegations against you, scrutinise the prosecution evidence and identify any grounds on which the charges may be challenged. We will provide clear advice on your legal position and develop a defence strategy based on the specific circumstances of your case.

At Draycott Browne, we have more than 25 years of experience defending individuals accused of serious criminal offences. Led by Shaun Draycott, our serious crime team combines technical legal expertise with a determined approach to examining prosecution evidence, challenging allegations and preparing your defence.

Our firm is recognised by Chambers UK for Crime, and our team includes solicitors accreditted under the Law Society's Criminal Litigation Accreditation scheme. We represent clients in Manchester and throughout England and Wales, providing clear, confidential advice and experienced representation at every stage of criminal proceedings.

If you are under investigation or facing criminal charges, contact our specialist Firearm Solicitors today for urgent and confidential legal advice. Our criminal defence team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to protect your rights and provide expert representation from the outset.
 

How We Will Help 

Being charged with a firearms offence naturally brings a large amount of stress, particularly if the breach in law was a genuine mistake on your part. Lengthy prison sentences are possible, therefore it is vital to have a solicitor for serious crimes on your side who is an expert in firearms law and can guide you through the case.

We will take the time to listen to your story without prejudice and work hard to provide you with best-in-class legal advice from the start, putting you in the best-possible position for any proceedings. Complete clarity will ensure that you know exactly what is happening at every step of the way. Our team will provide you with complete professional guidance and support, including:

  • Representing you at the police station
  • Ensuring your rights are protected and that you are treated fairly throughout the process
  • Advising you on your plea
  • Applying for any bail and ensuring the impact of any conditions is minimised
  • Ensuring you are fully prepared for your trial
  • Providing expert representation in court
  • Helping you protect your reputation
  • Advising and assisting you on the appeals process, if necessary
  • Illegal possession of a firearm
  • Not complying with the condition(s) of a firearm certificate
  • Using a firearm to commit a crime
  • Illegal importation or dealing of firearms
  • Illegal conversion of weapons

Getting through a difficult time such as this will never be easy, but we will work tirelessly to ensure it is as smooth and hassle-free as possible for you.

Speak to an expert

Our legal team is available 7 days a week

Criminal Defence Expertise for Firearm Offences

Our Experienced Firearms offence Solicitors

Shaun Draycott

Shaun Draycott

Managing Director & Serious Crime Solicitor
Rob Mann

Rob Mann

Director & Serious Crime Solicitor
Venessa Schweitzer

Venessa Schweitzer

Consultant Litigator
Caitlin Cardwell

Caitlin Cardwell

Crown Court Litigator
Meet the Team

What is a Firearms Offence?

The Firearms Act 1968 is the principal legislation governing firearms offences in England and Wales. Under section 57, the definition of a firearm includes lethal barrelled weapons, prohibited weapons and certain component parts.

A lethal barrelled weapon includes a barrelled weapon from which a shot, bullet or other missile with kinetic energy of more than one joule at the muzzle can be discharged. The statutory definition has been amended over time, including by the Policing and Crime Act 2017.

Criminal charges may be brought for a number of different offences, including:

 

  • Illegal possession of a firearm
  • Possession of an imitation firearm
  • Possession of a firearm by persons previously convicted of crime
  • Carrying a firearm or imitation with intent to commit an indictable offence or to resist arrest or prevent the arrest of another.
  • Criminal use of a firearm
  • Carrying a firearm or imitation with intent to commit an indictable offence or to resist arrest or prevent the arrest of another.
  • Illegal conversion of weapons Illegal importation of weapons
  • Possession of a firearm with the intent to cause fear or violence
  • Entering a building or part of a building as a trespasser without reasonable excuse whilst having with him a firearm or imitation.

The Firearms Act 1968 has been amended by later legislation. The Offensive Weapons Act 2019 expanded the categories of prohibited weapons to include certain rapid-firing rifles and devices commonly known as bump stocks.

More recent reforms have continued to amend firearms law. The Crime and Policing Act 2026 introduced a specific offence relating to possession of certain sound moderators or flash suppressors without the required firearm or shotgun certificate.

The legislation regarding firearms is complex and it is easy to see how mistakes can be made about the legal status of a particular item.

Firearms offences carry harsh sentences, and some have a minimum custodial sentence attached.

In addition, for possession offences prosecutors only need to show that the defendant was illegally in possession of the firearm, and not that they knew what it was. Therefore, if you have been accused of a firearms offence, seeking legal advice from a criminal defence lawyer before being interviewed can be crucial to the outcome of your case.

24 Hour Availability

It is not always possible to predict an arrest, which is why our legal advisors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. At Draycott Browne we have a team of professionals ready to assist you whenever you need us. We will represent you at the police station and thereafter to make sure you and your case are treated fairly and appropriately.

Legal Aid

Unexpected legal fees can come as an expensive surprise. To assist you with the financial cost of defending your name, we can help you apply for legal aid to enable you to focus on what really matters. Our solicitors at Draycott Browne can guide you through the application process so that you have the best chance of receiving the financial assistance you need.

Specialist Firearm Offence Lawyers

  • 24/7 Availability
  • Proven Success in High Profile Cases
  • Non-Judgemental Representation Tailored to Your Situation

Protect your future with trusted, expert legal defence—contact Draycott Browne’s Firearm Offence Solicitors today.

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Contact our Firearms Solicitors

If you or a loved one is accused of a firearms offence, it is essential that you engage the expertise of criminal solicitors who will be able to help and advise you on a defence strategy as soon as possible. By entrusting your case to us, you can be assured that you will be working with a team of highly skilled and committed legal specialists who have a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the law.

As one of the UK's leading Criminal Defence Firms, we are highly regarded nationally across the legal profession and noted for consistently delivering positive results for our clients.

Our expert Gun Crime Solicitors regularly act for clients in Manchester, Preston, Blackpool, Liverpool, Leeds, Nottingham, Birmingham, and London. As recognised serious crime lawyers we can represent you wherever you live in England and Wales.

Our legal team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you or somebody you know has been arrested and needs expert legal representation, contact Draycott Browne today.

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We are ready to assist.