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Hi all. I would like to thank Ms Lisa Riley for all her help with my legal issues this past month. It was the most harrowing experience of my life and thanks to her expertise, professionalism and knowledge of the law, I came out almost unscathed. I have no hesitation in recommending Lisa Riley and Armstrong Legal if you need help. The service is amazing and the cost was very minimal for the great outcome. Thank you Lisa for helping me in the most difficult time.
- Client
I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. My whole life I was thrown away, you made me feel like I did mean something. I could not have asked for a better lawyer. Your compassion and love for your job is inspiring. Your upfront and honesty were muchly appreciated, you are a beautiful person. Thank you for not giving up on me and thank you for all the work you put in. I wish you all the best for the future and I will be recommending you to everyone I know. You're amazing!!!!
- Client
I just wanted to thank you for representing me on Monday, I was overjoyed & relieved with the outcome. I don’t think it could have gone any better. All the best, I hope you got to celebrate this one instead after work, you forever made a difference in my life.
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I know I thanked you before we parted company but please allow me to reiterate in writing my sincere deepest thanks for defending me in court today. … Armstrong Legal certainly has a great Lawyer you are a credit to the company and I'm quite sure you will secure a very successful future! … My Kindest Regards and Thanks
- Client
Throughout Angela has been the consummate professional. She maintained a calm, yet strong demeanour remained informative and completely open in her communication and took complete ownership of the situation. We felt confident we finally had an advocate to steer us out of the nightmare we were in, and she did so with great respect and sincerity. I cannot speak more highly of Angela. She has literally rescued our family from what looked very much like a hopeless future.
- Client
Words can’t describe how grateful I am to Trudie Cameron being my solicitor and to Andrew Tiedt presenting my case in the court. They both have been very supportive and amazingly professional and effective. I’ve got an absolutely fantastic outcome I couldn’t even dream about.
- Client
Soon after meeting Andrew I knew he was the solicitor I wanted to handle my matter. He immediately sprang into action which brought me stability and hope during a tumultuous time in my life. Andrew was never afraid to give me straight answers to my tough questions which is a true mark of integrity. He is clearly at ease in the court environment and I believe his calm and measured demeanour went a long way to helping me secure the best result from my day in court. I would certainly recommend you approach Andrew if you need assistance.
- Client
"Andrew Tiedt was very professional and considerate to personal circumstances and gave sound advice that resulted in the best outcome possible. Highly recommended."
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This article was written by Fernanda Dahlstrom - Content Editor - Brisbane
Fernanda Dahlstrom has a Bachelor of Laws, a Bachelor of Arts and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. She has also completed a Master’s in Writing and Literature. Fernanda practised law for eight years, working in criminal defence, child protection and domestic violence law in the Northern Territory and in family law in Queensland.
Firearms Offences
The use of firearms in Western Australia is legislated under the Firearms Act 1973 and the Firearms Regulations 1974. The Firearms Act creates a range of offences involving the improper use, possession and storage of firearms. Failure to comply with the act may result in a person having their firearms seized and being charged with firearms offences. A person’s firearms licence may also be revoked if they are charged with firearms offences.
Licensing offences
It is a crime for an unlicensed person to possess, purchase, sell or carry firearms. Where three or more weapons are sold without a licence, a finding of guilt can result in imprisonment for a maximum of 14 years (Firearms Act, Section 19).
However, where a person has held a firearms licence that has expired but can still be renewed, and the person possesses, purchases, sells or carries firearms, this is an offence that is punishable by a fine of up to $2000 only.
Storage of firearms offences
A person who is licensed to possess firearms must ensure that all firearms are stored as set out in Schedule 4 of the Firearms Regulations. Schedule 4 states that firearms must be stored in a steel cabinet at least 2mm thick, which is locked and anchored from the inside to two or more immovable surfaces. The precise design and measurements of the cabinet are described in detail on this police brochure.
Section 23(9) of the Firearms Act makes it an offence for a person responsible for a firearm not to provide and use adequate storage facilities or to comply with security requirements for the storage of a firearm. The maximum penalty for a first offence is a fine of $2,000 and for a second or subsequent offence, a fine of $4,000 or imprisonment for 12 months.
General firearms offences
Section 23 of the Firearms Act contains a range of general firearms offences. These firearms offences attract fines and terms of imprisonment and may also result in the seizure of firearms and the revocation of a person’s Firearms License.
These offences include:
- Permitting a person who is drug or alcohol-affected or a person of unsound mind to take possession of a firearm (Maximum penalty $6,000 fine or 18 months imprisonment;
- Physically possessing of a firearm while affected by drugs or alcohol (Maximum penalty $6,000 or 2 years imprisonment);
- Defacing or altering an identification mark on a firearm (Maximum penalty imprisonment for seven years);
- Possessing a firearm whose identification mark has been defaced or altered (Maximum penalty imprisonment for seven years);
- Altering a firearm or possessing an altered firearm;
- Use or possession of a silencer; (Maximum penalty imprisonment for seven years);
- Pointing a firearm at a person (Maximum penalty imprisonment for three years or a fine of $12,000);
- Failure to take reasonable precautions to ensure a firearm’s safekeeping (Maximum penalty $2000 fine for a first offence, and $4,000 fine or imprisonment for 12 months for a second or subsequent offence);
- Allowing a child to have unlawful possession of a firearm (Maximum penalty $2000 fine for a first offence, and $4,000 fine or imprisonment for 12 months for a second or subsequent offence);
- Discharging a firearm onto, from or across a road (Maximum penalty $2000 fine for a first offence, and $4,000 fine or imprisonment for 12 months for a second or subsequent offence);
- Failing to have and use adequate storage arrangement for a firearm;
- Refusing to permit police to inspect the storage facilities provided for a firearm.
- Discharging a firearm in a way that endangers the public (Maximum penalty imprisonment for 3 years or $12,000 fine)
- Use of a firearm on another person’s property without their consent (Maximum penalty $2000 fine).
Firearms Infringements
General firearms offences can be dealt with by way of a Firearms Infringement. This means that the police issue the accused with an on-the-spot fine. If the accused pays the fine on time, they do not need to attend court and do not get a criminal record. The fine imposed with a Firearms Infringement is $421. It is at the police’s discretion to decide whether to issue a person with a Firearms Infringement or charge them with offences, which may require them to attend court.
If you receive a Firearms Infringement and want to contest the offence, you can write to Licensing Services.and elect to have the matter dealt with by a court.
If you need legal advice about a firearms matter or any other legal matter, please contact Armstrong Legal.
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If you suspect that you may be under investigation, or if you have been charged with an offence, it is vital to get competent legal advice as early as possible. Our lawyers are highly specialised in criminal law and will be able to guide you through the process while dealing with the various authorities related to your matter.
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