Offensive Weapons

The UK’s offensive weapons laws are among the toughest in the world, with the police adopting a zero-tolerance stance. At DJMS solicitors, our experienced criminal lawyers regularly defend clients, including young offenders and those with mental health problems, who are facing offensive weapons-related charges.

Offensive weapons

What is an offensive weapon?

An offensive weapon is any item made or adapted to cause injury. Examples include:

• Knives
• Knuckledusters
• A hammer
• A baseball bat
• Acid

What are the offences relating to offensive weapons?

There are two general categories of offence related to knives and offensive weapons:

• Possessing a weapon
• Threatening with a weapon

Possessing an offensive weapon means carrying it in a public place, even if you did not intend to use it or were carrying it for protection. Carrying one for legitimate purposes, such as work, is permitted.

Threatening with an offensive weapon is more serious. It refers to using your weapon to make another person fear that you intend to use violence against them.

What is the sentence for offensive weapons convictions?

The sentence depends on the nature of the offence and the circumstances.

The maximum sentence for possessing an offensive weapon is four years in prison. For threatening with a weapon, the mandatory minimum sentence is six months in prison, with the maximum being four years’ custody.

When deciding on the appropriate sentence, the Court will consider several factors, including:

• Whether the attack was motivated by hate based on factors like race or sexual orientation.
• Whether you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Any previous convictions.

Are there any defences to offensive weapons charges?

Our defence strategy will depend on the offence and the circumstances of your case. For example, if you are charged with possessing a weapon, we might be able to defend you on the basis that you had good reason for carrying it. In some cases, self-defence can constitute ‘good reason’ but only if you feared an imminent attack; carrying it ‘just in case’ is not a good reason.

How can DJMS help?

The penalties for offensive weapons offences can be severe, so you need the very best criminal lawyers by your side to give you the best chance of avoiding prosecution or securing an acquittal. At DJMS, our decades of experience assisting clients accused of these offences makes us ideally placed to defend you.

There are many reasons why a person might be in possession of an offensive weapon. We’ll assess the evidence and establish whether you had good reason for carrying the item. Even if you don’t, we’ll point to mitigating factors dependent on the particular circumstances of the case.

We are on hand 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide the advice and support you need, from before you are charged, through to the police station interview, and ultimately at Court.

Get in touch with DJMS Solicitors

For more information or if you need urgent advice and/or representation, please contact DJMS’ specialist team.