Home › Criminal law › Weapons offences › Modifying firearms
Modifying firearms · Cairns & Far North QLD

Modifying firearms lawyer in Cairns

Shortening a barrel, changing how a firearm fires, or buying one someone else has changed can all lead to a charge. Talk to Joseph Rahim about the charge and your licence.

Free, confidential first consultation. No obligation.

A workbench in a rural shed with hand tools and an empty, locked steel gun safe
The charge

What the law says

The offence is in section 62 of the Weapons Act 1990 (Qld). A person must not, without a reasonable excuse:

Modifying

  • modify the construction or action of a firearm
  • make operable a firearm that is required to be permanently inoperable

Having a modified firearm

  • possess a modified firearm
  • acquire a modified firearm
  • sell a modified firearm

You do not have to have done the modification yourself. Possessing, buying or selling a firearm that someone else modified is covered too.

Start a conversation

Where are you at?

Pick the one closest to your situation and a chat opens with it already said. No forms, and you can call instead at any time.

The process

What usually happens after a criminal charge

Every matter is different, but most follow this order.

Police contact

You may be asked to take part in an interview. You have the right to remain silent, but you must give your name and address when asked. Get advice before you say anything else.

The charge and bail

You are charged and given a court date, sometimes on bail with conditions. Read the conditions carefully; breaching them is an offence.

First court date

Charges usually start in the Magistrates Court. For people charged in or around Cairns, that is usually the Cairns Magistrates Court on Sheridan Street.

Resolution

The matter is resolved by a plea of guilty, a hearing or trial, or the charge being withdrawn. More serious charges can be sent to a higher court.

Things to know

What else is at stake

  • Your licenceA weapons offence can affect whether you are a fit and proper person to hold a weapons licence.
  • Your firearmsPolice can seize firearms, and a court can order them forfeited.
  • Reasonable excuseThe offence applies only without a reasonable excuse. Whether one exists depends on the facts.
Things to avoid

Do not alter or dispose of anything

Leave firearms, parts and records as they are. Changing or getting rid of them can make things worse.

Do not explain it to police first

You must give your name and address when asked. Get advice before you say anything else.

How Joseph helps

One lawyer, from your first call to the end of your matter

Joseph Rahim, Principal. LLB (First Class Honours), Grad Dip LP. Member, Queensland Law Society. About Joseph

When you call Coral Coast Law, you speak with Joseph Rahim, and he handles your matter himself.

  • He goes through the police allegations with you and tells you exactly what you are charged with.
  • He advises you before you speak to police or make any statement.
  • He gets the evidence reviewed early, and looks at whether the charge fits what is alleged.
  • He represents you in court, including on bail if it is needed.
  • He tells you plainly what to expect, and puts your circumstances properly to the court.
Talk to Joseph
Joseph Rahim, Principal of Coral Coast Law
Reviews

What people say on Google

Questions

Modified firearm questions

I did not modify it. Can I still be charged?

Yes. Possessing, acquiring or selling a modified firearm is also an offence, unless you have a reasonable excuse.

Will I lose my weapons licence?

A charge or conviction can affect whether you are a fit and proper person to hold one. Talk to Joseph early.

Will I get my firearms back?

Not necessarily. A court can order seized weapons to be forfeited.

Is the first consultation free?

Yes. It is free, confidential and comes with no obligation.

Didn’t see your question? Ask it in chat.

Talk to Joseph before your court date

The sooner you get advice, the more can be done. Tell Joseph what has happened and find out exactly where you stand, with no cost and no pressure.

0447 028 080

Free, confidential first consultation.

Thank you for contacting us.
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Oops, there was an error sending your message.
Please try again later.

This page is general information about Queensland law. It is not legal advice. Every matter turns on its own facts, so speak with us about yours.