Author: Jon Ross
Practice area: firearms offences
Jon is a Senior Associate at Doogue + George with over 20 years of exclusive criminal defence experience, including serious violent crime and gang-related matters across London's Magistrates' and Crown Courts. His depth of experience in this area means clients receive accurate, considered advice.
View full profile →Jon authored this content and last revised it for accuracy on 6 August 2026.
What is the offence of Possessing a Longarm Without License?
Possessing a Longarm Without License is an offence under section 6 of the Firearms Act 1996 (Vic). It regulates the lawful control of rifles, shotguns and other longarms in Victoria by requiring a person to be properly licensed before having such a firearm.
Key points
- Elements: The accused possessed a longarm and did not hold a valid licence authorising that possession.
- Type of conduct: Possessing, carrying or using category A–E longarms or a paintball marker without proper licensing.
- Court level: Generally heard as a summary offence in the Magistrates’ Court.
The maximum penalty for Possessing a Longarm Without License is Between 2 years’ imprisonment or 120 penalty units - $25,092.00 (as at 2026–27) and 600 penalty units - $125,460.00 (as at 2026–27) or 7 years’ imprisonment, depending on the firearm category.
Common defences may include Lack of intention to possess, factual dispute about possession, honest and reasonable mistake of belief, self-defence, and failure by the prosecution to prove the charge beyond reasonable doubt.
Have you been accused of Possessing a Longarm Without License?
Police Interview
The Police will only interview you in relation to this offence if they suspect you are guilty. They will invite you to the Police station for a “chat” to make you feel comfortable. But, it is important to remember they are not on your side and they are looking for information from you to build their case against you.
If the Police want to speak with you about an allegation of possessing a longarm without a license, speak with one of our experienced lawyers first. If you speak with police without having received legal advice, you may place yourself at a disadvantage.
Our lawyers can also attend the Police station with you if you feel more comfortable having someone on your side.
Pleading Not Guilty
Each case has a different set of circumstances. By engaging with one of our experienced criminal solicitors early on, you will be taking steps to ensure the best possible outcome in relation to your charge of Possessing a Longarm Without License.
If you wish to contest a charge of Possessing a Longarm Without License, we’ll be there to push for the best outcome. We’ll consider weaknesses in the police case against you and what other evidence is relevant to your case. The answer to these questions can lead to this charge being withdrawn before the contested hearing or an acquittal.
Pleading Guilty
If you decide to plead guilty to a charge of Possessing a Longarm Without License, we will work to resolve the case on the most favourable basis possible. This might involve engaging in negotiations with the prosecution about the details of the charge or the agreed summary of facts. We will be by your side to walk you through this process and direct you to complete offence specific courses which will mitigate your penalty such as engaging with a psychologist to obtain a report and gathering character references.
Sentencing
Sentencing in the higher courts of Victoria
Source: Sentencing Advisory Council of Victoria (SACStat), Firearms Act 1996 (Vic) s 6(1) — 12 charges, higher courts, 1 July 2019 – 30 June 2024.
| Outcome | % |
|---|---|
| Imprisonment | 50.0% |
| Fine | 33.3% |
| Community Correction Order | 16.7% |
These figures demonstrate a substantial risk of imprisonment at this level, often reflecting more serious circumstances or aggravating factors. When determining sentence, the court will consider the context of the possession, any associated offending and the offender’s prior history. Careful preparation and experienced advocacy are important where imprisonment is a real possibility.
Sentencing in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria
Source: Sentencing Advisory Council of Victoria (SACStat), Firearms Act 1996 (Vic) s 6(1) — 136 charges across 125 cases, Magistrates’ Court, 1 July 2020 – 30 June 2023.
| Outcome | % |
|---|---|
| Fine | 36.0% |
| Adjourned Undertaking | 26.5% |
| Community Correction Order | 23.5% |
| Imprisonment | 12.5% |
| Discharge/Dismissal | 1.5% |
The data indicates that custody is possible but less common than financial penalties or community-based supervision. In determining sentence, the court will consider factors such as the circumstances of possession, the level of risk involved and the offender’s prior history. Early legal advice can assist in achieving the best possible outcome.
Which court will the case be heard in?
As this is a summary offence this will be generally heard by the Magistrates Court.
Examples of Possessing a Longarm Without License
- You do not have a license and Police conduct the search of a premises and discover a .308 calibre rifle.
- You do not have a license and a .22 calibre rifle is discovered in your possession that you have borrowed from a friend.
- You do not have a license and you inherit a .222 calibre rifle from a deceased family member.
What is the legal definition of Possessing a Longarm Without License?
A non-prohibited person must not possess, carry or use a category A, B, C, D, or E longarm, or possess, carry or use a paintball marker that is registered unless that person does so under and in accordance with a licence issued under this Part.
A person must also not posses, carry or use a longarm that is not a category A, B, C, D, or E longarm or paintball marker.
A longarm is any firearm other than a handgun.
A paintball marker is a firearm designed to discharge a paintball.
Legislation
The legislation for this offence can be found on section 6 of Firearms Act 1996.
Elements of the offence
To prove this accusation the Prosecution must show that the accused possessed a longarm and did not have the proper or valid licence.
Have you been caught with a rifle and no license?
What are some of the possible defences to Possessing a Longarm Without License?
A defence to this may arise where an accused had the weapon for the purposes of self-defence. Other defences include lack of intention to possess the firearm or a factual dispute as to whether the person possessed the firearm at all. Honest and reasonable mistake of belief as well as the concept of beyond reasonable doubt may also be used depending on the circumstances.
Questions in cases like this
- Where you in possession of the firearm?
- Do you have a valid license?
- It what form was the firearm?
Maximum penalty for section 6 of the Firearms Act 1996
Depending on the category that the firearm is placed in, a maximum sentence for a finding of guilt for Possessing a Longarm Without License (s6 of the Firearms Act 1996) will range from 2 years imprisonment or 120 penalty units – $25,092.00 (as at 2026–27) to 600 penalty units – $125,460.00 (as at 2026–27) or 7 years imprisonment.
Other important resources
- SACStat Higher Courts – Firearms Act 1996 (Vic) : s 6(1) – non-prohibited person possess, carry or use a category A longarm
- SAC Statistics – Firearms Act 1996 (Vic) : s 6(2) – non-prohibited person possess, carry or use a category B longarm
- VCC summaries – firearms offences
- Application for a Permit to Acquire a Longarm (VP Form 0337A)
