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 7 August 2026.
What is the offence of Using Firearms to Resist Arrest?
This offence under Section 29 of the Crimes Act 1958 applies where a person interferes with police apprehension by introducing a firearm or imitation firearm into the situation. It targets conduct that escalates an arrest scenario by bringing a weapon into play to obstruct police in the execution of their duties.
Key points
- Elements: The accused was being arrested and produced a gun to prevent that arrest.
- Type of conduct: Pointing or producing a firearm or imitation firearm to avoid apprehension.
- Court: Strictly indictable offence heard in the County Court.
The maximum penalty for Using Firearms to Resist Arrest is Level 5 imprisonment (10 years) or a fine of 1,200 penalty units ($250,920.00 as at 2026–27).
Common defences may include Factual dispute, lack of awareness of the arrest, unlawful arrest, or failure to prove possession and use of a firearm or imitation firearm.
Have you been accused of Using Firearms to Resist Arrest?
Police Interview
Using a firearm to resist arrest is a serious offence. If you are arrested for this offence or called in to a police station for interview, it is important that you call us first to get legal advice. We can assist you in preparing for your interview which can be used as evidence that forms part of the case against you.
It is worth noting that police officers are experienced in asking questions in a way to make it seem that you are not telling the truth. It is also worth noting that there is no such thing as an “off the record” discussion. The police will use anything they think is helpful to their case. Therefore, it is best that you are advised how to handle the interview.
Pleading Not Guilty
Preparing a well planned and investigated defence is essential when pleading not guilty to using a firearm to resist arrest. There may be evidence which needs to be collected that police have over-looked which can help your defence.
Our lawyers regularly appear in contested hearings for this offence and can assist you in obtaining the necessary material to fight your case. Our firm is unique in that we have in-house barristers who run our contested hearings and trials. One of our in-house counsel can get involved in your case from the very beginning of you coming to our firm and preparing a defence strategy.
Pleading Guilty
If you decide to plead guilty to Using Firearms to Resist Arrest, It is important to present the court with all the relevant material about you and your circumstances. We pride ourselves in our skills in plea preparation and can assist you in obtaining a favourable outcome. Our experienced defence lawyers can assist you in:
- Gathering character references,
- Directing you to relevant courses,
- Obtaining relevant reports, and
- Taking careful notes of your personal circumstances which will be used to make submissions in mitigation.
All of these things are essential to well-prepared plea in mitigation.
Which court will the case be heard in?
As this is a strictly indictable offence, it will only be heard in the County Court.
Examples of Using Firearms to Resist Arrest
- Pointing a gun at Police to avoid apprehension
- Pointing an imitation firearm to avoid apprehension
- Pointing a gun at Police to assist another person from being arrested
What is the legal definition of Using Firearms to Resist Arrest?
A ‘firearm’ is defined by the Firearms Act 1996 as a barrel, breech, pistol slide, frame, receiver, cylinder, trigger mechanism, operating mechanism or magazine designed as, or reasonably capable of forming, part of a firearm.
Section 29(3)(b) of the Crimes Act defines an ‘imitation firearm’ anything which has the appearance of being a firearm whether or not it is capable of discharging any shot or other missile.
The legislation for this offence can be found on section 29 of Crimes Act 1958.
Elements of the offence
To prove this charge, the Prosecution must demonstrate the following elements, beyond reasonable doubt:
- the accused was being arrested; and
- produced a gun to prevent the arrest.
Can the Prosecution prove that you possessed a firearm?
Defences
If you have been charged with this offence, you may rely on the following defences:
- Factual dispute;
- You were not aware that Police were attempting to arrest you;
- The arrest was not lawful;
- The Police cannot prove their case beyond reasonable doubt.
Questions in cases like this
- Did you possess a firearm or imitation firearm?
- Did you use the firearm or imitation firearm to resist arrest?
- Did the Police attempt to execute a lawful arrest?
If you have been charged with this offence, you should call us to discuss your case with one of our lawyers. Deciding on whether to plead guilty or not has huge consequences for you and should be made after proper discussion with a criminal lawyer.
Maximum penalty for section 29 of the Crimes Act 1958
Any person found guilty of Using Firearms to Resist Arrest (s29 of the Crimes Act 1958) may be sentenced to a maximum penalty of level 5 imprisonment (10 years) or a fine of 1,200 penalty units ($250,920.00 as at 2026–27).
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