Suspected of weapon possession? "Having in possession" is not the same as guilt
A knife in the car, a weapon at home, ammunition in a drawer: the Weapons and Ammunition Act is strict. But "having in possession" requires knowledge and control — and those are not always established.
Categories and sentence
The WWM (Weapons and Ammunition Act) has four categories, from prohibited weapons (category I) to firearms (category III) and other weapons such as certain knives (category IV). The category determines the sentence and whether a ban on community service applies.
For firearms high sentences are demanded, particularly in combination with other offences. The classification is therefore all-decisive.
Having in possession and the search
What is punishable is "having in possession": you must have knowledge of the weapon and control over it. A weapon in a shared space or a borrowed car is not automatically yours.
A weapon often comes to light during a stop-and-search or a search. Was there valid grounds for it? If not, the evidence can be excluded.
Knives and bladed weapons
Not every knife is prohibited. Some knives (such as stilettos and gravity knives) are; others are only punishable in certain places or without a reasonable purpose. Purpose, place and type determine the criminal liability.
We assess your concrete situation — work, hobby or transport — and whether the finding leads to an offence.
Firearms and ammunition
Possession of a firearm or ammunition carries a high sentence, and for certain combinations a ban on community service applies. Loose ammunition or a converted alarm pistol also falls under it.
The question of who had the weapon in their possession and whether it functioned is decisive. We run that defence meticulously.
The stop-and-search: was it lawful?
A weapon often comes to light during a stop-and-search or a search. That requires grounds: a reasonable suspicion, an indication from the public prosecutor or a designated security-risk area.
If those grounds were lacking, the weapon found can fall away as evidence. We test every link in the investigation.
Sentence, ban on community service and future
From a fine or community service order to a prison sentence: the outcome depends on the category, the context and your circumstances. A conviction leaves traces: on your criminal record and in every VOG application after it.
We steer towards the lightest appropriate disposal and keep your future in view from the very first moment.
When to call us
- A weapon or ammunition was found during a stop-and-search or a search
- The weapon lay in a shared space, car or home
- You are suspected of possession of a firearm or ammunition
- You were searched in a security-risk area
- You were arrested for weapon possession alongside another offence
- You have a summons for a WWM offence
Frequently asked questions
The weapon was not mine. Am I criminally liable?
Only if you had it in your possession: had knowledge of it and could exercise control over it. In a shared space or borrowed car that is often not provable. We run that defence.
I carried a knife for my work. Is that allowed?
Some knives are prohibited, others only in certain places or without a reasonable purpose. The category and the purpose determine the criminal liability. We assess your specific situation.
May the police search me just like that?
Not without grounds, such as a reasonable suspicion or a security-risk area. If those are lacking, the weapon found can fall away as evidence.
What do I risk with a firearm?
Firearm possession carries high sentences and a ban on community service for certain combinations. What you say — or do not say — now cannot be undone later. Call us before you sign or state anything.
Does an alarm pistol or replica weapon also count?
Often yes. Alarm, air and imitation weapons also fall under the WWM. The category determines the seriousness; we assess the object found.
I have a licence or am a sport shooter. What now?
Then the question is whether you stayed within the conditions of your licence. In the event of an exceedance or revocation we assist you, including towards the chief of police.
Will I get away with a community service order?
For a minor offence sometimes yes, but for firearms a ban on community service often applies. We aim for the lightest possible disposal.
Does this affect my VOG?
A WWM conviction can complicate a VOG. We keep that interest in view from the outset.