Miles Herman is a clever, understated lawyer who is at the top of his game.
Almost all firearms, with a few exceptions, must be licensed. Licences, known as Firearm Certificates (FAC) run for five years and are issued by the Police. Shotguns are governed by Shotgun Certificates. To own a firearm you must have a legitimate “sporting, collecting or work-based reason”.
This department is led by Laura Saunsbury, an experienced criminal solicitor, whose personal interest in shooting has led her to specialise in firearms and to establish strong links with the leading barristers and expert witnesses in this field.
Our expertise in firearms include:
Taking legal advice at an early stage can sometimes avoid a firearms license holder having their certificate revoked or not renewed. Even where revocation has already taken place, we may, through written negotiation with the Police, be able to persuade them to reconsider their decision, thereby avoiding the costly and stressful process of an appeal to the Crown Court.
Where a full appeal is necessary, we have considerable experience, and success, in handling them. It should be noted that Legal Aid is not available for advice and representation in connection with firearms licensing matters and therefore such cases will need to be privately funded, either by the individual, or where available, through an appropriate insurance scheme.
The other area of our expertise concerns criminal offences involving firearms and other weapons. The banning of pistols under the Firearms Act 1997, the reclassification of Brocock-type air weapons, and the introduction of draconian penalties for the possession of prohibited weapons, have done little to reduce violent gun crime in the UK.
However, it has made the law as to the classification and status of firearms extremely complex and inaccessible for the lay person. Increasingly, we find ourselves representing people who might be dealers in or collectors of antique firearms, militaria, deactivated and replica weapons, who, having made a genuine mistake as to the legal status of a particular item, are faced with the prospect of a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment.
We have an extremely good success rate in avoiding a prison sentence on behalf of clients in such cases. Legal Aid is available for criminal investigations and prosecutions, subject to meeting the relevant eligibility criteria.
Please refer to our case list to see some of our successful results in this field.
For further information or to speak to one of our top criminal defence solicitors please telephone us on 020 7387 2032, complete our online enquiry form or contact Laura Saunsbury, Leila Abdul-Rasool, Miles Herman, Tony Meisels, or Keith Wood.
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Miles Herman is a clever, understated lawyer who is at the top of his game.
Richard McConnell carried out conveyance for my family on 4 London flats, 1 sale and 3 purchases. In each instance he was excellent. The attention to detail and communication throughout the process was perfect. I have recommended Richard to several family members and friends who have been extremely pleased. I would have no hesitation in using Richard McConnell and Lewis Nedas in the future should the need arise.
I wanted to take the opportunity as well to thank you for everything that you have done on this case. The result that we got on Monday will have a massive positive impact not only on my life but the lives of all my family including that of my own son. I personally was struggling to hold back the tears when the sentence was being delivered by the judge and I know my father and sister felt the same too. It must be fantastic to work in a way that can have such a positive impact on people’s lives and I want you to know how much it all means to us all. Thanks a million and good luck with all that you do going forward.
Lewis Nedas advised me in a serious case of insider dealing. The lead solicitor dealing with my case was Jeffrey Lewis, who impressed me with his quick grasp of the very complex circumstances. His in-depth knowledge of how the City really works and his long experience of serious financial crime gave me great confidence. But it was also his friendly and supportive attitude, and readiness to take calls (or return them promptly if he was in court) which was very reassuring. I was delighted with the positive result of the case, and the speed and efficiency with which it was handled.
Hands on partner involvement leading a dynamic team who like to think out of the box. Results driven. Clear strategies. They can go toe to toe with the big “City” firms.
Lewis Nedas are an efficient litigation machine. If something needs to be done, they will do it. Have a real “the client comes first” attitude.
