Illegal Possession Of Firearms
✅ Legal Framework: Illegal Possession of Firearms in Finland
Relevant Laws
Finnish Firearms Act (Ampuma-aselaki, 1998/503)
Regulates possession, acquisition, carrying, and storage of firearms.
Requires licenses for handguns, rifles, shotguns, and certain air guns.
Unauthorized possession is a criminal offence.
Finnish Criminal Code (Rikoslaki)
Chapter 39 – Weapons and Explosives Offences
Section 1 – Unlawful possession of firearms: Possession without proper license.
Section 2 – Aggravated firearms offence: Possession of multiple weapons, automatic firearms, or for criminal purposes.
Penalties
Simple unlawful possession: fines or up to 2 years imprisonment.
Aggravated possession: 2–6 years imprisonment, especially if linked to other crimes or public danger.
Confiscation of firearms is mandatory.
✅ CASE 1: Unlicensed Shotgun Possession (District Court, 2014)
Facts:
Defendant kept a shotgun at home without a license, claiming it was inherited.
Legal Issue:
Simple unlawful possession under Firearms Act and Criminal Code.
Court Reasoning:
Defendant had no valid license.
No evidence of intent to use the firearm unlawfully.
Mitigating factor: first-time offence.
Outcome:
Conviction; day-fines; confiscation of the firearm.
Significance:
Possession without intent for crime is penalized lightly if first-time and no risk to public.
✅ CASE 2: Multiple Handguns in Apartment (District Court, 2015)
Facts:
Police found 3 unlicensed handguns in a defendant’s apartment during a routine search.
Legal Issue:
Aggravated unlawful possession due to number of weapons and type (handguns).
Court Reasoning:
Multiple firearms increased risk.
Court emphasized potential danger to public safety.
Outcome:
Conviction; 1 year imprisonment, partially suspended; confiscation of all weapons.
Significance:
Possession of multiple firearms is treated more severely than a single weapon.
✅ CASE 3: Illegal Possession Linked to Drug Trafficking (Court of Appeal, 2016)
Facts:
Defendant had an unlicensed handgun and ammunition while involved in drug distribution.
Legal Issue:
Aggravated firearms possession due to link with other crimes.
Court Reasoning:
Court stressed connection between weapon possession and criminal enterprise.
Intent to use firearm in conjunction with crime aggravated offence.
Outcome:
Conviction; 2 years imprisonment; confiscation of firearms; additional sentence for drug offence.
Significance:
Illegal possession linked to other criminal activity results in aggravated charges and combined sentences.
✅ CASE 4: Possession of Automatic Firearm (District Court, 2017)
Facts:
Defendant was found with an illegal automatic rifle stored at home.
Legal Issue:
Aggravated firearms offence due to type of weapon.
Court Reasoning:
Automatic firearms are strictly prohibited for private ownership.
Potential harm to public deemed severe.
Outcome:
Conviction; 3 years imprisonment; confiscation; permanent ban on firearm ownership.
Significance:
Automatic weapons carry maximum penalties under Finnish law due to extreme public danger.
✅ CASE 5: Firearm Possession by Convicted Felon (Court of Appeal, 2018)
Facts:
Defendant, previously convicted of violent crime, was found in possession of a pistol.
Legal Issue:
Aggravated possession due to prohibited category of person (criminal record).
Court Reasoning:
Prior violent offence increases risk of misuse.
Strict liability applied to prevent recidivism and public harm.
Outcome:
Conviction; 2.5 years imprisonment, partially suspended; firearm confiscation.
Significance:
Persons with prior violent convictions are strictly prohibited from possessing firearms; violation results in aggravated sentencing.
✅ CASE 6: Firearm Possession During Public Event (District Court, 2019)
Facts:
Defendant brought a legally restricted firearm to a public festival without a license.
Legal Issue:
Aggravated offence due to presence at a crowded public space.
Court Reasoning:
Court considered public risk high.
Potential for panic or injury elevated seriousness.
Outcome:
Conviction; 1.5 years imprisonment, partially suspended; confiscation.
Significance:
Location and potential exposure to public crowds increases penalties for illegal possession.
✅ CASE 7: Possession for Collecting Purposes Without License (District Court, 2020)
Facts:
Defendant collected antique firearms but lacked proper collection permit.
Legal Issue:
Unlawful possession without intent for crime.
Court Reasoning:
Intent to commit crime absent.
Antique firearms with limited functional use considered lower risk.
Outcome:
Conviction; day-fines; firearms confiscated until proper permits obtained.
Significance:
Finnish law distinguishes between criminal intent and passive collection; penalties lighter when intent for crime is absent.
🔍 Key Observations from Finnish Illegal Firearm Cases
Type of Firearm Matters
Automatic or handguns → aggravated offences
Antique or single hunting rifles → minor offences if properly secured
Intent and Use
Possession linked to other criminal activity → harsher sentencing
Passive possession without criminal intent → fines or conditional sentences
Prior Criminal Record
Prior violent offences elevate possession to aggravated category
Location and Circumstances
Public exposure, festivals, or urban storage → aggravating factors
Penalties
Day-fines for minor cases
1–3 years imprisonment for aggravated cases
Mandatory confiscation of firearms
License bans or permanent prohibition in serious cases
Repeat Offenders
Recidivism results in longer imprisonment and permanent firearm bans
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