Will I Get in Trouble If I Make Explosives in Australia?

Things like fireworks, explosives and firearms are heavily regulated in Australia and are only available to select groups of people with the relevant training and requirements. If you are caught in possession of illegal explosives, you can expect to face severe penalties. If you are charged with an explosives or firearms related offence, then we would recommend that you get in touch with an experienced criminal lawyer as soon as possible.

Doing this will give you the best chance of beating your charges or at least minimising the penalties for your offence.

With this in mind, we’re going to explore some of the laws surrounding explosive making in Australia. How big are the penalties if you get caught, and what’s actually illegal?

Can I Make Explosives At Home?

The short answer is no, there’s nowhere in Australia that lets you make your own explosives, even if they are for legitimate uses. Homemade explosives – including fireworks – can be extremely dangerous, especially if they’re not used safely.

You should never be tempted to try and make your own explosives or fireworks. It might sound like fun or a good idea, but the consequences can be grave. Not only will you get into trouble with the authorities, but you will also be risking your safety and the safety of anyone around you.

What Are The Penalties For Making Illegal Fireworks Or Explosives?

Largely due to the huge safety risk posed by illegal explosives, the penalties for making and/or possessing illegal fireworks in Australia are significant. The penalties vary from state to state, but in general you can expect a large fine and at least some jail time.

For example, the penalties for possessing or using illegal fireworks in Queensland can be up to $53,380 and 6 months jail time. As you’re probably realising, this is huge, and explosives offences are therefore taken very seriously.

What Should I Do If I’ve Been Charged With Explosives Offences?

If you’ve been charged with an offence related to the manufacture or possession of explosives or fireworks you should take it very seriously. The first thing you should do is try and find an experienced criminal lawyer to represent you.

An experienced lawyer will be able to advise you on your best course of action. In some cases, they may be able to help you get the charges dismissed. In others, they will work with you to minimise the fine and/or jail time that you’re penalised with.

Choosing A Criminal Lawyer

Choosing the right criminal lawyer is extremely important if you want to minimize the penalties imposed by the court. Consider the following:

• Try and find a lawyer experienced with explosives related cases.
• Find a lawyer who is friendly and approachable.
• If possible, choose a lawyer with a good record defending similar cases to yours.

As you can imagine, the lawyer you choose is going to be extremely important when it comes to defending explosives related charges that are brought against you. If you have been or think that you’re going to be charged with explosives manufacture, possession or a similar offence, get in touch with your local criminal lawyers ASAP.