Can I receive a warning instead of a fine?
A warning appears in Article 181 only in part 1: where a person holding a firearm keeping permit breaches the rules on keeping the firearm or ammunition, the law provides for a warning or a fine of GEL 200 to GEL 400. The remaining parts name a fine only.
Will the weapon be confiscated?
Within Article 181, confiscation is named only in part 3 — repeat commission of an offence under part 1 or 2 by a person on whom an administrative penalty was imposed for the same offence within 1 year, which carries a fine of GEL 2,000 with confiscation of the weapon and the ammunition. The other parts of this article state a fine without confiscation.
I hold a valid permit. Why is this article being applied to me?
Because parts 1 and 2 are written specifically about permit holders. The question is not whether you are entitled to the weapon but whether the rules on keeping, transporting, dispatching or carrying it were observed on the occasion in question.
What are the amounts for an employee responsible for weapons at a company?
That situation falls under part 4: breach by an employee of an enterprise, institution or organisation responsible for the care and safekeeping of a firearm or ammunition of the rules on keeping, transport or dispatch, or use of the weapon otherwise than as intended, carries a fine of GEL 800 to GEL 1,000. A repeat within one year falls under part 5, with a fine of GEL 1,000 to GEL 1,500.
My weapon is a gas pistol, not a firearm. Is this the right article?
Article 181 is about firearms and ammunition. Gas weapons are dealt with by Article 181⁵ of the same Code, acoustic weapons by Article 181³, and gas aerosol or electroshock devices by Article 181⁷, each with its own sanctions. Confirming which provision is cited in the protocol is the first step, since the amounts differ.
