In the United States, Americans have a constitutional right to bear arms. That right is not without certain restrictions, however. If you violate existing federal or state gun laws, you may be facing weapons charges.
Weapons crimes are not something the state of Connecticut handles lightly. Most weapons charges are felonies, accompanied by substantial fines and lengthy prison terms if you are convicted. Below are some of the penalties you may face for various weapons crimes.
If you have been charged with a gun charge, the Sills Law Firm will fight for your rights. We are fierce advocates for our clients, working hard to get them the best possible outcome for the charges against them. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation with a Connecticut criminal defense attorney, call our law offices today.
Common Gun Crimes and Penalties
Connecticut has some of the strictest gun laws in the country. To buy a handgun in the state, you must be a resident, possess a valid permit, and be at least 21 years of age. For long guns, such as rifles, you must also have a permit and be at least 18 years of age. You must also undergo a background check to purchase a gun in Connecticut.
You may also be prohibited from owning a gun at all if you have committed a certain crime or have a history of severe mental illness. If you have been convicted of a domestic violence offense, illegal possession of narcotics, stalking, and certain violent crimes, you cannot own a gun in Connecticut. In addition, if you have been hospitalized for a psychiatric disability, then you may not obtain a firearm in the state for a period of time after your release.
If you possess a gun when you are not permitted to do so, or if you own a gun that is illegal in the state (such as an assault weapon), then you could be charged with a criminal offense. The penalty for these crimes will depend on the charge and your criminal record.
Carrying a Dangerous Weapon
Not all weapons are legal to carry, of course. If you are found carrying a BB gun, metal knuckles, police baton, switchblade, or an electronic defense weapon, for example, you may risk a three-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $500, along with a felony conviction on your record.
Carrying a Handgun without a Permit
If you are found to have carried a pistol or revolver without a proper permit, then you could be charged with a Class D felony. This offense is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
Unlawful Criminal Possession of a Firearm
As described above, certain people are barred from possessing firearms in the state of Connecticut. This includes anyone with a conviction for domestic violence or a violent crime, or anyone with a felony conviction. Unlawful criminal possession of a firearm is a Class C felony in Connecticut, punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of 2 years in prison (and up to 10 years of incarceration), plus a fine of as much as $10,000.
Possession of a Bump Stock, Assault Weapon, or High Capacity Magazine
In the wake of the Sandy Hook massacre, Connecticut became one of the few states in the country to ban so-called assault weapons and the tools that are often used to allow a person to shoot rapidly without reloading (bump stocks and high-capacity magazines). If you are found to possess an assault weapon, bump stock, or high-capacity magazine in Connecticut, you will be charged with a Class D felony.
This crime is punishable by up to 5 years in prison, 1 year of which cannot be suspended, and a fine of up to $5,000. A first-time offense will be charged as a class A misdemeanor if a person can prove that they meet certain criteria by showing that they possessed the gun before a certain date. Class A misdemeanor convictions will result in a sentence of up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000.
Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm
Intentionally, negligently, or carelessly discharging a firearm in a way that may likely cause injury to someone or destroy property is considered a felony. You may potentially serve up to three years in prison and pay a fine of $250.
Carrying a Firearm While Under the Influence
If you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you cannot carry a loaded firearm or hunt. Carrying a loaded firearm will result in a misdemeanor charge, with the potential of up to six months in jail and $1,000 in fines. If you are hunting while under the influence, the penalty is steeper, including one year of prison time and fines as high as $2,000.
Commission of a Felony While in Possession of a Firearm or Assault Weapon
Carrying a firearm when committing a Class A, B, or C felony may result in a five-year prison sentence. However, if you are carrying an assault weapon, your prison term may be as long as eight years.
When Should You Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer If You Are Charged with a Weapons Offense in Connecticut?
As described above, weapons crimes can lead to serious, life-changing consequences. Even a first-time conviction can land you in jail for up to a year – and most weapons convictions will result in a far longer sentence. In addition, having a felony conviction on your record will make it more difficult to get a job, secure housing, legally own a weapon in the future, or even qualify for certain government benefits.
If you have been charged with a weapons crime, you should reach out to a Connecticut weapons offense lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney will represent you in all interactions with law enforcement and will protect your legal rights throughout the process. Depending on the facts of your case, they may be able to mount a factual or legal defense to the charges against you, such as:
- Illegal search or seizure
- Entrapment
- Did not possess a weapon
A skilled attorney can often negotiate a favorable plea deal. In some situations, it may be possible to get the charges against you reduced or even dismissed entirely. Remember: police and prosecutors do not have your best interests at heart. The best way to protect yourself and get the best possible outcome is by retaining a skilled criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after learning of the charges against you.
Weapon Crime Attorneys in Connecticut
A weapons charge is typically a felony offense. If you are convicted, you could be sentenced to years in prison and be hit with steep fines. Fortunately, there are several potential defenses to weapons charges – any of which could help you achieve a better result for your case.
With 20+ years of combined experience, the criminal defense attorneys at The Sills Law Firm are equipped with the in-depth knowledge required for thoroughly handling a weapons crime case. Our goal is to help you avoid having your permits taken away, in addition to negotiating alternatives to conviction and jail time. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation with a Connecticut weapons crime lawyer, give us a call at 860-524-8118 or fill out our online contact form.
Related: Arrest Warrants in Connecticut
