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While the right to bear arms is guaranteed by the Second Amendment, this right is not absolute. States are able to place certain restrictions on the ownership and possession of weapons. Even if you have a valid permit, the way in which you conduct your weapon can lead to serious criminal charges.
Connecticut has some of the strictest gun laws in the country. In addition to universal background checks, our state also has strict limits on the types of guns that an individual can own. A violation of state or federal gun laws could result in serious penalties, including but not limited to jail or prison time.
If you have been charged with a weapon crime, it is important to immediately contact a trustworthy and knowledgeable Connecticut criminal defense lawyer to represent you. Our criminal defense attorneys have more than 20 years of collective experience representing people charged with all types of criminal offenses, including gun charges. Reach out to the Sills Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team.
SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION – (860) 524-8118
In-Depth Experience Representing Clients Charged with Weapon Crimes
The line between exercising your constitutional right and breaking the law is often complex and confusing. However, our Connecticut weapon crime defense attorneys at The Sills Law Firm have a great deal of experience in handling weapon-related cases, and can thoroughly investigate every aspect of the situation to determine if you were correctly charged under the law. If possible, our goal is to help you avoid having your permits being taken away, while also negotiating alternatives to conviction and jail time.
Some common weapon charges that our clients face include:
- Carrying of dangerous weapons
- Unlawful discharge of a firearm
- Carrying a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Commission of a felony while in possession of a firearm or assault weapon
Connecticut Gun Laws
In Connecticut, the Special Licensing and Firearms Unit (SLFU) of the State Police is responsible for overseeing and regulating all retail firearm transactions and private handgun transfers within the state. Retail sales occur when a person purchases a new weapon from a federally licensed firearms dealer, while private transactions occur between individuals.
You can only purchase a handgun in Connecticut if you are a resident of the state, you have a valid Permit to carry Pistols or Revolvers, a valid Eligibility Certificate, you are a licensed Firearms Dealer, or you are a Sworn Police Officer. Similarly, a person cannot purchase or receive a long gun (rifle or shotgun) unless they hold a valid long gun eligibility certificate, a valid permit to carry a pistol or revolver, a valid permit to sell at retail a pistol or revolver or a valid eligibility certificate for a pistol or revolver. A violation of these laws – as either a buyer or seller – could result in gun crime charges.
In Connecticut, bump stocks (which enhance the ability of a gun to fire) are prohibited. Similarly, only military and law enforcement may own assault weapons. Owning or possessing one of these weapons is considered a serious criminal offense in Connecticut.
Common Weapons Offenses
Residents of Connecticut are subject to both state and federal gun laws. A violation of one or more of these statutes could result in a lengthy prison sentence.
Common gun crime charges in Connecticut include:
- Carrying a pistol or revolver without a permit
- Carrying a dangerous weapon on your person, including long knives, switchblades, BB guns, blackjacks, or brass knuckles
- Intentional, negligent, or careless discharge of a firearm
- Carrying a loaded firearm while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
- Possession of a weapon while committing a serious felony (such as burglary or robbery)
- Unlawful criminal possession of a firearm (which may be unlawful due to a prior felony conviction, conviction of a serious, violent crime or juvenile offense, a domestic violence restraining order against them, a person who has been found not guilty by reason of insanity within the past 20 years, a person who was a patient in a psychiatric hospital within the past 6 months, or someone who was subject to a firearms seizure order)
- Possession of a bump stock, assault weapon, or high-capacity magazine
Each of these criminal charges carries serious potential penalties. Generally, you may be facing a year or longer in prison for a firearms charge. If you use a deadly weapon in the commission of a felony, it could add as much as 5 years to your sentence.
Importantly, weapons charges are often separate and distinct from any underlying criminal charges. If you are picked up for selling drugs and have an illegal gun in your possession, for example, you could be charged for both the drugs and the weapon.
Why You Need a Lawyer for CT Gun Charges
After the Sandy Hook mass school shooting, Connecticut enacted some of the harshest gun laws in the country. While the goal of these laws was to prevent another tragedy, it can often mean that people who violate them receive incredibly steep sentences.
Many Connecticut gun offenses are felonies. If you are convicted of a felony offense, it can have a serious impact on your life and your ability to earn a livelihood. It will also affect your constitutional right to bear arms in the future.
A gun crime conviction will likely mean spending time in jail or prison. Depending on the offense charged, it could result in years in prison. With such high stakes, you can’t afford to not have a skilled Connecticut gun crimes lawyer by your side.
There are many potential defenses to any criminal charge, depending on the facts of the case. For example, your attorney may argue that the police violated your constitutional rights by illegally stopping, searching, or seizing you and/or your possessions. Alternatively, your lawyer may be able to put together a factual defense to the charges against you – such as that you never actually possessed the gun or firearm.
No matter what they may tell you, police and prosecutors are not on your side. Their goal is to secure a conviction – and they may lie to you or otherwise induce you to give a statement or admit guilt. You should never talk to law enforcement without first consulting with an attorney.
If you are arrested on a gun charge, it is vital that you reach out to an experienced weapons crimes attorney as soon as possible. They can help to protect your rights and ensure that you get the best possible outcome for the charges against you.
Interested in an Accelerated Rehabilitation Diversionary Program?
Connecticut does have a diversionary program called Accelerated Rehabilitation that allows first-time offenders to have their charges dismissed. You may be eligible for this program if you do not have a prior criminal record if you have not gone through the program before, and if the crime that you are charged with isn’t serious (i.e., not a class A or B felony offense).
With accelerated rehabilitation, you can avoid going to trial and having a permanent criminal record. Instead, you apply to the program. Your CT defense attorney will then make an argument to the judge as to why you should be admitted to the program. If you are accepted into accelerated rehabilitation, you will need to complete the assigned program and follow all special conditions.
If you successfully complete the program and do not have any new charges during this time period, then your charges may be dismissed. Importantly, entry into the accelerated rehabilitation program is not automatic. It requires not only meeting the basic eligibility requirements but also convincing a judge that you should be granted entry into the program. A Connecticut criminal lawyer can help you understand your options with regard to this diversionary program.
How Our Law Firm Can Help
If you have been charged with a gun-related offense, you can’t afford to not have legal representation. A weapons offense carries serious penalties, as well as collateral consequences such as losing your right to own a firearm. A gun lawyer can advocate for your rights and help you achieve the best possible outcome.
The Sills Law Firm represents individuals charged with all types of state and federal criminal offenses. We understand how scary it can be to be facing criminal charges, and we will work hard to help ease your anxiety as we fight for you. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team, give our law offices a call at 860-524-8118 or fill out our online contact form.
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