Among America’s founding principles is the right to keep and bear arms. Enshrined in the Second Amendment, this right has been a cornerstone of American identity since its earliest years. Yet, like all constitutional rights, it is not absolute. States retain the authority to regulate when, where, and how individuals may carry a firearm.
Connecticut law imposes significant restrictions on the carrying of pistols and revolvers without a permit. Under C.G.S. §29-35, it is unlawful for a person to carry a pistol or revolver outside of their home or place of business without a permit. Connecticut takes violations of the law seriously, and a conviction carries severe penalties, including up to five years in prison, forfeiture of any pistol or revolver in the convicted person’s possession, and a $5,000 fine.
Whether you are a seasoned firearm owner or are new to exercising your Second Amendment rights, understanding Connecticut gun laws and permitting requirements is essential, as the consequences of non-compliance can be severe.
Under Connecticut law, you need a Connecticut pistol permit to carry a handgun. An out-of-state permit is not sufficient. Connecticut also prohibits open carry. However, concealed carry is allowed with a valid permit.
The crime of Carrying a Pistol or Revolver Without a Permit is a Class D Felony, punishable by:
Connecticut’s pistol permit requirement is subject to various exceptions. It does not apply to:
Handguns must be transported unloaded and stored in an area not readily accessible from the passenger compartment, or in a locked container other than the glove compartment or center console.
Many gun cases start with a minor traffic infraction, a domestic incident, or an investigation into other criminal charges. Then the officer discovers the firearm during a routine search. Cases like these often come down to whether the search was lawful, consent was clear, or if the search exceeded the lawful scope.
In other cases, the police cannot determine who in a group of individuals is in possession of a handgun. They may try to establish constructive possession, claiming the defendant exercised dominion and control over the handgun, even if it was not in their possession at the time of the arrest. A defense lawyer can evaluate the specific circumstances of the case to challenge the claim of constructive possession.
Finally, a defense attorney can work to establish mitigating factors, such as a lack of a prior criminal record, a defendant’s background in law enforcement or the military, a history of civic involvement or volunteer work, or that the defendant had or was in the process of applying for a permit.
Individuals facing firearms charges may be eligible for what Connecticut defense attorneys refer to as “Gun AR.” After a weapons charge, Gun AR imposes certain restrictions on a person for two years. If the defendant successfully completes the program, the charges will be dismissed.
If you were charged with carrying a pistol or revolver without a permit, you should speak to an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible.
The Lebedevitch Law Firm represents individuals charged with firearms crimes in Stamford, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Darien, Rowayton, Fairfield, Trumbull, Westport, Wilton, Weston, Danbury, New Haven, Bethany, Woodbridge, Milford, Stratford, Bridgeport, and throughout the State of Connecticut.
Contact The Lebedevitch Law Firm today to schedule an appointment to discuss your situation and how we can assist you.
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