Firearms Attorney for Connecticut Weapons Charges

The Second Amendment to the US Constitution protects the right of all citizens to keep and bear arms. But in the wake of the Sandy Hook tragedy and other mass shootings, Connecticut lawmakers passed legislation banning the sale of assault rifles and high-capacity magazines and enhancing registration requirements. As a result, owning a gun in Connecticut can become complicated, and you can easily find yourself on the wrong side of the law, facing Connecticut weapons charges.

If you are facing a Connecticut weapons charge, experienced firearms attorney Stephen Lebedevitch can protect your rights.

Connecticut Firearms Charges Explained

Connecticut has some of the country’s strictest laws regulating the sale and possession of firearms. There are many ways a person can violate Connecticut firearm laws, which can result in criminal charges that carry severe penalties.

Illegal possession of a firearm is a Class C felony, punishable by up to ten years in jail, two of which are a mandatory minimum and cannot be suspended. If you are convicted of illegally possessing a firearm, you also face fines of up to $5,000.

Other Connecticut firearms charges include possession of a firearm while in possession of drugs or alcohol, illegally selling firearms, using firearms illegally, committing a felony while in possession of a firearm, possessing stolen guns, reckless discharge of a firearm, unlawfully carrying a forearm, owning a firearm without a permit, and more.

Connecticut Gun Laws

To carry a gun in Connecticut, you need a Connecticut gun permit. Even if you have a permit from another state, you must obtain a gun permit in Connecticut immediately. Otherwise, you can be arrested for illegal possession of a firearm.

In addition to permit requirements, Connecticut has other laws that regulate the purchase and sale of firearms within the state.

Ban on Assault Weapons and High Capacity Magazines

Since 2013, Connecticut has banned assault weapons and made it a felony to possess a weapon that meets the definition of an assault weapon. In addition, it is illegal to sell, purchase, or import magazines that hold more than ten rounds.

If you possessed a high-capacity magazine before 2013, you must register the magazine. You cannot transport a high-capacity magazine to or from a shooting range with more than ten rounds loaded.

Mandatory Background Checks

While most states require that a gun purchaser pass a background check before purchasing a handgun, Connecticut also requires a national background check for purchases of long guns. In Connecticut, unlike in many other states, sales of long guns are documented the same way as sales of handguns.

A prospective purchaser of any firearm must first apply for and obtain an eligibility certificate from the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP). The DESPP will deny applications from convicted felons, people with certain misdemeanor convictions, and people with a history of mental illness.

Deadly Weapon Offender Registry

Under Connecticut law, anyone convicted of an offense involving the use or threatened use of a deadly weapon is required to register with the DESPP for five years after completing their sentence. Registrants must check in with local law enforcement every year.

Connecticut Firearms Attorney Can Help with Diversion Programs

People facing weapons charges for the illegal sale, delivery, or transfer of firearms may be eligible for what Connecticut firearm charges attorneys refer to as “Gun AR.” After a weapons charge, Gun AR imposes certain restrictions on a person for two years. If the program is successfully completed, the charges will be dismissed at the end of that two-year period.

Contact Connecticut Weapons Charges Attorney Stephen Lebedevitch Today

If you are facing gun charges, experienced firearms attorney Stephen Lebedevitch can help. He will work with you to learn about your situation and fight for the best outcome in your case.

The Lebedevitch Law Firm is based in Fairfield, Connecticut, and serves people facing weapons charges 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.

To learn more about The Lebedevitch Law Firm and how we can help, contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your situation.