Bridgeport Gun Lawyer
Connecticut has some of the strictest and most wide-reaching restrictions on gun ownership of any state across the entire country. On top of that, both state and federal courts take a harsher approach when passing down sentences for convictions on gun charges, particularly for repeat offenders.
It is possible to fight effectively against gun-related criminal charges, especially if you have help from an experienced Bridgeport gun lawyer. No matter what specific allegations you are facing or what your past criminal record looks like, a skilled criminal defense attorney can fight zealously and tenaciously for you to ensure the best possible resolution of your criminal case.
Understanding Basic Gun Laws
Under current Connecticut law, it is illegal to purchase or possess a pistol, revolver, long gun, or ammunition without first:
- Applying for and obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility;
- Completing a state-approved firearm safety class; and
- Passing both a mental health record evaluation and a National Instant Criminal background check.
A separate permit is required to conceal carry a firearm in the state of Connecticut. Unlike many other states, Connecticut does not recognize any concealed carry permits issued by other states.
Moreover, open carry of firearms is prohibited for most Connecticut residents, with the exception of hunters, individuals using firearms at designated shooting ranges, or individuals who are lawfully on their private property. In accordance to our current gun laws, most selective-fire weapons, semiautomatic center-fire firearms with certain defining features, and other specifically named firearms are banned in Connecticut, as a Bridgeport gun attorney can explain in further detail.
Fighting Effectively Against Gun-Related Criminal Charges
Under Connecticut General Statutes (“C.G.S.”) § 53a-217, A person is guilty of Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Ammunition, or an Electronic Defense Weapon when someone is in possession of a said Firearm, Ammunition, or an Electronic Defense Weapon and has previously been convicted of a felony, on or after October 1, 2013, has been convicted of certain enumerated misdemeanors, has been diagnosed with certain psychiatric disabilities, and is an alcohol-dependent person as defined by C.G.S.17a-680. Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Ammunition or an Electronic Defense Weapon is charged as a Class C Felony. If found guilty of Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Ammunition, or an Electronic Defense Weapon, one can face up to maximum penalties of fines no less than $5,000.00 and no more than $10,000; and a term of imprisonment of no less than 2 years and not more than 10 years.
Other common gun-related charges in Bridgeport that a qualified defense lawyer can help fight include:
- G.S. §53a-212 – Stealing a Firearm, a Class C Felony;
- G.S. §53a-216 – Criminal Use of Firearm or Electronic Defense Weapon, a Class D Felony;
- G.S. §53a-217a – Criminally Negligent Storage of a Firearm, a Class D Felony under; and
- G.S. §53a-217b – Possession of a Weapon on School Grounds, a Class D Felony.
Offenses such as Burglary, Assault, Sexual Assault, and Kidnapping may also have enhanced penalties attached to them if you are convicted of said crimes while possessing or using a firearm.
Contact a Bridgeport Gun Attorney for Assistance
While the U.S. Constitution guarantees all U.S. residents the right to bear arms, those rights can often be substantially curtailed by state or federal regulations. Violating those regulations can lead to you facing life-changing criminal sanctions even if you have previously never been convicted of any criminal offense.
A Bridgeport gun lawyer will help you understand your rights and will fight for them during this difficult legal proceeding. Call today to learn what Mark Sherman Law can do for you, and read through the hundreds of verified reviews on our Avvo.com profile by clicking here.