Connecticut Gun Lawyer

The Second Amendment protects the rights of all citizens to keep and bear arms. However, in exercising those rights you must still abide by any applicable state laws regulating the lawful ownership and use of firearms. Connecticut has some of the most complex and strict laws regarding gun ownership in the country, making the assistance of an experienced attorney often necessary when seeking to exercise your Second Amendment rights.

In addition, recent legislation has heightened the requirements and obligations of gun owners in the state of Connecticut. The violation of any of the laws relating to lawful firearm ownership can have serious consequences. If you are planning to purchase a firearm in the state, are facing charges for a weapon-related offense, or wish to learn more about your legal obligations for your existing firearms, our Connecticut gun lawyers can help ensure that you do not expose yourself to unnecessary liability.

Why Do I Need a Gun Crime Lawyer?

In light of the Sandy Hook tragedy, Connecticut lawmakers passed landmark legislation banning the sale of assault rifles and high-capacity magazines within the State, in addition to enhancing registration requirements. The definitions of banned and stringently regulated firearms and ammunition were also expanded, complicating the task of legally owning and enjoying the use of guns in Connecticut.

The process for purchasing long guns as well as handguns is highly regulated in Connecticut, and many factors may disqualify people from obtaining permission to purchase these firearms.

The penalties for violating any of Connecticut’s gun laws can be severe, and may even result in a felony conviction, which can have life-long consequences. If a person is seeking to obtain a concealed carry permit, purchase or transfer a firearm, or bring their current gun collection into full legal compliance, the assistance of an experienced gun crime lawyer in Connecticut is necessary to ensure full understanding of all applicable laws.

Connecticut Gun Laws

Connecticut has some of the nation’s strictest laws regulating the sale and use of firearms. A collection of the laws relating to the lawful ownership of guns can be found at this page, maintained and updated by the state government. Certain important highlights of Connecticut gun laws that may affect an individual’s ability to purchase or own a firearm are outlined below. A lawyer in Connecticut could help someone avoid being accused of a gun crime by explaining all of the important firearm regulations.

Assault Weapons and High Capacity Magazines Ban

In 2013, legislation banning assault weapons was passed in Connecticut, making the possession of any weapon that meets the legal definition of an assault weapon a felony offense. In addition, magazines holding more than 10 rounds may no longer be lawfully sold, purchased, or imported into the State.

While the possession of high-capacity magazines purchased prior to the ban is not unlawful, these magazines must be registered. Additionally, as a gun crime attorney in Connecticut can explain, high-capacity magazines may not be transported to or from a shooting range with more than 10 bullets loaded. Sales of ammunition to minors (anyone under the age of 18) are barred.

Universal Background Checks

While most states require a prospective purchaser to pass a background check before buying a handgun, Connecticut requires a national criminal background check for the sale of long guns as well. Although most states do not regulate the sale of long guns, in Connecticut these purchases are documented in the same way as the lawful transfer and purchase of handguns. Guns may not be loaded when transfers are made.

Prospective purchasers must first apply for and obtain eligibility certificates from the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) to purchase a firearm. Long gun and handgun eligibility certificates will be denied to convicted felons or people with certain misdemeanor convictions, as well as to those with a history of mental illness. A lawyer in Connecticut could explain the background checks process if you are trying to legally own a weapon.

Deadly Weapon Offender Registry

Connecticut law requires individuals who have been convicted of any offense involving the use or threatened use of a deadly weapon to register with DESPP for a period of five years after serving their sentence. Registrants are required to check in with local law enforcement each year. Connecticut’s deadly weapon offender registry is the first statewide weapons offender registry of its kind.

Contact a Connecticut Gun Crime Attorney Today

If your application for an eligibility certificate or concealed carry permit has been denied, an experienced weapons defense lawyer can help you protect your legal right to arm yourself. In addition, if you are facing criminal charges relating to the ownership or use of a gun, an attorney can help you draft the best possible defense for your case.

In spite of the complex laws relating to gun ownership in Connecticut, it is often possible to maintain your right to arm yourself with the assistance of experienced legal representation. Conviction of a weapons-related offense can have serious consequences. In light of Connecticut’s tragic history of gun violence, these types of crimes are often aggressively prosecuted.

If you are facing any charges relating to the use or possession of a firearm in the Stamford area, you need an attorney on your side who understands the importance of defending your Second Amendment rights. Contact our Connecticut gun lawyers today.