Greenwich Gun Lawyer

If you have been charged with a crime relating to your possession of a gun or ammunition, contact a Greenwich gun lawyer at the Law Offices of Mark Sherman. Our experienced criminal attorneys will work to achieve the most favorable outcome possible in the circumstances.

Crimes Involving Gun Possession

You have the right to own and use firearms under the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and the Connecticut Constitution. However, states can impose limitations on your rights, and Connecticut has enacted some of the strictest gun control measures in the country. There are numerous criminal charges that a prosecutor can bring related to possessing and using firearms.

Possessing an assault weapon is a Class D Felony, pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §53-202c; ;

1. Unless purchased prior to 2019, manufacturing, using, possessing or selling a bump stock is a Class D Felony, pursuant to C.G.S. § 53-206g,
2. Leaving your handgun in an unattended vehicle is a Class A Misdemeanor for the first offense and Class D Felony for a subsequent offenses, pursuant to C.G.S. 29-38g;
3. Open carry is illegal unless you are on your own property or place of business, pursuant to C.G.S. §29-35.

There are many other criminal offenses involving gun possession and transportation on the books, and many of them are felonies. Our Greenwich attorneys provide a vigorous defense to all gun charges. A conviction could lead to substantial fines, jail time, a permanent criminal record, and sometimes, permanent loss of gun rights.

Criminal Possession of Firearms

One of the most commonly charged gun crimes is criminal possession of a firearm. C.G.S. §53a-217 disqualifies certain people from owning or possessing guns. A violation of this law is a Class C felony.

Felons cannot legally possess a firearm. Connecticut law also prohibits you from possessing a firearm if you were:

• Convicted of specified misdemeanors, family violence crimes, or serious juvenile offenses;
• Discharged from a psychiatric facility in the last 20 years after being found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect;
• The subject of a protective order issued because of the use of or threat of force against another person; and
• Recently confined to a psychiatric hospital, whether voluntarily or involuntarily.

The dates of the disqualifying event are critical in determining whether a violation has occurred. A skilled Greenwich gun crime defense attorney can confirm whether the event occurred recently enough to trigger the disqualification.

What Are Common Defenses to Gun Crimes?

Police conduct often forms the basis of a successful defense of a gun crime. When the police did not have adequate justification to search, any firearm they found cannot be put into evidence. Without it, the prosecutor cannot prove their case, and the charge will be dismissed.

Demonstrating that you have a weapons permit can be a complete defense. Depending on the charge and the surrounding circumstances, a Greenwich defense attorney might assert that you had no knowledge of or control over the weapon, or that the violation was a harmless and unintentional error. Prosecutors may reduce charges in these cases.

If you are a first offender, a diversionary program called accelerated rehabilitation may be the best option. Under this program, your charge will be dismissed if you complete a two year probationary period..

Contact Mark Sherman Law for a Gun Charge Defense in Greenwich

Gun laws in Connecticut are strict, and prosecutors pursue these charges aggressively. You need a capable Greenwich gun lawyer to defend against these charges. Check out our firm’s certified reviews on Avvo, then contact us for a vigorous defense against gun charges.