Traveling with Ammunition in Greenwich
When traveling by car, train, or plane, you must follow strict regulations if you are transporting firearm ammunition. The attorneys at Mark Sherman Law are here to help you if you are arrested or cited for violations concerning traveling with ammunition in Greenwich.
What Are the Rules?
Connecticut has strict laws regarding the possession of firearms and ammunition. If you are traveling in or through the state, you must comply with local laws or you could be arrested and charged with a firearms possession offense. The charges for improper transport of firearms and ammunition are usually felonies, so contact a gun charge attorney in Greenwich immediately.
In a Vehicle
Connecticut General Statutes §29-38 governs firearms and ammunition in vehicles. If you have a Connecticut-issued handgun permit, you can carry a concealed weapon on your person. Permits issued by other jurisdictions are not effective.
If you have no permit, your ammunition must be in a locked container separate from the firearm and not in a glove box or console. The locked container of ammunition should be locked in the trunk, in an attached tool box on the bed of a pickup truck, or in another place inaccessible to vehicle passengers.
Amtrak
Amtrak allows firearms and ammunition to be transported only in checked baggage and you must declare that you are carrying them. You will not be permitted to travel with the firearm and ammunition if the law at your destination does not allow you to possess them.
MetroNorth
MetroNorth prohibits firearms and ammunition from their trains, stations, and platforms, except for on-duty law enforcement personnel.
On a Plane
If you are traveling on a commercial airliner, you can travel with firearms and ammunition in your checked baggage. You must declare the presence of your firearm, and you can travel with it only if you are permitted to possess the firearm at your destination. Ammunition must be in a separate locked container but can be transported in the same container as the firearm.
Private airlines can set their own rules about firearm and ammunition transport. Most companies follow the same rules that apply to commercial carriers.
Defending Ammunition Charges
Violating the law concerning transporting ammunition in a vehicle carries a Class D felony charge. Your sentence if convicted could be up to five years in prison.
When the circumstances merit it, a Greenwich attorney could persuade a judge or prosecutor to suspend prosecution of a transporting ammunition charge. For example if you hold a permit to carry a handgun but did not have the permit with you, the court might find that it was a technical violation that does not merit a severe punishment. Similarly, if another person in the vehicle with you claims ownership of the firearm or ammunition and you had no reason to know of its presence, you may avoid serious consequences.
Federal laws apply if you improperly transport ammunition on a plane or Amtrak. If you are arrested for carrying ammunition on a Metro-North train, the applicable law depends on where the arrest happened. If you are arrested in Connecticut, the charge would be illegal possession of a weapon, a felony. Even if you have a carry permit, your possession of the firearm or ammunition is illegal because MetroNorth has stated rules against firearms on its property.
Contact a Greenwich Attorney if You Are Charged With Illegally Transporting Ammunition
The lawyers at Mark Sherman Law provide aggressive criminal defense to weapons crimes. If you face charges for traveling with ammunition in Greenwich, review our certified Avvo reviews, then call us for help.