Gun Laws in Greenwich
If you have been accused of violating gun laws in Greenwich, contact our team at the Law Offices of Mark Sherman, LLC. We are aggressive, effective criminal defense attorneys who will fight to protect your gun rights.
What Are The Restrictions on Gun Ownership?
The state Constitution declares that every citizen has the right to bear arms for their own or others’ defense. But the courts and legislature have put restrictions on that right. The result is a myriad of sometimes confusing gun laws.
Gun owners in Greenwich are required by law to have a permit. Connecticut General Statutes §53a-217c says you can get a permit if you are at least 21 and have not been convicted of a felony, specific misdemeanors, or serious juvenile offenses. Some mental health issues are also disqualifying. Retailers must run a background check to confirm a purchaser is qualified before selling a firearm.
C. G. S. §29-33(f) limits a person from purchasing more than three pistols or handguns in a 30-day period, unless the buyer is a firearms instructor. There is no limit on the number of long guns that can be purchased in bulk.
Extreme Risk Protective Orders
According to C. G. S. §29-38c(a), if the police, a healthcare worker, social worker, or family member believes a person may be a threat to themselves or others, a court can issue an extreme risk protection order (“RPO”). This order prevents the vulnerable person from obtaining a permit for a firearm. Police can seize any weapons the person currently possesses.
The RPO will be in effect for 14 days, after which the court must hold a hearing. The judge will hear evidence and decide whether to extend the extreme protection order or vacate it.
Carrying and Transporting Firearms
C.G.S. 29-35 prohibits open carry except on your own property or place of business, but concealed carry is allowed with a handgun permit. The law forbids carrying a weapon on school grounds, in businesses with signs prohibiting weapons on the premises, the House of the General Assembly, and the offices of any member of the General Assembly. Contact a Greenwich defense attorney if you are charged with a violation of this gun law.
Transporting a handgun without a pistol permit is a crime under C.G.S. §29-38. If you have a permit but do not have it with you, you can get a ticket. When you transport a gun, and it is not on your person, the gun should be unloaded and locked in the trunk or a separate compartment other than the glove box or center console, with ammunition locked in a separate compartment.
Permits for handgun possession or open carry issued in other states are not honored. If you reside in another state and wish to carry or transport your firearms in Connecticut, you must obtain a non-resident permit from the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP).
Defend Yourself From Gun Charges with a Greenwich Attorney
It is easy to run afoul of the gun laws in Greenwich. To preserve your rights to own and use firearms in the future, speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney right away.
If you are considering Mark Sherman Law to help you with gun charges, take a few minutes to read some of our certified Avvo reviews . Then contact us to schedule an initial consultation.