Possession of Firearms in Greenwich
Your right to possess firearms is guaranteed by the U.S. and Connecticut Constitutions. However, the state and federal governments can place limits on those rights. If you have been charged with possession of firearms in Greenwich, get in touch with a skilled criminal defense attorney at The Law Offices of Mark Sherman today.
What Are Some Common Charges Related to Gun Possession?
The gun laws in Connecticut are complex, enforcement is strict, and prosecutors often take an aggressive stance when alleged violations occur. It is essential to work with a Greenwich defense attorney who fights gun possession charges vigorously.
Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §29-35 bars anyone from carrying a handgun without a permit. The law prohibits open carry with few exceptions. Transporting an unpermitted firearm in a vehicle is a violation of C.G.S.§ 29-38.
Assault weapons are illegal to possess, sell, purchase, or gift, according to C.G.S. §53-202a. Possessing large capacity magazines is unlawful under C.G.S. 53-202w.
Possessing a Firearm When Legally Disqualified
C.G.S. 53a-217 bars anyone with a felony conviction or a conviction for certain misdemeanor offenses from possessing a firearm. The ban also applies to people who have been confined to a psychiatric facility, are currently facing domestic violence charges, or are the subject of an extreme protective order.
Using a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime
Anytime a firearm is allegedly used in the commission of a crime, the presence of a firearm is an aggravating factor. If the alleged perpetrator is suspected of brandishing or discharging the weapon, the potential charges are even more serious.
Penalties for Gun Possession Crimes
Most gun possession crimes are felonies. If convicted, you may be sentenced to prison and will lose your gun rights after release. Depending on the crime, you may be included on a registry of gun offenders. You will need to check in with your local police department once annually to verify your information for up to five years.
If you have no prior convictions and are charged with a nonviolent offense, our Greenwich firearm possession attorneys could arrange a diversion program called gun AR, which stands for “Accelerated Rehabilitation.” This program usually involves a gun education class and a period of probation. If you complete the requirements, the judge will dismiss your case after two years and you avoid a criminal record.
Effective Defenses to Gun Charges
An effective defense to any charge involves scrutinizing police conduct and the prosecutor’s evidence. Our Greenwich gun possession attorneys try to get the charge thrown out or at least reduced. When that is not possible, we fight the charge to win an acquittal at trial or negotiate to get the most favorable sentence possible in the circumstances.
We always question whether the police had a legal basis for the search that revealed the gun. If they had a warrant, we make sure it was correct in every respect. If there is a problem with a search or warrant we can get the gun excluded from evidence and the prosecution may dismiss the case.
In other cases we can show that there is not enough evidence to prove the charge or present evidence showing the charge is unwarranted. We tailor the argument to fit the circumstances and your goal for resolving the case.
Fight Gun Possession Charges with a Greenwich Attorney at Mark Sherman Law
Charges related to the possession of firearms in Greenwich can have serious consequences, including permanent loss of gun rights. Protect yourself by working with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Read some of our certified Avvo reviews, then get in touch today.