Transporting Firearms in Greenwich
There are numerous rules about transporting firearms in Greenwich, and failing to follow them can have significant consequences. If you are cited or arrested for a gun violation, reach out to the talented firearm defense attorneys at The Law Offices of Mark Sherman.
Do You Have a Pistol Permit?
When you have a pistol permit issued in Connecticut, you can carry your gun on your person when traveling by car. A permit issued by another state will not be honored.
If you do not have a permit, you cannot carry a gun in your car unless you follow specific precautions. The gun must be:
- Unloaded
- Locked in the trunk or in a compartment other than the glove box or center console
- Ammunition must be kept in a separate locked compartment
Failing to follow these requirements can result in criminal charges of violating Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §29-38.
This is a Class D felony charge and could lead to up to five years in prison.
Handguns in Unattended Vehicles
Connecticut makes it a separate crime under C.G.S. §29-38g to have a handgun in an unattended vehicle, regardless of whether you have a permit. If there is a gun in a vehicle, someone 21 or over must be in or around it to prevent unauthorized entry. Otherwise, the firearm must be unloaded and locked in a trunk or separate compartment.
Federal Laws Regarding Guns on Planes
If you are flying on a commercial airline, you must declare your weapon when you check in. You cannot carry a loaded firearm into the cabin on a commercial plane.
Guns must be unloaded for transport and locked securely in a hard-sided case. They must travel in checked baggage. Ammunition must be in a separate container but can be placed within the same locked container as the firearm.
The operators of private airlines and planes typically follow the federal rules. If the plane lands in a state with more restrictive rules, local laws apply. It is always wise to check with a Greenwich attorney before transporting a firearm on any flight.
Defending Violations of Firearm Transportation Laws
When you are arrested for unlawfully transporting firearms, the charges will be felonies in most cases. Even if the charge arose from a misunderstanding or innocent error, you must take it seriously.
A felony conviction often leads to a prison sentence and will permanently deprive you of your gun rights. In some cases you may be able to petition to have your rights restored. However, this is a separate and complex legal procedure and there is no guarantee the relief will be granted.
The best options are to get the charges dismissed, convince the prosecutor not to move forward, or get an acquittal at trial. When these outcomes are not possible due to the extent of the evidence, negotiating a plea bargain and the most lenient sentence possible is our goal. Our experienced Greenwich gun transportation attorneys will tailor a defense to the evidence and your goals and work tirelessly to resolve a gun case in your favor.
Work With Our Greenwich Attorneys to Fight an Illegal Firearms Transport Charge
You need a knowledgeable and aggressive lawyer to fight charges arising from transporting firearms in Greenwich. Read what our past clients say on some of our certified Avvo reviews, then contact Mark Sherman Law to get started.