Understanding Gun Laws in Connecticut:
Your Comprehensive Guide to Firearms Regulations and Legal Penalties
Connecticut has various regulations on firearm possession, use, and storage. These gun laws aim to protect public safety by preventing firearm misuse, accidents, violence, and illegal trafficking. Additionally, state law regulates firearm usage for lawful purposes, such as self-defense and hunting.
Understanding and complying with firearm laws is integral to responsible gun ownership. In this post, we at Connecticut Bail Bonds Group explore the Connecticut gun laws and legal penalties for non-compliance.
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Firearm Categories and Possession Laws
Following the Sandy Hook incident in 2012, Connecticut passed new laws banning the sale of assault rifles and magazines. Gun registration requirements became stricter, and state law expanded on firearm definitions.
The sections below discuss the different firearm definitions and regulations for each category.
Handguns
Handguns are firearms with a barrel length of up to 12 inches, including pistols and revolvers. Under Connecticut law, you must carry a permit for the legal possession of a handgun. Additionally, when carrying a handgun, you must have the permit handy and ready to show to authorities.
You are eligible for a gun permit in Connecticut if:
- You are older than 21
- You are a legal United States resident
- You reside or run a business in the area where you apply for the permit
- You completed an approved gun safety and training course
- You passed the Natural Instant Criminal Background Check
- You passed a psychiatric health records check
The penalty for carrying a pistol or revolver without a permit is a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to $1,000. This conviction carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of one year. You may face an infraction charge if you have a permit but cannot show it to authorities.
Long Guns
Carrying or owning a long gun, such as a shotgun or rifle, doesn’t require a permit. However, you must hold a long gun “certificate of eligibility.” Under State Department of Energy & Environmental Protection regulations, you are only eligible for this certificate if:
- You are older than 18
- You passed a firearms training course
- You passed the National Instant Criminal Background Check
- You have no history of psychiatric disability
- You underwent a federal and state background check
A certificate of eligibility doesn’t entitle you to carry a firearm. A conviction for illegally possessing a long gun carries a prison sentence of at least two years and a fine of up to $5,000.
Assault Rifles
An assault rifle is a military-style firearm with selective-fire capability that can fire multiple rounds in semi-automatic, fully-automatic, or burst-fire mode. Selling or trading an assault weapon is against the law in Connecticut. However, you may legally own an assault weapon if registered with the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) before January 1, 2014.
A conviction of illegal assault rifle possession or trading can result in a prison sentence with a mandatory minimum of one year.
Machine Guns
A machine gun is a firearm that can shoot more than one round with a single trigger press and without reloading. Under Connecticut law, it is illegal to:
- Use a machine gun for aggressive or offensive purposes
- Supply a machine gun to someone under the age of 16
Law enforcement presumes that someone is using a machine gun for aggressive or offensive purposes if the firearm is:
- Outside the gun owner’s primary residence
- In possession of an unnaturalized citizen
- In possession of convicted criminal
- Modified or unregistered
Non-compliance with machine gun laws can result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years or a fine of up to $1,000.
No person other than licensed military contractors can buy, possess, sell, or supply fire rate enhancers, including bump stocks. Possessing or trading a rapid-fire enhancement is a Class D felony with a prison sentence of up to five years.
Who May Not Own or Possess a Firearm in Connecticut?
Under Connecticut State Police regulations, you may not possess a firearm if a court convicted you of domestic violence involving:
- The use of physical force or a deadly weapon
- The threatened use of physical force or a deadly weapon
You are not eligible for a handgun permit or eligibility certificate if you are a convicted felon, subject to a protective or restraining order, or guilty of any of the following misdemeanors:
- The illegal possession of controlled substances, including narcotics
- Criminally negligent homicide
- Third-degree assault
- Third-degree assault of a victim older than 60
- First-degree reckless endangerment
- Second-degree unlawful restraint
- First- or second-degree rioting
- Inciting to riot
- Second-degree stalking
Common offenses and charges relating to Connecticut firearms include:
- Carrying a firearm while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Committing a felony while in possession of a firearm
- Illegally selling or using a firearm
- Possessing stolen firearms
- Recklessly discharging a firearm
If you own a firearm in Connecticut, ensure that you comply with all relevant laws to avoid a conviction, jail sentence, or fine.
Connecticut Gun Laws FAQs
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