Connecticut Gun Crime Defense Attorney

Guns are undoubtedly one of the single most hotly contested issues in our country. However, at this point, it is without question that our federal constitution provides protection to a person’s right to bear arms under the Second Amendment. Although mass shootings and newsworthy stories often leave a perception about firearms in people’s minds, it ignores the substantial number of people who exercise their right to bear arms lawfully.

In Connecticut, the interplay of guns and crime can come across in a few ways. You can be subjected to much more severe penalties if you commit “other” crimes, like a robbery or assault, and use a firearm in the process. You can actually be charged with standalone crimes for lawfully possessing a firearm but failing to comply with certain regulatory measures related to firearms possession. Lastly, if you are involved in any type of criminal incident, you could face penalties from the Board of Firearm Permit Examiners in the form of them seeking to revoke your firearm permit or denying an application to obtain one.

Regardless of which of the above situations you find yourself in, you want to hire the team that is not squeamish about firearm ownership and will seek to protect your rights as best as possible under the circumstances. You want to call the team at Black’s Law Group.

How Do Guns Affect Other Types of Criminal Cases?

Punishment. Bottom line, if you use a gun in the commission of a crime, you are likely facing much more serious forms of punishment than other ways in which that crime could have been committed. Typically, this comes in the form of mandatory minimums attaching to the charge, like in the case of Assault and Robbery in the First Degree charges involving firearms. However, on top of this, there are additional “sentencing enhancements” that are separate and distinct from the underlying criminal charges that the prosecution may also bring for involving an automatic rifle or any other firearm in the commission of certain felony offenses.

Connecticut’s strict gun laws also mean that weapons charges can stack quickly. A single incident can result in multiple felony charges, each carrying its own mandatory minimum. Lawful gun owners who make even a minor mistake, like improperly carrying firearms or storing a weapon without following state regulations, can find themselves facing serious criminal charges they never expected.

What Are Some Common Gun-Specific Charges in Connecticut?

Some common types of gun charges and gun cases in Connecticut involve improperly storing firearms despite having a lawful permit to possess them. In other words, these are regulatory crimes meant to limit the dangers that firearms can pose to the public. Unfortunately, violating gun regulations can often involve felony offenses, rather than misdemeanor ones.

Additionally, for those not lawfully permitted, you can be subjected to these same regulatory measures, plus an additional felony offense, for example, possessing a pistol without a permit. If you are a convicted felon or subject to an active protective order, you may also be charged with criminal possession of a firearm, which carries with it a two-year mandatory minimum period of imprisonment.

Connecticut law also restricts or outright bans certain types of weapons. Assault weapons, including assault rifles and high-capacity magazines, are heavily regulated under Connecticut’s gun laws. Possessing or carrying these items without meeting strict legal requirements can result in a class D felony or even a class C felony, depending on the circumstances. Federal law adds another layer of complexity, especially when unlawful possession involves weapons that cross state lines or fall under federal law restrictions.

What Is the Board of Firearm Permit Examiners?

The Board of Firearm Permit Examiners (BFPE) is a regulatory board that oversees processes related to firearms permitting in Connecticut. Although this process also intimately involves local police departments and the State Police Department’s Special Licensing and Firearms Unit, the BFPE is the group to which any grievances in the process are brought. For example, if you have been denied a pistol permit or had your permit revoked, the BFPE is the oversight body that you would file an administrative appeal with to fight that decision.

Firearms seizure orders are another area in which the BFPE can be involved. If law enforcement believes you pose a risk, a firearms seizure order can be issued, temporarily removing your firearms. Law enforcement officers can also refer cases to the BFPE when there are concerns about a permit holder’s conduct. Getting your permit back or defending against a revocation requires a clear understanding of both state law and the administrative process involved.

Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut Gun Laws

What happens if I carry a gun without a permit in Connecticut?

Carrying firearms without a valid permit in Connecticut is a serious criminal offense. Possessing a pistol without a permit is typically charged as a felony offense under Connecticut law. You could face jail time, heavy fines, and a permanent mark on your record. First-time offenders may have some legal options available, but the outcome depends heavily on the specific facts of the case. Talking to an experienced attorney right away can make a real difference.

What is an eligibility certificate, and do I need one?

An eligibility certificate is required in Connecticut for possessing certain firearms, including long guns like rifles and shotguns, when you do not have a pistol permit. Without one, simply possessing firearms at home could be a criminal offense. Background checks are part of the application process for both a pistol permit and an eligibility certificate. Skipping this step, even unintentionally, can lead to weapons charges and a potential conviction.

Can a domestic violence charge affect my gun rights?

Yes. A domestic violence conviction, even a misdemeanor, can strip you of your gun rights under both state law and federal law. Connecticut takes domestic violence cases seriously, and a conviction can result in the loss of your pistol permit, the seizure of your firearms, and a ban on possessing firearms going forward. Protecting your constitutional rights in these situations requires acting fast and working with a criminal defense lawyer who understands what is at stake.

What are the penalties for an assault weapons charge in Connecticut?

Connecticut’s gun laws are among the strictest in the country, especially after Sandy Hook. Possessing banned assault weapons, assault rifles, or high-capacity magazines can result in a class D felony or class C felony charge. These felony charges can lead to prison time, loss of your right to bear arms, and lasting damage to your reputation. A gun crime conviction of this nature can follow you for life, making it harder to find work, housing, and more.

What should I do if I am facing gun charges?

If you are facing gun charges, the most important thing you can do is speak with a criminal defense attorney before saying anything to the police. Facing gun charges alone is overwhelming. An experienced defense attorney can review the facts, fight for your best interests, and explore every possible legal option to reduce or dismiss the charges. Whether the case involves weapons charges, possession of a firearm, or a standalone criminal offense, having a strong legal team on your side can change the outcome.

Hire a Connecticut Gun Crime Defense Attorney Today

Whether you or a loved one is facing felony or misdemeanor charges, hiring an experienced attorney to guide you through the process early can save you time, stress, and money. You want to hire the criminal defense attorneys who understand that the facts are not always black and white. Facing charges for a gun crime is serious, and the consequences of a conviction can reach far beyond prison or jail time. They can affect your gun rights, your career, and your life as a responsible citizen.

Call the team at Black’s Law Group today at 203-504-9517 for your free consultation and to see how we might be able to help protect not only your interests in the case but also your constitutional rights beyond it, like firearms possession and firearm ownership. We offer an initial consultation to review your case and discuss your legal options before you make any decisions.