The laws restricting the use and ownership of firearms in Connecticut are among the harshest in the nation. Legal gun owners must take care to store, transport, and use their firearms properly. Violations of the state’s gun laws could lead to severe criminal penalties and the loss of your license to carry.

Additionally, allegations that you used a firearm to aid another offense will increase the potential penalties you face. Convictions are usually felonies that can result in a multiple-year prison sentence. Regardless of what gun offense you are accused of, you need legal representation.

A Manchester gun lawyer is here to defend your rights and advise you throughout the legal proceedings. Ruane Attorneys works with you to understand your side of the story, evaluate the strength of the prosecutor’s case, and develop a strategy tailored to your situation.

Illegal Possession of a Firearm in Manchester

There are limitations to one’s right to bear arms. One limiting factor is the type of firearm a person may possess. Connecticut General Statute § 29-35 says that people wishing to conceal carry a pistol or revolver must obtain a license. Furthermore, a license to carry does not mean a person can bring a gun anywhere. Courtrooms and airports are typical examples of restricted areas.

Certain people may not legally possess handguns. Both state and federal laws prohibit convicted felons from legally possessing any firearm. In addition, people with current restraining orders in place or those with a drug or alcohol dependency may also face prohibitions on firearm ownership. A local attorney at our firm could provide more information about the laws prohibiting firearm possession in the state and help defend the rights of legal gun owners.

Guns Are Aggravating Factors in Other Offenses

While it may be perfectly legal for a person to possess a firearm, unsafely using them can create legal complications. This is especially true when police or prosecutors accuse a defendant of using a firearm to commit a crime.

Assault Using a Weapon

A simple example is the state’s law concerning assault. Usually, assault is a misdemeanor under the state’s criminal code. However, under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-59, using a firearm to inflict harm on another makes an assault a class B felony. Convictions here can bring a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. Similar concepts apply to robberies, burglaries, and armed threats.

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-216 also creates a separate criminal offense for using a firearm as an aid in committing a crime. Under this statute, committing a class A, B, or C felony while armed with a pistol, revolver, shotgun, or any other type of firearm is a class D felony. This statute requires a five-year prison term in addition to any sentence handed down for the underlying offense. Those accused of using weapons to commit crimes should consult a Manchester gun lawyer to avoid severe penalties.

Contact a Manchester Gun Attorney to Discuss Your Rights

Charges for illegal possession or use of a gun are among the most serious in the state’s criminal code. In many cases, these are felony accusations where a conviction carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence. Even in misdemeanor cases, improperly possessing or carrying a firearm could result in heavy fines or the loss of a handgun license.

If you face weapons-related charges, reach out to a Manchester gun lawyer now. The legal team at Ruane Attorneys could work to mitigate the potential penalties and protect your rights throughout the case. Call us today for a consultation.