Hartford, CT Weapons Charges Defense Attorneys

Lawyers for Charges of Illegal Possession or Use of Guns and Other Weapons in Connecticut

If you have been charged with an offense involving firearms or other weapons, you may face serious penalties, including the possibility of incarceration, a permanent criminal record, and the loss of the right to possess guns in the future. Weapons offenses are taken seriously in Connecticut, and whether a charge is the result of an honest mistake, a misunderstanding, or an alleged act of violence, legal representation is essential. At Woolf & Ross Law Firm, LLC, our criminal defense attorneys can help navigate these complex cases, ensuring that your rights are protected while building a defense focused on minimizing the potential legal consequences.

Connecticut law defines a broad range of gun and weapons offenses. Below are several of the most commonly charged weapons-related crimes:

Carrying a Dangerous Weapon

This charge involves possessing certain types of prohibited weapons, including switchblades, brass knuckles, certain martial arts weapons, police batons or nightsticks, or electronic stun guns. Carrying these items in a vehicle or on one's person can lead to criminal charges.

This offense is a Class E felony, and a conviction may result in imprisonment for up to three years and a fine of up to $3,500. A defense may center on whether an item fits the statutory definition of a dangerous weapon or whether you were lawfully transporting a weapon for a legitimate purpose.

Carrying a Firearm Without a Permit

Connecticut requires a valid permit to carry a pistol or revolver, whether openly or concealed. Carrying a handgun without this permit is a Class D felony, punishable by up to five years in prison, as well as a potential fine as high as $5,000.

Defenses may include proving that the firearm was not operable, that the person was not in a public place, or that the accused held a valid permit that was not readily available at the time of the arrest.

Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm

Discharging a gun in a manner that endangers others can lead to criminal charges. Even if the shooting was accidental, a person may be charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm, as long as the gun was fired negligently or carelessly.

This offense is a Class C misdemeanor, and a conviction could lead to a prison sentence of up to 90 days, as well as a potential $500 fine. Our defense attorneys may investigate whether the discharge was truly reckless or whether the accused was acting in self-defense or under duress.

Carrying a Firearm While Intoxicated

Possessing or carrying a gun while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offense in Connecticut. The law does not require the weapon to be discharged or brandished—mere possession while a person was impaired can lead to criminal charges.

This Class B misdemeanor may lead to up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Legal defenses may involve disputing the level of intoxication or whether the firearm was actively being carried.

Criminal Possession of a Firearm

This offense typically applies to those with prior felony convictions, domestic violence restraining orders, or certain mental health adjudications. People who are prohibited from possessing firearms for these reasons may face criminal charges if they violate these restrictions.

As a Class C felony, this offense may carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum sentence of two years, as well as a maximum fine of $10,000. Our defense lawyers may challenge the underlying reason for the prohibition, or we may argue that the defendant was unaware of the weapon's presence.

Possession of a Weapon on School Grounds

Bringing any weapon, including a firearm, knife, or stun gun, onto school property is strictly prohibited, even if the person lawfully owns the weapon. The statute applies to both public and private school grounds and school-sponsored activities such as sports games.

This offense is a Class D felony. Legal defenses may involve questioning whether the weapon was knowingly brought onto school grounds or whether an area was clearly marked as a school zone.

Stealing a Firearm

Theft of a firearm, regardless of its value, is a Class C felony offense. The law imposes a mandatory minimum prison sentence of two years for those who are convicted. A defense might focus on intent, mistaken identity, or the possibility that the accused believed the firearm was lawfully theirs.

Negligent Storage of a Firearm

This charge may apply if a loaded gun is stored in a manner accessible to a minor or others. If someone accesses a firearm that was not stored and secured properly, and they went on to use the gun to injure or kill someone, the weapon's owner could face criminal charges.

Criminally negligent storage of a firearm is a Class D felony. Defenses may involve demonstrating that reasonable safety measures were taken or that the firearm in question was stolen.

Contact Our Hartford Weapons Charges Defense Lawyers

If you have been arrested for or charged with a gun crime or other weapons offense in Hartford, you need an attorney who understands the intricacies of Connecticut's weapons laws and who has the courtroom experience needed to handle these complex matters. Contact Woolf & Ross Law Firm, LLC at 860-290-8690 to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you challenge these charges.