Will I Be Prosecuted for Weapons Charges in Connecticut?

 Posted on June 16, 2024 in Weapons Offenses

People in Connecticut who are arrested by law enforcement face a variety of criminal charges related to their alleged activities. In many cases, prosecutors will charge a person with as many offenses as possible. In addition to charges such as theft, violent crimes, or drug crimes, a person may face weapons charges because they allegedly had a firearm in their possession while committing another crime. Understanding how to defend against these charges can be difficult, which is why it is so important to secure representation from a skilled criminal defense attorney.

Addressing Concerns About the Prosecution of Weapons Crimes

In recent years, some people have noted statistics related to the prosecution of weapons charges in Connecticut and raised concerns that offenders who commit these types of crimes are not being prosecuted for these offenses. In 2022, out of 601 cases involving charges of criminal possession of a firearm or ammunition, 61 percent of these charges were dismissed or were not prosecuted. In the same year, 66 percent of the 648 cases where people were charged with carrying a pistol without a permit ended in dismissals or “nolles” (the legal term for cases where prosecutors choose not to prosecute a person for a charge).

However, these statistics do not tell the whole story. In many cases, weapons charges are grouped together with other types of criminal charges. Defendants will typically enter into plea bargains in which they plead guilty to certain charges, while other charges are dismissed. Because prosecutors will usually focus on the most serious charges, lower-level charges related to the possession or use of weapons may be dismissed, but a person may still be convicted of offenses that carry significant penalties.

In fact, a study by the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice found that out of 1,688 cases involving gun-related crimes in 2021 and 2022, 77 percent resulted in convictions. These cases involved defendants charged with weapons possession who had previously been convicted of felonies. Because prosecutors will seek convictions that carry lengthy prison sentences and other penalties, it is crucial for anyone who is facing weapons charges to have legal representation from a skilled, experienced attorney. 

Potential Weapons Charges in Connecticut

In many cases, criminal charges related to firearms or other weapons will involve accusations that a person possessed or carried a weapon without a permit. The offense of carrying a pistol or revolver without a permit may apply if a person allegedly had one of these weapons on their person while in public. This offense is a Class D felony, which can lead to a prison sentence of up to five years.

Charges of criminal possession of a firearm or ammunition may apply if someone is accused of possessing a weapon after being convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors, including drug possession, third-degree assault, or stalking. This charge may also apply in cases involving possession of a firearm by a person who is prohibited from doing so by a domestic violence restraining order. Criminal possession of a firearm or ammunition is a Class C felony, which carries a potential sentence of 10 years in prison.

Contact Our Hartford Weapons Charges Defense Lawyer

Criminal charges related to firearms or other weapons can be very serious. Even if prosecutors choose to drop certain charges, it is likely that they will pursue convictions and seek to maximize the penalties a person may face. At Woolf Law Firm, LLC, our Connecticut weapons crimes defense attorney will fight to protect your rights and help you defend against all of the charges you face. We will work with you to build a defense strategy that will allow you to resolve your case favorably and do everything possible to avoid serious penalties that could affect your freedom and your future. To get effective representation during your criminal case, contact us at 860-290-8690 and schedule a free, confidential consultation.