Connecticut General Statutes Section 53-202b makes it unlawful to sell, distribute, transport, import, keep for sale, offer for sale, or give any assault weapon as defined in CGS 53-202a, with limited exceptions.[1] This statute represents one of the strictest assault weapon sale prohibitions in the nation.
Prohibited Conduct
Any person who, within Connecticut, distributes, transports, or imports into the state, keeps for sale, or offers or exposes for sale, or gives any assault weapon is guilty of a Class C felony.[1] A Class C felony in Connecticut carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000.
Mandatory Minimum Sentence
The statute imposes a mandatory minimum sentence of two years imprisonment that may not be suspended or reduced by the court.[1] This mandatory minimum applies regardless of whether it is a first offense.
Enhanced Penalty for Transfers to Minors
Any person who transfers, sells, or gives any assault weapon to a person under eighteen years of age shall be sentenced to an additional term of imprisonment of six years. This six-year sentence may not be suspended or reduced and must run consecutive to the base sentence imposed for the underlying violation.[1]
Exemptions
The prohibition does not apply to:
- Sales or transfers to the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), police departments, the Department of Correction, the Division of Criminal Justice, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, or military/naval forces of the state or United States
- Sales or transfers to sworn and certified members of organized police departments, the Division of State Police within DESPP, or the Department of Correction
- Certain transfers of registered assault weapons to licensed gun dealers under CGS 53-202d
Olympic Pistol Exception
The Commissioner of DESPP may, by regulation, allow the sale of semiautomatic pistols approved by the International Olympic Committee or USA Shooting for use in Olympic target shooting events, subject to specific conditions set by the Commissioner.[1]
What This Means for Gun Owners
Persons who hold a valid Certificate of Possession for a grandfathered assault weapon may not sell or transfer that weapon to any person within Connecticut other than a licensed gun dealer. Even private sales between family members are prohibited, except by bequest or intestate succession (inheritance).[2]
Sources
[1] CGS 53-202b -- Sale or transfer of assault weapon prohibited (Justia)
Title 53, Chapter 943, 53-202b