Connecticut Assault Weapon Possession Ban

Connecticut General Statutes Section 53-202c prohibits the possession of any assault weapon as defined in CGS 53-202a, subject to limited exemptions.^[1] This is one of the most consequential provisions in Connecticut's firearms law, carrying severe penalties including mandatory minimum imprisonment.

General Prohibition and Penalty

Any person who possesses an assault weapon within Connecticut, except as provided by sections 53-202a through 53-202k and 53-202o, is guilty of a Class D felony.^[1] A Class D felony carries up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000. The statute imposes a mandatory minimum sentence of one year imprisonment that may not be suspended or reduced by the court.

First-Offense Reduction for Prior Lawful Possession

A first-time violation may be charged as a Class A misdemeanor (rather than a Class D felony) if the person can present proof that they lawfully possessed the assault weapon before the applicable ban date:^[1]

Prior to October 1, 1993, for weapons listed in the original named model list (subparagraph A of 53-202a)
On April 4, 2013, for weapons meeting the feature-based definitions added by the 2013 reforms (subparagraphs B through F)
On June 5, 2023, for weapons newly classified under HB 6667 (subparagraphs G through I), including pre-ban weapons and firearms with arm braces

A Class A misdemeanor carries up to 1 year imprisonment and a fine of up to $2,000.

Law Enforcement and Government Exemptions

The possession ban does not apply to:^[1]

DESPP, police departments, the Department of Correction, the Division of Criminal Justice, the Department of Motor Vehicles, DEEP, or military/naval forces
Sworn and certified members of organized police departments, the Division of State Police, or the Department of Correction acting in their official capacity
Persons who have been issued a valid Certificate of Possession under CGS 53-202d
Licensed gun dealers and gunsmiths servicing or repairing lawfully possessed assault weapons

What This Means for Gun Owners

Possession of an unregistered assault weapon is a serious felony in Connecticut. Any person who owns a firearm that may fall within the assault weapon definition should consult the detailed criteria in CGS 53-202a and consider obtaining legal counsel. Owners who lawfully possessed qualifying weapons before the applicable ban dates should have applied for a Certificate of Possession during the relevant registration window.^[2]

CGS 53-202c:
Assault Weapon Possession Ban