Connecticut imposes some of the most severe criminal penalties for firearms violations in the United States. The state's penalty structure ranges from infractions to Class B felonies, with several offenses carrying mandatory minimum sentences that may not be suspended or reduced by a court. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the penalty classifications for major firearms offenses under Connecticut law.
Connecticut Felony Classification System
Before examining specific firearms offenses, it is important to understand Connecticut's felony classification system. Penalties for each class are set by statute:[1]
| Class | Maximum Imprisonment | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class A Felony | 10-25 years | $20,000 |
| Class B Felony | 1-20 years | $15,000 |
| Class C Felony | 1-10 years | $10,000 |
| Class D Felony | Up to 5 years | $5,000 |
| Class E Felony | Up to 3 years | $3,500 |
| Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | $2,000 |
Note: These are the general statutory ranges for each felony class. Individual firearms offenses within a class may carry mandatory minimum sentences that override the general range. See the specific offense articles on this site for applicable mandatory minimums.
Permit and Carry Violations
Carrying a pistol or revolver without a permit (CGS 29-35): Class D felony, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000. A mandatory minimum sentence of 1 year applies, though a court may waive the mandatory minimum if mitigating circumstances are found.[2]
Weapons in a vehicle without a permit (CGS 29-38): Class D felony, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000, and up to 3 years of probation.[3]
Assault Weapon and Magazine Violations
Possession of an unregistered assault weapon (CGS 53-202c): Class D felony with a mandatory minimum 1-year sentence that may not be suspended. First-time offenders who can prove they lawfully possessed the weapon before the applicable ban date may be charged with a Class A misdemeanor instead.[4]
Sale or transfer of an assault weapon (CGS 53-202b): Class C felony with a mandatory minimum 2-year sentence that may not be suspended, punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000.[5]
Possession of a large-capacity magazine by a prohibited person (CGS 53-202w): Class D felony, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment. Possession by a non-prohibited person who fails to comply with registration requirements is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year imprisonment and a fine of up to $2,000.[6]
Prohibited Person Violations
Criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (CGS 53a-217): Class C felony with a mandatory minimum of 2 years and 1 day imprisonment that may not be suspended or reduced, and a fine of up to $10,000 (with $5,000 that may not be remitted). This statute also applies to persons subject to protective orders, those involuntarily committed to psychiatric facilities, and individuals convicted of certain disqualifying misdemeanors.[7]
Possession of a weapon on school grounds (CGS 53a-217b): Class D felony, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000.[8]
Machine Gun and Trafficking Violations
Machine gun possession for offensive or aggressive purpose (CGS 53-202): 5 to 10 years imprisonment and/or a $1,000 fine. Possession during a violent crime carries 10 to 20 years imprisonment.[9]
Firearms trafficking (CGS 53-202aa): Class B felony with a mandatory minimum 3-year sentence, punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment.[10]
Storage Violations
Criminally negligent storage of a firearm (CGS 53a-217a): Class D felony when a violation of Ethan's Law (CGS 29-37i) results in another person obtaining the firearm and causing injury or death. Punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000.[11]
Ghost Gun Violations
Ghost gun possession by an ineligible person (CGS 29-36a): Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment. Ghost gun possession by an eligible person who fails to comply with registration or serialization requirements is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to 3 months imprisonment.[12]
Sentence Enhancements
Connecticut law imposes additional sentence enhancements when a firearm is used during the commission of certain crimes. Under CGS 53-202k, a defendant convicted of a Class A, B, or C felony who used, was armed with and threatened the use of, displayed, or represented possession of a firearm during the offense faces an additional 5-year nonsuspendable mandatory sentence, served consecutively to the underlying felony sentence. Under CGS 53-202j, if the crime was committed with an assault weapon, the additional nonsuspendable mandatory sentence increases to 8 years.[13]
Mandatory Minimums Summary
| Offense | Classification | Mandatory Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Carrying without permit (CGS 29-35) | Class D felony | 1 year |
| Unregistered assault weapon (CGS 53-202c) | Class D felony | 1 year |
| Criminal possession by felon (CGS 53a-217) | Class C felony | 2 years and 1 day |
| Firearms trafficking (CGS 53-202aa) | Class B felony | 3 years |
| Felony committed with firearm | Enhancement | 5 years (additional) |
| Felony committed with assault weapon | Enhancement | 8 years (additional) |