Manchester Gun Crime Defense Lawyers
Vigorously protecting the futures of clients fighting firearms charges and enhancements
Gun-related charges can be involved in a broad range of crimes that run from minor to life-altering sentences. Maybe you’re a novice gun enthusiast who believed you purchased a legal firearm. Maybe you used a stolen gun to commit a robbery that ended in murder. Guns can be used in sexual assault, murder, robbery, and other serious crimes, thereby enhancing the severity of the charge.
Having the advice and guidance of an accomplished criminal defense attorney is the most critical first step when you have been arrested on gun-related charges, or have just been accused of a crime with a firearms enhancement. The Manchester defense lawyers of Barry, Taylor & Levesque, LLC know what’s on the line when you’re facing these kinds of charges. Contact us for the help you need, when you need it – today.
Gun related criminal charges in Connecticut
In Connecticut, the possession and use of firearms is strictly regulated, with punishments for violation of these laws being just as harsh. Even someone who legally owns a gun then privately sells it without understanding state law pertaining to background checks, may not realize that he or she could be buying a personal injury lawsuit should the new gun owner cause damage, injury or death with that gun.
Some of the gun crimes commonly charged in Manchester are:
- Possession of a sawed-off shotgun or silencer. Owning, controlling or possessing any sawed-off shotgun with a barrel of less than eighteen inches or an overall length of less than twenty-six inches, or owning, controlling or possessing any silencer intending to muffle the sound of a firearm during discharge.
- Stealing a firearm. Intent to deprive someone of their firearm by wrongfully taking, obtaining or withholding the firearm.
- Manslaughter with a firearm. Committing manslaughter by using, or being armed with and threatening the use of, or displaying or representing by words or conduct, that s/he possesses a pistol, revolver, shotgun, machine gun, rifle or other firearm.
- Assault with a firearm. Committing assault while using, or being armed with and threatening the use of, or displaying or representing by words or conduct, that s/he possesses a pistol, revolver, shotgun, machine gun, rifle or other firearm.
- Sexual assault with a firearm. Committing sexual assault while using, or being armed with and threatening the use of, or displaying or representing by words or conduct, that s/he possesses a pistol, revolver, shotgun, machine gun, rifle or other firearm.
- Kidnapping with a firearm. Committing kidnapping while using, or being armed with and threatening the use of, or displaying or representing by words or conduct, that s/he possesses a pistol, revolver, shotgun, machine gun, rifle or other firearm.
- Robbery with a firearm. in the course of the commission of the crime of robbery as defined in section 53a-133 or of immediate flight therefrom, he or another participant in the crime displays or threatens the use of what he represents by his words or conduct to be a pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, machine gun or other firearm.
The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the rights of citizens to keep and bear arms. There are times when exercising this freedom equated to a crime for which you need to assert the protection of a criminal defense attorney who is highly knowledgeable about gun laws. Your constitutional rights and freedom are on the line. You cannot afford to put your trust in just anyone – trust the legal team with a former prosecutor.
Sentences and fines imposed for firearms charges
Every single gun crime that someone can be charged with comes with the potential for being sentenced to incarceration. In addition to time in prison, felony and misdemeanor punishments include payment of fines beginning at $250 for the lowest sentence and climbing as high as $20,000 for the most serious of crimes. Minimum sentences for felonies that can be expected are:
Class A felony
Class B felony involving manslaughter Class B felony involving robbery Class B or C felony involving sexual assault Class C felony involving manslaughter Class C felony Class D felony involving assault Class D felony |
10 years in prison
5 years in prison 5 years in prison 10 years (2 years in prison with remainder on special parole) 1 year in prison 2 years in prison, and $5,000 fine 1 year in prison 5 years in prison |
Maximum prison sentences that can be imposed for misdemeanor gun charges include:
Class A misdemeanor
Class B misdemeanor Class C misdemeanor Class D misdemeanor |
Up to one year in prison
Up to six months in prison Up to three months in prison Up to 30 days in prison |
Being sentenced to any time in jail can leave your life shattered. Monetary fines for serious crimes can take years to pay off. Finding gainful employment as a convicted felon can be next to impossible, especially in the electronics age where anyone with internet access can type in your name and learn about your past. Speak with an experienced defense attorney at Barry, Taylor & Levesque, LLC to see how we can help you.
Defenses to charges for Manchester gun-related crimes
Many gun crimes are specific intent crimes where a person used a gun intending to cause fear or harm. There are several facets to a defense. Some actions occur early on by attempting to eliminate evidence, reduce charges, or attempting to have your case dismissed based on procedural defects. When trial is unavoidable, there are several general defense strategies that may be employed in specific intent cases, such as:
- Creating doubt
- Failure to meet the element of intent
- Mistake of law
- Self-defense and defense of others
- Mental disease or defect
Some statutory defenses to specific charges exist as well, including:
- Possession of sawed-off shotguns or silencers. You are a person, firm, corporation or museum licensed or otherwise permitted to possess or control sawed-off shotguns or silencers by law.
- Robbery. That the pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, machine gun or other firearm used was not a weapon from which a shot could be discharged.
When you are charged with a crime involving guns or other firearms your case requires being handled with a lot of skill and a little finesse. Our Manchester criminal defense attorneys will explain your rights and thoroughly discuss your legal options for obtaining the best outcome.
Helping Manchester clients facing gun charges get a second chance at life
The right criminal defense starts with retaining the right legal team who understands how much you have at stake. Barry, Taylor & Levesque, LLC will take a creative approach to fighting your charges to obtain the best results possible for your case. To speak with an attorney about your Manchester or Hartford gun or firearms charges, call our office at 860-649-4400 or reach out to us through our contact form today to schedule your consultation. We’re located right off I-84 or I-384 in Manchester.