A Guide to Pistol Permits in Connecticut
The right of an individual to keep and bear arms is protected by the United States Constitution, specifically the Second Amendment, and the Connecticut Constitution. Connecticut has among the strictest state gun laws in the country. A permit or eligibility certificate is required to purchase firearms and ammunition in Connecticut. With very limited exceptions, a Connecticut pistol and revolver permit is required to carry handguns outside the home, including in a vehicle--Connecticut does not recognize permits issued by other states.
Pistol Permits
Connecticut requires individuals to possess a Permit to Carry Pistols or Revolvers in order to carry a handgun, which could be either a pistol or revolver. A “pistol permit” can be used to purchase ammunition or long guns, which include rifles and shotguns. Individuals who are eligible to possess firearms first apply through their local issuing authority, which is usually a police department but could be a selectman or other official for a municipality that does not have its own police department. The issuing authority can deny permits to individuals it finds ineligible or eligible but “unsuitable.” Suitability is a subjective determination and a finding that one is not suitable can be based on information and interactions, even if there is no arrest or conviction.
How to Appeal the Denial of a Pistol Permit
An applicant who is denied a permit can appeal to the Board of Firearms Permit Examiners, who will hold an evidentiary hearing and decide to grant or deny the permit. The Board’s decision could be further appealed to the Superior Court. The time to appeal is ninety days from the denial, so you should contact Pattis & Paz right away. In many cases, the denial is based on an error or an issue that can be corrected. Attorney Chris DeMatteo has assisted several clients obtain permits after they were denied by issuing authorities but before their appeals were heard.
How to Appeal the Revocation of a Pistol Permit
A permit that has been issued can be revoked for a variety of reasons. An arrest or other incident with law enforcement can trigger a revocation. As with denials, a revocation can be appealed to the BFPE. We have successfully appealed numerous revocations for clients.
What is an Eligibility Certificate?
Pistol permits require suitability. Purchasing and possessing firearms and ammunition requires only eligibility. Various state and federal statutes establish disqualifications for possessing firearms--the most common are convictions for felonies and domestic violence offenses. In addition to pistol permits, Connecticut issues ammunition, long gun and pistol/revolver eligibility certificates. An ammunition certificate allows a person to purchase only ammunition. A long gun eligibility certificate enables a person to purchase a rifle, shotgun or ammunition. A pistol or revolver eligibility certificate enables a person to purchase, but not carry, a handgun, or ammunition.
Connecticut Firearms and Weapons Lawyers
The attorneys at Pattis & Paz are dedicated to protecting the rights of lawful gun owners and defending those accused of violating Connecticut’s strict weapons laws. Whether you are facing criminal charges, administrative proceedings for a permit denial or revocation, or other firearm-related legal challenges, our experienced legal team will advocate for you every step of the way. We understand that firearm ownership is both a constitutional right and a responsibility, and we fight to ensure that these rights are preserved for law-abiding citizens. From navigating the appeals process for permit denials and revocations to defending against criminal accusations, our lawyers bring a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record to every case. If you need help with a firearm-related issue, contact Pattis & Paz for experienced, reliable legal representation.
