Red Flag | Connecticut Concealed Carry

Criminal Penalties Related to Red Flag Laws (Risk Protection Orders) in Connecticut

Connecticut's red flag law, codified primarily under CGS § 29-38c (as amended by PA 23-89, § 1; PA 24-24, §§ 11 & 12; PA 24-108, § 3; and PA 24-137, § 1), establishes a risk protection order (RPO) and risk warrant process. While the curated sources focus on the procedural framework of RPOs rather than enumerating specific criminal penalties for violations, the following enforcement-related information is available:

Risk Protection Orders (RPOs) - Enforcement Framework

• An RPO prohibits a person age 18 or older who is found to pose an imminent risk of injuring themselves or others from obtaining or possessing firearms, other deadly weapons, or ammunition.
• A risk warrant may be issued authorizing police to seize firearms, other deadly weapons, or ammunition from the subject of the order.
• The RPO and seizure remain in effect until the person successfully petitions the court to terminate the order and warrant.
• The person may petition to challenge the order and seizure starting 180 days after the initial hearing.
• A hearing must be held within 14 days after issuance of the RPO and warrant.

Minors (Under Age 18)

• Under CGS § 29-38q (PA 23-89, § 2), a separate risk warrant process applies to children under 18 who possess firearms or other deadly weapons and pose an imminent risk of injuring other people.
• This process includes risk warrants for seizure but does not include RPOs (as other laws already restrict firearm sales to minors).

Related Penalties - Carrying in State Parks or Forests

While not directly part of the red flag/ERPO framework, the sources note the following criminal penalties relevant to concealed carry permit holders:

• Illegally carrying weapons in a state park or forest in violation of Conn. Agencies Regs. § 23-4-1(c) constitutes an infraction with a total fine of $75 (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 23-4-5(b)(1)).
• DEEP may evict the violator from the property for 24 hours (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 23-4-5(a)(1)).
• DEEP may prohibit a violator from entering any state park for up to one year after conviction (CGS § 23-4(a)).

Note

The provided sources detail the procedural aspects of Connecticut's red flag law but do not enumerate the specific criminal penalties (e.g., felony or misdemeanor classifications, imprisonment terms, or fine amounts) for violating an RPO. Violation of an RPO would likely implicate existing Connecticut statutes regarding unlawful possession of firearms, but the specific penalty provisions for RPO violations under § 29-38c should be consulted directly in the full statutory text for complete penalty information.