Places off-limits to carry in CT?

[GSG]

I just put in for my CT non-res. permit, and I went to the state website to look up the laws they show you in the licensing packet. From what I've read, it seems that the only place you can't carry a gun is on the grounds of any elementary school, secondary school, or at a school sponsored event.
http://www.cga.ct.gov/2007/pub/Chap952.htm#Sec53a-217b.htm

I have two questions. One, how does the state define "secondary schools" (does it apply to colleges?), and are there any other places off limits to carry, aside from the obvious federal property restrictions?

I'd like to visit a friend at college in CT without unknowingly committing a felony, know what I mean?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[GSG]

Anyone?

 

[Big_Red]

You CANNOT carry on ANY SCHOOL grounds. It is pretty much the same as in MA.

 

[GotGuns]

You cannot carry on any school grounds
in CT you can not carry in any federal bldg, state bldg, or the casinos.
You cannot carry in a bar or any place alcohol is served, bars, clubs...

I know also you can not carry to your place of work.
You can not leave a fireare in your car, if you have a firearm on you car
it must be on your person. unless it has been taken apart.

 

[Rob Boudrie]

You cannot carry on any school grounds
in CT you can not carry in any federal bldg, state bldg, or the casinos.
You cannot carry in a bar or any place alcohol is served, bars, clubs...

I know also you can not carry to your place of work.
You can not leave a fireare in your car, if you have a firearm on you car
it must be on your person. unless it has been taken apart.

Do you have a statutory cite for the alcohol or place of work references, or the prohibition on leaving a firearm in a car?

 

[USMC109]

You cannot carry on any school grounds
in CT you can not carry in any federal bldg, state bldg, or the casinos.
You cannot carry in a bar or any place alcohol is served, bars, clubs...

I know also you can not carry to your place of work.
You can not leave a fireare in your car, if you have a firearm on you car
it must be on your person. unless it has been taken apart.

The first statement is true 100%!

The rest are all ABSOLUTELY wrong except for the casino which you can carry to/in if you get "permission" or a tribal land permit.

You most certainly CAN carry in a bar in CT prvided that the establishment does not have a visible sign posted that specifies no weapons however this is NOT a state law.The law merely states that you cannot be under the influence of alchol (meaning over the legal limit of .08).Is it a good idea...well that is for you to determine.

THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO CT STATE OR FEDERAL LAW THAT STATES THAT YOU CANNOT CARRY TO YOUR PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT.Some business may forbid it but that is up to the business owner...again,not against any law.Think about it,how would police,fire marshals,security gaurds,armored car gaurds etc... do their jobs with no firearm?

Last one as well is a fabricated myth!Locking a gun up in your car is the same as locking it up in your house in CT.As long as you don't leave the windows down or the doors unlocked...IT HAS TO BE SECURE! Also you most certainly can have the firearm anywhere in the car while you ar in it as long as it is under your direct control.So,if your alone it can be in the back seat if you wish for example or anywhere else you like however if there is say a child in the car and the gun is under their seat and they can gain access to it,well then you're in trouble.If the child whatever age or anyone for that matter is knowledgeable enough to know not to touch it then fine.Again is it a good idea to leave a gun in your car...you make the decision.Obviously,This information applies to CT res. and non-res. pistol permit holders only!

Here is the State of Connecticut Statutes website: http://search.cga.state.ct.us/dtsearch_pub_statutes.html

Sec.29-38 Weapons in Vehicles is toward the bottom of the page.

This is exacly why people need to read and understand the state laws pertaining to carrying/possesion of firearms and not make their own inaccurate assumptions b/c Joe Schmoe down the block said so!

 

[USMC109]

Furthermore even if you don't have a pistol permit you do NOT have to disassemble your firearms to transport them in your car say to the shooting range.They must be unloaded and cable locked or in any lockable storage case and in a separate compartment from their ammunition if any is being transported.Basically if you lock the guns in the trunk,transport the ammo in the back seat or glove compartment.

 

[Rob Boudrie]

The first statement is true 100%!

The CT law on school carry is about as incomprehensible as it gets, because it states that you cannot carry without a license - but does not define if that means "license" as in permission or if it refers to a carry permit. What is interesting is that an update in 1998 (approx) removed the section specifically exempting carry license holders.

This is exacly why people need to read and understand the state laws pertaining to carrying/possesion of firearms and not make their own inaccurate assumptions b/c Joe Schmoe down the block said so

It's amazing how many laws people make up and how much inaccurate information is circulated.

 

[glennv]

You most certainly CAN carry in a bar in CT prvided that the establishment does not have a visible sign posted that specifies no weapons however this is NOT a state law.The law merely states that you cannot be under the influence of alchol (meaning over the legal limit of .08).Is it a good idea...well that is for you to determine.

Just curious, what is the penalty if you refuse a sobriety test? RI has the same law about being intoxicated and often wondered how they would know you were drunk. We had a case where a man was charged and convicted of possessing a gun while under the influence, in his home. The court ruled the law unconstitutional only if he were using the gun to defend himself, not just hanging out with a gun while wasted.

I would assume prosecution of this kind only happens when you are completely blown-out drunk? Otherwise it would be near impossible to prove you are about .08?

 

[Rob Boudrie]

CT and RI are "May issue" states (although in CT "need" is not a criteria, "suitability" is). It would not be surprising for a permit to revoked if the subject refused a blood alcohol test.

 

[glennv]

CT and RI are "May issue" states (although in CT "need" is not a criteria, "suitability" is). It would not be surprising for a permit to revoked if the subject refused a blood alcohol test.

RI is both "shall issue" and "may issue". It depends on where you get your permit. All permit renewals are "shall issue" though. Complicates things doesn't it?

 

[USMC109]

It's amazing how many laws people make up and how much inaccurate information is circulated.[/QUOTE]

Tell me about it,I agree 100%!

 

[USMC109]

Just curious, what is the penalty if you refuse a sobriety test? RI has the same law about being intoxicated and often wondered how they would know you were drunk. We had a case where a man was charged and convicted of possessing a gun while under the influence, in his home. The court ruled the law unconstitutional only if he were using the gun to defend himself, not just hanging out with a gun while wasted.

I would assume prosecution of this kind only happens when you are completely blown-out drunk? Otherwise it would be near impossible to prove you are about .08?

Connecticut is still a shall issue state.I am not sure of the penalty for refusing a sobriety test if asked but I do know that if you shoot and kill someone and you are charged they will pull a vial of your blood so it's pretty hard to deny your blood/alcohol level at that point.I guess it all depends on each different situation.

 

[Rob Boudrie]

Connecticut is still a shall issue state.

Actually, if you look at the statutes CT is a "may issue" state, however, they are not allowed to consider your "need" when evaluating an application. Other factors may be used to determine suitability but, in practice, it's treated as "shall issue" for all practical purposes.

I do know that if you shoot and kill someone and you are charged they will pull a vial of your blood so it's pretty hard to deny your blood/alcohol level at that point.I guess it all depends on each different situation.

Does CT have the authority to take a blood sample without a court order or consent?

 

[glennv]

I would imagine that in some circumstances it wouldn't matter if you were drunk or not. I can't imagine that any law being upheld if you are defending yourself with a gun and then blow a .08% in at the station. In a bar. yeah you're in deep sh$t.

Truth is I can live with the limited restrictions in RI and CT. Some other states have wacky restrictions. There are virtually none here.

 

[USMC109]

Actually, if you look at the statutes CT is a "may issue" state, however, they are not allowed to consider your "need" when evaluating an application. Other factors may be used to determine suitability but, in practice, it's treated as "shall issue" for all practical purposes.

Perhaps you are correct on the specifics.

Does CT have the authority to take a blood sample without a court order or consent?

I'm not sure about that but rest assured they would find a way to take a blood sample in a self defense shoot. Most likely not in a DUI stop...it is your choice to blow or pee.

 

[USMC109]

I would imagine that in some circumstances it wouldn't matter if you were drunk or not. I can't imagine that any law being upheld if you are defending yourself with a gun and then blow a .08% in at the station. In a bar. yeah you're in deep sh$t.

Truth is I can live with the limited restrictions in RI and CT. Some other states have wacky restrictions. There are virtually none here.

Oh I could definitely see a DA trying to persuade a jury into believing that you are an out of control murderer if you were intoxicated and killed in self defense.It has happened before.I really don't think it would matter if you were in a bar or at home for that matter.

 

[USMC109]

GlennV are you from CT as well?

 

[glennv]

GlennV are you from CT as well?

No I'm from RI.

I definitely agree with you on the prosecution making you out to be a crazed murderer. They'll try that in any self defense situation. We're all too far north to expect anything less.

 

[USMC109]

No I'm from RI.

I definitely agree with you on the prosecution making you out to be a crazed murderer. They'll try that in any self defense situation. We're all too far north to expect anything less.

I couldn't aree more!

 

[glennv]

I couldn't aree more!

Truth is we are enemy to these liberal politicians and prosecutors. You shoot a guy in self defense and you legitimize CCW. They'll never let that happen.

 

[GSG]

The CT law on school carry is about as incomprehensible as it gets, because it states that you cannot carry without a license - but does not define if that means "license" as in permission or if it refers to a carry permit. What is interesting is that an update in 1998 (approx) removed the section specifically exempting carry license holders.


It's amazing how many laws people make up and how much inaccurate information is circulated.

RobBoudrie, this is what I mean. I printed copies of every law related to firearms in CT after applying for my non-res. there, and as I read it, college carry isn't illegal. It is very confusing, but I was hoping to find a CT lawyer or LEO on here...something. Anyway, thanks for all the replies.

 

[GSG]

I just found this with Google:
http://www.cga.ct.gov/2006/rpt/2006-R-0658.htm

October 25, 2006
2006-R-0658

POSSESSION OF WEAPON ON SCHOOL GROUNDS



By: Soncia Coleman, Associate Legislative Analyst


You asked whether properly trained Connecticut public school faculty and staff are allowed to have guns in schools.

Permission to carry a gun in a public school is limited. The deciding factor for those who may carry a gun is not whether they have been properly trained and licensed but rather why they are on school grounds. Generally, possessing a firearm or deadly weapon on school grounds is a class D felony, punishable by up to five years imprisonment, a $ 5,000 fine, or both. A person is guilty of this crime when, knowing they are not licensed or privileged to do so, a person possesses the weapon (1) in or on public or private elementary or secondary school property or (2) at a school-sponsored activity. However, this prohibition does not apply to the otherwise lawful possession by a:

1. person for use in a program approved by school officials that is on school property or at a school-sponsored activity (e. g. fire-arm safety program);

2. person in accordance with an agreement between the person or person's employer and the school district (e. g. security guard);

3. peace officer while engaged in the performance of his official duties; and

4. person while traversing school premises for the purpose of gaining access to public or private lands open to hunting or other lawful purposes, if the entry is authorized by the board of education and the weapon is unloaded (CGS § 53a-217b).

When this law was originally enacted in 1992, there was an additional exception for the lawful possession of a firearm by a person holding a valid state or local permit. However, this exception was eliminated in 1998.

While a teacher or staff-member would be prohibited from bringing a gun to school without the district's permission, the statute appears to allow him to do so pursuant to an agreement with said district. However, it is not clear from session transcripts that this result was contemplated by the legislature and a cursory review of related board of education policies reveals that this practice would generally be prohibited by school districts. For instance, Hartford Public Schools' policy on weapons and dangerous instruments and personnel states that “all dangerous instruments and illegal weapons are prohibited on school property, student transportation and at school-sponsored activities. ” Similarly, a Stamford Public Schools board of education policy notes that “the presence of weapons poses a risk to all persons, and [the board] prohibits weapons from school property and school-sponsored activities, except as may be required as a condition of employment, such as for peace officers. ” It generally prohibits employees and others form bringing any weapon or dangerous instrument onto school property or to any school-sponsored activities.

 

[GSG]

You CANNOT carry on ANY SCHOOL grounds. It is pretty much the same as in MA.

This is the CT law, with my bold emphasis added:
http://www.cga.ct.gov/2005/pub/Chap952.htm#Sec53a-217b.htm

Sec. 53a-217b. Possession of a weapon on school grounds: Class D felony. (a) A person is guilty of possession of a weapon on school grounds when, knowing that such person is not licensed or privileged to do so, such person possesses a firearm or deadly weapon, as defined in section 53a-3, (1) in or on the real property comprising a public or private elementary or secondary school, or (2) at a school-sponsored activity as defined in subsection (h) of section 10-233a.

(b) The provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to the otherwise lawful possession of a firearm (1) by a person for use in a program approved by school officials in or on such school property or at such school-sponsored activity, (2) by a person in accordance with an agreement entered into between school officials and such person or such person's employer, (3) by a peace officer, as defined in subdivision (9) of section 53a-3, while engaged in the performance of such peace officer's official duties, or (4) by a person while traversing such school property for the purpose of gaining access to public or private lands open to hunting or for other lawful purposes, provided such firearm is not loaded and the entry on such school property is permitted by the local or regional board of education.

(c) Possession of a weapon on school grounds is a class D felony.



This is the MA law, with my bold emphasis again added:
http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/269-10.htm

(j) Whoever, not being a law enforcement officer, and notwithstanding any license obtained by him under the provisions of chapter one hundred and forty, carries on his person a firearm as hereinafter defined, loaded or unloaded or other dangerous weapon in any building or on the grounds of any elementary or secondary school, college or university without the written authorization of the board or officer in charge of such elementary or secondary school, college or university shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. For the purpose of this paragraph, “firearm” shall mean any pistol, revolver, rifle or smoothbore arm from which a shot, bullet or pellet can be discharged by whatever means.

Any officer in charge of an elementary or secondary school, college or university or any faculty member or administrative officer of an elementary or secondary school, college or university failing to report violations of this paragraph shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars.


So I don't think it's the same as MA law, it reads differently. I know comparing two different states law's is like comparing apples and oranges, but it seems to me that it would be included on that. I've even checked the student policies of some CT colleges, and found that while posessing a firearm on college grounds violates school policy, there's no mention of it being illegal.

I'll keep at it with Google, maybe try to find a case with a conviction for carrying in a college in CT.

 

[KimberCT]

1. person for use in a program approved by school officials that is on school property or at a school-sponsored activity (e. g. fire-arm safety program);

2. person in accordance with an agreement between the person or person's employer and the school district (e. g. security guard);

3. peace officer while engaged in the performance of his official duties; and

4. person while traversing school premises for the purpose of gaining access to public or private lands open to hunting or other lawful purposes, if the entry is authorized by the board of education and the weapon is unloaded (CGS § 53a-217b).

When this law was originally enacted in 1992, there was an additional exception for the lawful possession of a firearm by a person holding a valid state or local permit. However, this exception was eliminated in 1998.

So, technically it would be illegal for one to enter school grounds even if you have a LTC.

So... I drive through 3 different school grounds just going to pick up a pizza across town. They even have those nifty "Gun Free Zone" signs. Apparently, I'm breaking the law.

 

[USMC109]

So, technically it would be illegal for one to enter school grounds even if you have a LTC.

So... I drive through 3 different school grounds just going to pick up a pizza across town. They even have those nifty "Gun Free Zone" signs. Apparently, I'm breaking the law.

Driving through a school zone is different as long as you are not on the grounds or on their property.I don't know if this is what you meant.Even if you drove through such as a shortcut and were stopped I don't think any reasonable LEO would give you a hard time especially at night after school closing unless there were an event going on there at the time.

 

[govenatorx]

I know that we are talking about the letter of the law here, but remember, the color of the law is USUALLY what is enforced (unless you are a major dork and deserve to be arrested for your stupidity). Most LEO's believe that people with permits aren't those to be afraid of because they did what they needed to do to get a legal permit.

I know the Hartford Civic Center says no weapons also. Any private company can dictate if you are allowed to carry on their property, as I understand the law. If they say no, you need permission to carry there.

 

[Rob Boudrie]

I know the Hartford Civic Center says no weapons also. Any private company can dictate if you are allowed to carry on their property, as I understand the law. If they say no, you need permission to carry there.

Do you have a statutory cite for that? Only some states make it a crime to violate a private business's prohibition (for example, TX is a 30.06 compliant sign is posted; MA has no such provision).

 

[govenatorx]

Do you have a statutory cite for that? Only some states make it a crime to violate a private business's prohibition (for example, TX is a 30.06 compliant sign is posted; MA has no such provision).

No statue for it that I know of. It is private property so they reserve the right to serve you or not, based on their own terms. Basically, if you don't do what the owners want,jump when they want you to, dress the way they want you to, you are not allowed there. If the police were called there to handle a complaint from management based on a person carrying, the person carrying would be asked to leave. If they didn't, then it probably would turn into a simple or criminal trespass. Just because the 2nd Amendment exists doesn't necessarily mean you can carry anywhere, which sucks. I know that Six Flags is the same way in Agawam. I had to go to security and lock up my heater there because they didn't allow firearms on their property. They reserve the right to not allow you in.

 

[Rob Boudrie]

...They reserve the right to not allow you in.

This is all correct, but all of what you say is a HUGE difference from those states where there are "private posting laws", which is why I asked if you had a statutory cite. Violate a 30.06 sign in TX and you have committed a criminal offense and you may be arrested even if you are perfectly willing to comply with a request to vacate the premises immediately.