An Overview of Connecticut’s Taser Laws
The state of Connecticut is strict when it comes to dangerous weapons. However, the laws regarding tasers are a little unclear. Although there are no laws that explicitly state whether or not a citizen may carry a taser, the lack of mention in the law creates murky waters for individuals seeking more information regarding the legality of tasers in Connecticut.
A lot of people think about defending themselves with guns or knives, but if you are looking for a device that gives your attacker a nasty shock, then a taser may be the best option for you.
Despite the lack of clarity in the law, most people who have tasers in Connecticut have not had any issues with authorities.
In 2007, Connecticut lawmakers passed Public Act No. 07-66, which requires all law enforcement officers to carry a firearm and taser. However, this act did not clarify whether a civilian has the right to own and carry a taser. In fact, the act made carrying a taser a Class A misdemeanor.
The issue with Connecticut laws on weapons is that there are so many exceptions to the rules that the laws can become ambiguous. For example, under recent Connecticut law, electric weapons are classified as a switch blade because it’s electrically operated. However, the switch blade ban recently came to an end in 2014 (Public Act No.14-188). As a result, all of the laws previously established in regards to switch blades were also lifted .
As you can see, it can become quite confusing as lawmakers continue to lift previous bans and restrictions on weapons.
Just recently in 2015, the state of Connecticut openly revealed that tasers were legal for citizens to possess. The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection stated that tasers are legal for private citizens to perform self-defense.
Therefore, unless the taser is being used during the commission of certain crimes, allowing the taser to do unnecessary harm to another person, you should have no issues with carrying a taser for lawful reasons.
Although some people consider tasers as a good alternative to guns, tasers work on a completely different mechanism than a gun. Essentially, a taser works by firing power cords or wires into the air that carry an electrical current to the attacker when the wires connect to skin.
The amount of electrical energy that is transferred through the body varies from one type of taser to another, but there is sufficient evidence that tasers can stop an attacker from assaulting you long enough for you to escape.
If you are planning to carry a taser in Connecticut, it’s important to remember that the taser should be compliant and that you’re should only use it for self-defense.
Unlike guns, tasers are not a weapon that kills. Although there are reports of tasers killing individuals due to health concerns, there’s ample proof that a taser is sufficient enough to incapacitate a person for a short amount of time so that you can escape.
Connecticut Laws on Taser Possession
In Connecticut, the legality of owning a taser is a complicated one – understanding the law will help readers to stay within Connecticut law as well as help residents to both feel safe and be safe. Tasers come with a lot of controversies, which can cause problems if you are not aware of what the law states.
Under Connecticut law, an individual over the age of eighteen can legally own and possess a taser as long as they have registered the device with their local police department. This means that although individuals may have tasers within their homes, it must be registered so that it can be accounted for if necessary. Additionally, no individual under the age of eighteen is allowed to own or possess a taser, which is something illegal and can result in criminal charges.
If you do happen to use a taser in the state of Connecticut, state law does not allow for an ordinary citizen to be in possession of a concealed deadly weapon without an authorization permit. This means that it’s illegal to carry a taser on your person unless you have an authorization permit, even if you are otherwise legally allowed to own and possess the device on your own property.
Although residents of Connecticut have the legal capability of owning a taser, there are some regions that local legislation disallows their usage. It’s important to check the specific laws of your town or county to ensure that you are acting in accordance with the law. For example, if this is a concern for you, be sure to check the regulations in Bridgeport, which states, "No person shall use, shoot, throw, or discharge any air gun, crossbow, BB-gun, spring-gun, air-soft gun, slingshot, blow-gun, cork gun, paint-ball gun, bow and arrow, stud-finder, Taser, stun gun on any part of public or private highways, land, yard, street, park, playground, playfield, campground, recreation area or facility other than one licensed and leased to them that is enclosed and the interior clearly designated for that purpose." It is a Class C misdemeanor to possess a taser in these places, which should serve as a clear definition of the legal boundaries of this self-defense device.
As with any weapon, make sure that you are fully aware of your rights and responsibilities when purchasing and using a taser. If you are looking for more information regarding Connecticut laws on taser devices, take a look at the Connecticut General Statutes Title 53, which more clearly defines the guidelines and restrictions of tasers, stun guns, and other similar devices.
Taser Laws – Carrying and Use of a Taser
With respect to the physical carrying of a taser in Connecticut, the law is slightly more complicated than it is for stun guns. This is because tasers are classified as electronic defense weapons. That means they are treated differently than stun guns. CC §53-206(a).
In addition, tasers are specifically defined under CC §53a-3(20).
A taser can only be legally carried by:
A taser is illegal for anyone else to have on them in public. Helpfully, the statue further defines "public place" as meaning:
"at any place where the public or a substantial group of persons has a right to be present."
In addition, CC §53-206(a) rules that a taser can legally be carried in either of two situations. First, if you are sick and with a doctor’s note, tasers are okay. Second, if your employer gives you a written permission slip that you carry and show or hand to the cops when they ask you why you have the weapon.
Legally using a taser in Connecticut is very hard, if not impossible, for an ordinary citizen. You may use the taser only in your own home or on a business’ premises, if you have express permission from the owner.
Otherwise, the only time you are legally allowed to use a taser to defend yourself is if you are given express permission from the police department before you zap someone. CC §53a-20(c).
This is the only exception to the rule that a taser is deadly force. It is, therefore, illegal to use a taser to defend yourself unless you democratically petition the police department to get their permission.
That’s right: your taser isn’t allowed to be carried in public and even if you do carry it, you aren’t allowed to defend yourself with it.
Comparison of Tasers to Other States
Taser laws vary between states. In states around Connecticut, laws relating to Tasers tend to focus primarily on the State’s weapons laws. Taser laws in Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island focus on general weapons possession. While New York does track Tasers as a weapon, it does not distinguish between Tasers and other weapons when it comes to licensing and registration. The New York Police Department, however, requires individuals who want to use Tasers for work and non-lethal self-defense to receive a permit exemption which only applies to New York City residents. Massachusetts, on the other hand, does not require a license to possess or carry a Taser. An individual may not possess a "stun gun" (another commonly used term for a Taser) without "the written permission of the selectmen [of his town] or the chief of police of his city." In Rhode Island, tasers are classified as a dangerous weapon and must be licensed. Minimum age requirements are also imposed for use.
Legal Consequences of Using a Taser Improperly
The legal consequences of unlawfully possessing, carrying or using a taser in Connecticut can be harsh. A first offense for a violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53-206 carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $1,000 fine. A second offense carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. A third or subsequent offense carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $10,000 fine. These penalties can be enhanced further if a victim is injured.
In addition to possible criminal penalties , a person accused of illegal taser possession may face civil legal liability for the use of force. The Connecticut Supreme Court has held that the right to self-defense can apply against a third-part if the use of force was reasonable under the circumstances, even if such use of force prevented potential harm to the person. If a taser is to be used against a non-agressor, that person may also have a viable civil case.
How to Get a Taser Legally
In Connecticut, there is currently no licensing authority for the purchase or sale of Tasers. Usually, there are no restrictions placed on people who are lawfully permitted to purchase a Taser, therefore the options available to keep the household, place of business and oneself safe are similar to other tools. The basic legal requirements are to be at least 18 years of age, no felony record that prohibits the possession of weapons and the education and/or training necessary to properly handle, fire and maintain the Taser properly.
Most states have laws in place that make it mandatory for anyone who purchases a Taser from a dealer, to submit to them a background check under the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). In Connecticut, a law-abiding citizen will not have any problems obtaining a Taser if they have no felony record, psychiatric history with an involuntary commitment or adjudicated as mentally incompetent. Some retailers also require the purchaser to place their fingerprint on the receipt so it can be sent to the Taser International for processing.
Some retailers require buyers to take a 15-minute Taser certification course, which includes training on the effects of the electrical discharge, basic operating principles, effects of the electric shock on the human body and the hazards associated with the device. This requires that the individual provide copies of an official photo ID, pay a fee, sign a release of liability and pass the course.
Alternatives to Using a Taser for Self-Defense
While the Taser is not legal, there are still a number of other options that can be used for self-defense purposes. These include but are not limited to: Pepper Spray – A very popular self-defense option, pepper spray contains an offensive substance that, when sprayed into the eyes of an attacker, causes severe, temporary impairment of vision, as well as an extreme burning sensation in the remainder of the facial area. Legal for use without a permit in Connecticut, pepper spray is carried by many police officers and security personnel, as well as civilians for personal protection. Stun Gun – Though making headlines in recent years , the stun gun is not the same as the Taser. Unlike the Taser, the stun gun is a hand-held device. With the press of a button, a high voltage electrical shock is delivered from the device to the attacker, causing loss of voluntary muscle control. Allowing for hand-to-hand contact with the attacker, the stun gun is legal for purchase and possession in Connecticut without a permit. Legal Self-Defense Weapons – Other legal weapons that are used for self-defense purposes in Connecticut include night sticks or batons, tactical canes, tactical pens and kubotans. Each of these has its own advantages, disadvantages and recommended uses.