Are Stun Guns Legal in CT?

Stun guns, also known as tasers, have become increasingly popular as a non-lethal form of self-defense. However, stun gun laws vary by state and are constantly changing.

Connecticut law defines an electronic defense weapon as a device that can temporarily immobilize someone with an electrical impulse or current. It used to exclude devices that could inflict death or serious injury, but that exclusion was removed in 2021.

What is a stun gun?

A stun gun is a hand-held device that emits an electrical charge to cause pain and disable an assailant. It consists of two electrodes at the end of a long metal rod that attaches to the target’s skin or clothing. When the trigger is pulled, electricity passes between the prongs and causes a pain-inducing shock to the target.

Stun guns, also known as Tasers, are popular among law enforcement agencies. However, they are also available to the general public and can be purchased online and at many firearms retailers. Most stun guns are rechargeable and use replaceable batteries. Some have features that allow them to self-destruct in the event of theft or loss.

Stun guns and tasers are considered dangerous weapons by the state of Connecticut and must be kept with a permit from the district where the weapon is used. In addition, they cannot be carried in certain locations such as penal institutions, secure juvenile residential facilities, and halfway houses, or any facility where security personnel have been specifically prohibited from carrying them by an order from the court.

How do stun guns work?

A stun gun emits high voltage electricity that causes the attacker to experience an electric shock. This incapacitates the attacker allowing you time to escape or fight back. These devices are not designed to hurt you, but rather to stop an attacker from harming you or others.

Lesson One: When using a stun gun, it is best to use it on large muscle groups such as the chest, neck, abdomen, and groin. These areas will generate the most power. You will need to press the probes against your attacker for three to five seconds to get maximum effectiveness.

Stun guns and tasers are not considered to be firearms, but rather “dangerous weapons.” They must be carried with a dangerous weapon permit issued by your local police department. If you are caught carrying a stun gun without this permit, you can be found guilty of violating C.G.S SS 53-206. This is a strict liability offense.

Are stun guns legal in CT?

In Connecticut, TASERs are legal to own, use and carry for self defense purposes. However, there are some important restrictions to keep in mind. According to CT law, only individuals with a state pistol permit can carry on their person an electronic defense weapon like a stun gun. It is also illegal to injure another person through criminal negligence with a TASER or other electrical device. Additionally, convicted felons and people with a history of mental illness may be prohibited from possessing an electronic defense weapon.

A man is caught carrying a stun gun on his body without a CTPP. Because stun guns are expressly listed as dangerous weapons in C.G.S. SS 53-206, this man can be prosecuted for carrying a dangerous weapon. This law has many exceptions for specific individuals, including peace officers, security guards and martial arts students who are authorized to carry martial art weapons at competitions and classes and transport them to and from those events.

Are stun guns illegal in CT?

A stun gun is legal to buy, use & carry in Connecticut. It’s important to understand the legal implications of carrying one, however.

State law classifies tasers and stun guns as “dangerous weapons,” meaning that they’re subject to strict rules, restrictions and penalties. It’s illegal to possess a taser or stun gun in public without a permit unless you are a law enforcement officer or a security guard.

If you are caught with a stun gun without a permit, you could face misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the circumstances. The state law also states that no person addicted to any narcotic drug shall purchase or use a stun gun.

The laws surrounding stun guns in the state of Connecticut have changed over time, but as of 2021, a person who is 21 years old or older can carry an electronic defense weapon like a Taser as long as they have a valid permit. Permits are not available to convicted felons or people with a mental illness, and they can only be carried while on duty as a law enforcement officer or security guard.