Carrying a Dangerous Weapon C.G.S. § 53a-206

Being arrested for carrying a “dangerous weapon” in Connecticut can feel shocking and unfair. Many people don’t even realize the item they had in their pocket or backpack is considered illegal. C.G.S. § 53-206 makes it a crime to carry certain weapons — even if you never used or intended to use them.

The statute covers items such as:

• Switchblade or automatic knives
• Metal knuckles
• Police batons or nightsticks
• Martial arts weapons such as nunchaku or throwing stars

The law focuses on possession and carrying, not just use. That means simply having one of these items on you can be enough to result in an arrest.

Carrying a dangerous weapon under C.G.S. § 53-206 is a Class A misdemeanor. A conviction can result in:

• Up to 1 year in jail
• Fines of up to $2,000
• Probation with strict conditions

Even if you never serve jail time, the real danger is the permanent criminal record. Employers, schools, and even landlords may view a weapons conviction as a red flag, which can affect your opportunities for years to come.

A 22-year-old was stopped by police outside a bar. He had a small switchblade clipped to his jeans, something he bought online, and thought was legal. He was arrested under § 53-206, even though he never pulled it out or threatened anyone.

A construction worker carried a collapsible baton in his backpack while commuting late at night. He explained it was for self-defense because he walked through rough neighborhoods. The officer still arrested him, and prosecutors charged him with carrying a dangerous weapon.

A college student had a set of nunchakus in his dorm room for martial arts training. Campus police found them during a dorm inspection and treated them as prohibited weapons. He was arrested, despite never using them in a threatening way.

A father driving home from work had a utility knife in his glovebox. The blade was less than four inches long, which made it perfectly legal. After reviewing the law, the officer determined it was not prohibited, and the man was released without charges — showing that sometimes, police get it right.

If you are charged with Carrying a Dangerous Weapon under C.G.S. § 53-206, prosecutors may also consider or substitute related statutes depending on where the weapon was found and the circumstances. Some of the most common related offenses include:

• C.G.S. § 29-38 – Weapons in a Motor Vehicle (Class D Felony). If a prohibited weapon is found in a car, every occupant can be charged. This offense is considered more serious than simply carrying a weapon on your person.
• C.G.S. § 29-35 – Carrying a Pistol or Revolver Without a Permit (Class D Felony). Connecticut requires a valid permit to carry a handgun. Being caught with a pistol or revolver without one is treated as a felony and prosecuted aggressively.
• C.G.S. § 53a-217 – Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Ammunition, or Electronic Defense Weapon (Class C Felony). This law applies to people barred from having weapons because of prior convictions or protective orders. Convictions carry mandatory jail time that cannot be suspended.
• C.G.S. § 53-202a – Possession of an Assault Weapon (Class D Felony). Connecticut has some of the strictest assault weapon laws in the country. Possessing one without proper authorization is a felony and includes mandatory jail time.
• C.G.S. § 53-202k – Commission of a Class A, B, or C Felony with a Firearm. This is a sentence enhancement law. If a firearm is used during another felony, five years of mandatory, non-suspendable prison time is added.

Just because you were arrested doesn’t mean you’ll be convicted. A strong defense may include:

• Proving the item is not actually illegal under the statute
• Challenging an unlawful search and seizure
• Demonstrating a legitimate purpose for the item
• Applying for the Accelerated Rehabilitation (AR) program if you’re a first-time offender

For many people with no prior record, the AR program is the best option to keep their record clean.

Prohibited weapons include switchblades, automatic knives, brass knuckles, police batons, and martial arts items like throwing stars or nunchaku. Even if you never use the weapon, just carrying it is enough for an arrest. The law is broad and gives police wide discretion.

No, it is a Class A misdemeanor. While not technically a felony, it still carries up to one year in jail, steep fines, and probation. More importantly, the conviction leaves a lasting criminal record.

Yes, but the blade must be under four inches and not an automatic or switchblade. Anything larger or with an assisted opening mechanism can lead to an arrest. Always check the law carefully before carrying.

If the search was unlawful, your lawyer can fight to have the evidence suppressed. Many arrests stem from questionable searches during traffic stops or pat-downs. Without the weapon as evidence, the case may fall apart.

Yes. Many first-time offenders are eligible for the Accelerated Rehabilitation (AR) program, which dismisses the case after successful completion. A skilled lawyer may also win dismissal by proving the item doesn’t fall under the statute.

Most cases last between three and six months, depending on whether you fight the charge or apply for AR. If AR is granted, the program typically lasts one to two years before final dismissal. Each case timeline depends on the court and facts.

Yes, unless the case is dismissed or erased. Even if you receive probation, the conviction will show up on background checks. That’s why it’s critical to fight aggressively to avoid a permanent record.

A lawyer can challenge the legality of the stop and search, dispute whether the item qualifies under the law, and negotiate alternatives like AR. Most importantly, your lawyer will work to protect your record and prevent one mistake from defining your future. Having an experienced defense attorney by your side makes all the difference.

Facing a Carrying a Dangerous Weapon charge under C.G.S. § 53-206 can feel unfair, especially if you had no intention of breaking the law. But with the right defense, many of these cases can be reduced, diverted, or even dismissed.

📞 Call me, Allan F. Friedman, Criminal Lawyer, today at (203) 357-5555 for a free consultation. I will listen to your story, explain your options, and fight to protect your record and your future.