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Connecticut General Statutes § 29-36 – Alteration of Firearm Identification Marks
Understanding C.G.S. § 29-36
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Connecticut law strictly prohibits altering or removing the serial number or other identification marks on a firearm. Under this statute, it is illegal to deface, alter, or obliterate any manufacturer’s mark of origin or serial number on a firearm. Lawmakers enacted this provision to combat the circulation of untraceable weapons and to assist law enforcement in solving crimes involving firearms.
People are often charged under this statute in situations involving used or inherited firearms, firearms purchased privately, or guns that have been modified without the owner realizing the legal implications.
What the Law Says- It is unlawful to alter, remove, or obliterate the serial number or identification marks on any firearm.
- Possession of a firearm with a removed or altered serial number is also prohibited, even if you were not the person who altered it.
- Firearms with altered serial numbers are subject to immediate seizure and forfeiture by law enforcement.
A violation of this law is a Class C felony, punishable by:
- Up to 10 years in prison
- Fines of up to $10,000
- Mandatory minimum of 2 years imprisonment that cannot be suspended or reduced by the court
Conviction can also lead to a permanent loss of firearm rights and the forfeiture of the weapon involved.
Defenses to § 29-36 ChargesEvery case is unique, but common defenses include:
- Lack of knowledge – showing that you did not know the firearm’s serial number was altered when you possessed it.
- Unlawful search or seizure – evidence obtained through illegal police procedures can be suppressed.
- Chain of custody issues – challenging whether the state can prove the firearm in question is the same one allegedly altered.
- Accelerated Rehabilitation (AR) Program – For eligible first-time offenders, AR allows the court to place you under a period of supervision. If you comply with all conditions, the case is dismissed and your record is erased, avoiding a permanent felony conviction.
- C.G.S. § 29-35 – Carrying a Pistol Without a Permit
- C.G.S. § 29-38 – Weapons in Vehicles
- C.G.S. § 53a-217 – Criminal Possession of a Firearm
A man buys a used handgun at a private sale and later discovers the serial number has been ground off. When stopped for a minor traffic violation, police find the gun in his glovebox. The man could be charged under Connecticut General Statutes § 29-36 for possessing a firearm with an altered serial number.
A woman inherits her late uncle’s rifle collection and takes the guns to a gunsmith for cleaning. The gunsmith notices that one rifle’s serial number has been defaced. Because she was unaware of the alteration and took immediate steps to surrender the firearm, this may serve as a viable defense against charges under § 29-36.
A man intentionally files off the serial number of his handgun to prevent it from being traced. He is later arrested following a routine traffic stop. He could face prosecution under Connecticut General Statutes § 29-36 for altering a firearm identification mark, a Class C felony with a mandatory minimum sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions1. Is it illegal to own a gun with no serial number in Connecticut?
Yes, unless it is an antique firearm manufactured before 1899 or falls within another narrow exemption.
2. What if I didn’t know the serial number was altered?
Lack of knowledge can be a defense, but the state will try to prove you “knowingly” possessed the altered firearm.
3. Can I be arrested just for having the gun in my car?
Yes. Possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, even in a vehicle, is illegal under this statute.
4. What happens to the firearm if I’m charged?
It will be seized by law enforcement and forfeited if the case results in conviction.
5. Is there a mandatory minimum jail sentence?
Yes. A conviction carries a mandatory minimum of 2 years in prison for altering or possessing a firearm with a defaced serial number.
6. Does this apply to unfinished frames or “80% receivers”?
Yes. Once they are made functional, they must have a valid serial number to be legal in Connecticut.
7. Can federal charges also apply?
Yes. Altering or possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number can trigger federal charges in addition to state charges.
8. Can police search my gun collection without a warrant?
Generally no, unless they have consent, probable cause, or a valid warrant. Unlawful searches can be challenged in court.
9. Can I avoid a conviction if this is my first offense?
Yes. If you qualify for Accelerated Rehabilitation (AR), the court can dismiss your case upon successful completion, keeping your record clean.
10. Should I talk to the police if I’m being investigated?
No. You should remain silent and contact an experienced firearms defense attorney immediately.
Allegations of altering or possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number can result in severe penalties and long-term consequences. If you are facing charges under C.G.S. § 29-36, you need a lawyer who understands Connecticut’s firearms laws and knows how to fight these cases.
I have over 30 years of experience defending clients against firearms charges across Connecticut. Call me today at (203) 357-5555 for a free consultation, or fill out the secure contact form below to get immediate help.
