Connecticut § 53-202o - Affirmative defense in prosecution for possession of specified assault weapon.
Full text of Connecticut Connecticut General Statutes § 53-202o — Affirmative defense in prosecution for possession of specified assault weapon., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 53-202o. Affirmative defense in prosecution for possession of specified assault weapon.
Sec. 53-202o. Affirmative defense in prosecution for possession of specified assault weapon. (a) In any prosecution for a violation of section 53-202c based on the possession by the defendant of a specified assault weapon, it shall be an affirmative defense that the defendant (1) in good faith purchased or otherwise obtained title to such specified assault weapon on or after October 1, 1993, and prior to May 8, 2002, in compliance with any state and federal laws concerning the purchase or transfer of firearms, (2) is not otherwise disqualified or prohibited from possessing such specified assault weapon, and (3) has possessed such specified assault weapon in compliance with subsection (f) of section 53-202d.
(b) In any such prosecution, if such defendant proves such affirmative defense by a preponderance of the evidence, the specified assault weapon shall be returned to such defendant upon such defendant notifying the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection in accordance with subdivision (3) of subsection (b) and of subsection (c) of section 53-202n and obtaining a certificate of possession, provided such notification is made not later than October 1, 2003.
(P.A. 02-120, S. 4; P.A. 11-51, S. 134; P.A. 13-3, S. 31.)
History: P.A. 02-120 effective June 7, 2002; pursuant to P.A. 11-51, “Department of Public Safety” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection” in Subsec. (b), effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 13-3 made a technical change in Subsec. (a), effective April 4, 2013.
Secs. 53-202p to 53-202v. Reserved for future use.
Source: official Connecticut text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut § 53-202o
What does Connecticut General Statutes § 53-202o cover?
Section 53-202o ("Affirmative defense in prosecution for possession of specified assault weapon.") is part of the Connecticut General Statutes, the codified statutory law of Connecticut. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Connecticut § 53-202o?
A common citation format is "Connecticut General Statutes § 53-202o" (Connecticut). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Connecticut law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Connecticut official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Connecticut attorney.
How does Connecticut § 53-202o apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Connecticut can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Connecticut.