Connecticut § 53-203 - Unlawful discharge of firearms.
Full text of Connecticut Connecticut General Statutes § 53-203 — Unlawful discharge of firearms., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 53-203. Unlawful discharge of firearms.
Sec. 53-203. Unlawful discharge of firearms. Any person who intentionally, negligently or carelessly discharges any firearm in such a manner as to be likely to cause bodily injury or death to persons or domestic animals, or the wanton destruction of property, shall be guilty of a class C misdemeanor.
(1949 Rev., S. 8521; P.A. 73-457; P.A. 12-80, S. 103.)
History: P.A. 73-457 essentially rewrote provisions, which previously prohibited discharging firearms “in any city or borough, except on military occasions, without permission first obtained from the mayor of such city or the warden of such borough” and which had imposed fine for firing cannon without permit applicable to proprietors or persons in charge of private military schools, to forbid discharging firearm so as to harm persons, domestic animals or property and to increase maximum fine from $7 to $250 and maximum imprisonment from 30 days to 3 months; P.A. 12-80 replaced penalty of a fine of not more than $250 or imprisonment of not more than 3 months or both with a class C misdemeanor.
Cited. 169 C. 309; 186 C. 574; 197 C. 602; 215 C. 739; 219 C. 363; 226 C. 497.
Cited. 24 CA 408.
Cited. 39 CS 359.
Source: official Connecticut text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut § 53-203
What does Connecticut General Statutes § 53-203 cover?
Section 53-203 ("Unlawful discharge of firearms.") 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 § 53-203?
A common citation format is "Connecticut General Statutes § 53-203" (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 § 53-203 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.