Can I Face Criminal Charges for Failing to Keep a Gun Secure?

 Posted on June 18, 2026 in Criminal Defense

Gun violence is a concern for many people throughout the United States. There are between 400 and 500 million privately owned firearms throughout the country, meaning that there are around 1.5 guns for every person in the country. Guns may be used in a wide variety of crimes, including murders and robberies, as well as school shootings and other mass shootings. Because of these issues, more attention is being paid to the risks of guns kept in people’s homes that are not stored in locked containers and may be accessible to children.

Some gun owners may be surprised to learn that they could be charged with criminal offenses if they do not keep their firearms secure. In cases where a child or someone else gained access to a gun and used it to commit a criminal offense, the owner of the weapon will need to understand what charges they may face and what defenses may be available. A criminal defense lawyer with experience addressing weapons charges can provide guidance on the best ways to address these charges.

Study Raises Concerns About Unsecured Guns in Homes

Guns are the leading cause of death for children and teenagers in the United States. The majority of these cases involve homicide, but suicide is also a serious concern, especially when children may have access to firearms in their homes. To address the scale of this issue, a recent study looked at gun ownership in the U.S. to estimate the number of homes where firearms may be kept unsecured.

Based on surveys of gun owners, the study found that there are around 32 million children who live in homes where firearms are present. Around 35 percent of gun owners report that they store guns safely, keeping them unloaded and ensuring that they are locked in safes or other containers. However, 21 percent of gun owners reported that they keep at least one firearm unlocked and loaded. This means there are around seven million children living in homes where they may have access to loaded firearms.

While parents of children who are younger than 13 are more likely to keep guns unloaded and make sure they are secured in locked containers, teenagers may be more likely to have access to guns that are loaded and unsecured. Teens are more likely to use guns to attempt suicide, and they may also use guns for school shootings or other crimes. Accidental injuries and deaths are also a concern, as children who have access to guns may use them unsafely and without supervision.

Criminal Charges Related to Unsecured Guns

As more attention is paid to unsecured firearms that may be used by children or others, laws have been passed to address this issue, and courts have taken action to charge gun owners with criminal negligence. Connecticut law details the responsibilities that apply to gun owners and the criminal charges they may face if they fail to keep firearms secured.

Under Connecticut General Statutes Section 29-37i, the owner of property where guns are kept or stored is required to keep guns in a locked container such as a gun safe, using reasonable methods to prevent unauthorized access or use of guns. If a person fails to do so, and a minor or another resident who is not allowed to possess firearms accesses a gun and uses it to cause an injury or death, the property owner may be charged with criminally negligent storage of a firearm. This offense is defined in Connecticut General Statutes Section 53a-217a, and it is a Class D felony. A person who is convicted may face a prison sentence of up to five years and/or a maximum fine of $5,000.

Contact Our Hartford Weapons Charges Lawyers

Parents who have allegedly failed to prevent their children from accessing and using guns or anyone else who has been accused of failing to store and secure guns correctly may face serious criminal charges. At Woolf & Ross Law Firm, LLC, our lawyers understand how to address these accusations and defend clients against criminal convictions. To arrange a free consultation and get effective legal representation in cases involving gun-related crimes, contact our Connecticut weapons charges attorneys at 860-290-8690.