Table of Contents Secs. 54-42 to 54-44. Original information in Superior Court. Bench warrant;
procedure on arrest; previous bond in Court of Common Pleas. Admissibility of
confession. Informations in cases appealed to Superior Court. Sections 54-42 to 54-
44, inclusive, are repealed. Sec. 54-45. When grand jury is required. Selecting grand jury. Alternate
grand jurors. (a) The Superior Court may, when necessary, order a grand jury of eighteen electors of the judicial district where said court is sitting to be summoned, impaneled
and sworn to inquire after and present such offenses as are cognizable by said court.
Said court may, in its discretion, order one or two additional electors to be added to the
grand jury as alternate grand jurors. Such alternate jurors shall be sworn separately from
those constituting the regular panel and shall not counsel or confer with members of the
regular panel as to any matters before the grand jury unless they become a part of the
regular panel as hereinafter provided. They shall attend the sessions of the grand jury
and shall be seated with or near the members of the regular panel, with equal opportunity
to see and hear all matters adduced in the proceedings. If for any reason a grand juror
is unable to further perform his duty, the court may excuse him and, if any grand juror
is so excused or dies, the court may order that the alternate juror or, if more than one,
that one who is designated by lot drawn by the clerk of the Superior Court, shall become
a part of the regular panel and the inquiry shall then proceed as though such grand juror
had been a member of the regular panel from the beginning of the inquiry. Sec. 54-45a. Record of grand jury proceedings. Transcripts. (a) In any grand
jury proceeding ordered pursuant to the provisions of section 54-45, the official stenographer of the Superior Court or his assistant shall make a record of the proceedings
excluding the deliberations, which shall be confidential and filed with the court. Access
to the transcript shall be available only to the prosecutorial official or any person accused
of crime as a result of the grand jury investigation or the accused person's attorney. The
prosecutorial official or the person accused of a crime as a result of such grand jury
investigation or the accused person's attorney may obtain a copy of the transcript by
paying for it. Sec. 54-46. Prosecution on complaint or information. For all crimes charged by
the state on or after May 26, 1983, the prosecution may be by complaint or information.
For all crimes punishable by death or imprisonment for life charged by the state before
May 26, 1983, the prosecution shall be by indictment. Sec. 54-46a. Probable cause hearing for persons charged with crimes punishable by death or life imprisonment. (a) No person charged by the state, who has not
been indicted by a grand jury prior to May 26, 1983, shall be put to plea or held to trial
for any crime punishable by death or life imprisonment unless the court at a preliminary
hearing determines there is probable cause to believe that the offense charged has been
committed and that the accused person has committed it. The accused person may knowingly and voluntarily waive such preliminary hearing to determine probable cause. Sec. 54-47. Investigations into commission of crime. Section 54-47 is repealed. Sec. 54-47a. Compelling testimony of witness. Immunity from prosecution. (a)
Whenever in the judgment of the Chief State's Attorney, a state's attorney or the deputy
chief state's attorney, the testimony of any witness or the production of books, papers
or other evidence of any witness (1) in any criminal proceeding involving narcotics,
arson, bribery, gambling, election law violations, felonious crimes of violence, any
violation which is an offense under the provisions of title 22a, corruption in the executive,
legislative or judicial branch of state government or in the government of any political
subdivision of the state, fraud by a vendor of goods or services in the medical assistance
program under Title XIX of the Social Security Act amendments of 1965, as amended,
any violation of chapter 949c, or any other class A, B or C felony or unclassified felony
punishable by a term of imprisonment in excess of five years for which the Chief State's
Attorney or state's attorney demonstrates that he has no other means of obtaining sufficient information as to whether a crime has been committed or the identity of the person
or persons who may have committed a crime, before a court or grand jury of this state
or (2) in any investigation conducted by an investigatory grand jury as provided in
sections 54-47b to 54-47g, inclusive, is necessary to the public interest, the Chief State's
Attorney, the state's attorney, or the deputy chief state's attorney, may, with notice to
the witness, after the witness has claimed his privilege against self-incrimination, make
application to the court for an order directing the witness to testify or produce evidence
subject to the provisions of this section. Sec. 54-47b. Investigatory grand jury. Definitions. For the purposes of sections
54-47a to 54-47h, inclusive: Sec. 54-47c. Application for investigation into commission of crime. (a) Any
judge of the Superior Court, Appellate Court or Supreme Court, the Chief State's Attorney or a state's attorney may make application to a panel of judges for an investigation
into the commission of a crime or crimes whenever such applicant has reasonable belief
that the administration of justice requires an investigation to determine whether or not
there is probable cause to believe that a crime or crimes have been committed. Sec. 54-47d. Appointment of investigatory grand jury. Duration and scope of
investigation. (a) If the panel approves the application and orders an investigation into
the commission of a crime or crimes, the Chief Court Administrator shall (1) appoint
an investigatory grand jury to conduct the investigation and (2) designate the court
location in the judicial district where any motions to quash and any contempt proceedings
shall be heard and any findings and records of the investigation shall be filed. Sec. 54-47e. Sealing of order and application. Summary of scope of investigation. Disclosure. Any order authorizing the investigation into the commission of a crime
or crimes and any application filed with the panel pursuant to section 54-47c or subsection (c) of section 54-47d shall be sealed. The panel shall submit to the Chief Court
Administrator a summary of the scope of the investigation, any recommendation as to
the court location at which any motions to quash and any contempt proceedings are to
be heard and the finding and record of the investigation are to be filed. Such summary
shall be public unless the panel determines, by majority vote, that such summary be
sealed for purposes of (1) ensuring the public safety of any individual, (2) ensuring that
the investigation would not be adversely affected or (3) complying with other provisions
of the general statutes or rules of court which prohibit disclosure of such information.
Any investigation by the investigatory grand jury shall be conducted in private, provided
the panel, by a majority vote, may order the investigation or any portion thereof to be
public when such disclosure or order is deemed by the panel to be in the public interest. Sec. 54-47f. Conduct of investigation. Testimony of witnesses. (a) The investigatory grand jury, in conducting the investigation, may (1) seek the assistance of the
Chief State's Attorney or state's attorney who filed the application, or his designee, (2)
appoint an attorney to provide assistance if a judge of the Superior Court, Appellate
Court or Supreme Court filed the application or (3) appoint any other attorney to provide
assistance when necessary in the interest of justice. Sec. 54-47g. Finding and record of investigation. Disclosure. Hearing. Access
to testimony. (a) Within sixty days of the conclusion of the investigation, the investigatory grand jury conducting such investigation shall file its finding with the court of the
judicial district designated by the Chief Court Administrator pursuant to subsection (a)
of section 54-47d, and shall file a copy of its finding with the panel and with the Chief
State's Attorney or a state's attorney if such Chief State's Attorney or state's attorney
made application for the investigation. The stenographer shall file any record of the
investigation with the court of the judicial district designated by the Chief Court Administrator pursuant to subsection (a) of section 54-47d and the panel and the Chief State's
Attorney or a state's attorney, if such Chief State's Attorney or state's attorney made
application for the investigation, shall have access to such record upon request made to
the clerk of the court without a hearing. Such finding shall state whether or not there is
probable cause to believe that a crime or crimes have been committed. Except as otherwise provided in this section, any part of the record of the investigation not disclosed
with the finding pursuant to subsection (b) shall be sealed, provided any person may
file an application with the panel for disclosure of any such part of the record. Upon
receipt of such application, the panel shall, after notice, hold a hearing and the panel,
by a majority vote, may disclose any such part of the record when such disclosure is
deemed by the panel to be in the public interest, except that no part of the record shall
be disclosed which contains allegations of the commission of a crime by an individual
if the investigatory grand jury failed to find probable cause that such individual committed such crime unless such individual requests the release of such part of the record.
Any person aggrieved by an order of the panel shall have the right to appeal such order
by filing a petition for review with the Appellate Court within seventy-two hours from
the issuance of such order. Sec. 54-47h. Report. In January of each year, the panel of judges appointed pursuant to section 54-47b shall report to the Chief Court Administrator, who shall in turn
report to the Chief Justice, Governor and General Assembly, the following information
with respect to applications made during the preceding calendar year: (1) The number
of applications for an investigation into the commission of a crime or crimes filed with
the panel; (2) the number of applications approved by the panel; and (3) the number of
applications approved for extensions of time or amendments to the order. Sec. 54-47i. Authority of investigation ordered prior to October 1, 1985. (a)
The authority of any judge, state referee or three judges of the Superior Court to conduct
an inquiry to determine whether or not there is probable cause to believe that a crime
or crimes have been committed, where such inquiry was ordered prior to October 1,
1985, in accordance with section 54-47 of the general statutes, revision of 1958, revised
to January 1, 1985, shall continue until the conclusion of such inquiry and a final report
has been filed with the court pursuant to said section, and any action taken or caused to
be taken by such judge, state referee or three judges of the Superior Court pursuant to
such inquiry, otherwise valid, shall be valid notwithstanding that such action was or is
taken or caused to be taken on or after October 1, 1985, and any evidence obtained
pursuant to such inquiry, otherwise admissible, shall be admissible in any criminal prosecution of a person accused as a result of such inquiry notwithstanding that such evidence
was or is obtained on or after October 1, 1985. Sec. 54-48. Reward for arrest of capital offender or felon. When any crime
punishable by death or imprisonment for more than one year has been committed, the
Governor, upon application of the state's attorney for the judicial district in which it
has been committed, may offer, publicly, a reward not exceeding fifty thousand dollars,
to the person who gives information leading to the arrest and conviction of the guilty
person, or, if such guilty person has fled after conviction of a felony in a court of this
state, to the person who gives information leading to the arrest and detention of the
convicted felon, whether found within the state or elsewhere, which reward shall be
paid to the informer by the state, by order of the court before which such conviction is had. Sec. 54-49. Reward for information as to high crime or crime resulting in
death of police officer or firefighter. (a) When any high crime has been committed in
any municipality, the chief executive officer of such municipality, as described in section
7-193, may offer, publicly, a reward not exceeding two thousand five hundred dollars,
to the person who gives information leading to the arrest and conviction of the guilty
person; which reward shall be paid to the informer by the municipality, by order of the
court before which such conviction is had. Sec. 54-50. Reward for information as to unlawful disinterment of corpse. For
any violation of the provisions of section 53-334, the Governor, upon application of the
selectmen of the town where the offense has been committed, shall, publicly, offer a
reward, not exceeding two hundred dollars, for the apprehension of the guilty person;
and, if the offender is convicted, such reward shall be paid to the informer by the state,
upon order of the court before which the conviction is had. Sec. 54-51. Reward for information as to theft of motor vehicle, livestock or
poultry. Any person who gives information leading to the arrest and conviction of any
person for theft of any motor vehicle, mule, ass, cattle, horse or poultry shall receive a
reward of such sum, not exceeding one hundred dollars, as the court in which such
conviction is had or as the presiding judge of such court may determine, which shall be
paid by the Comptroller upon certification by the clerk of such court of the amount so
determined. Sec. 54-52. Determination of claims to reward. When any reward is offered for
the recovery of stolen property, or for information which may lead to the conviction of
any criminal, or for both, the court before which conviction is had or the superior court
for the judicial district where the offense was committed, at a criminal term, may decide
upon the claims of the parties interested in such reward. If there is more than one claimant
for the reward, the court in which the conviction was secured or the court for the judicial
district wherein the offense was committed, or the presiding judge of such court, shall
determine who are justly entitled to the reward, and may apportion it equitably
among them. Sec. 54-53. Release by correctional officials. Each person detained in a community correctional center pursuant to the issuance of a bench warrant of arrest or for
arraignment, sentencing or trial for an offense not punishable by death shall be entitled
to bail and shall be released from such institution upon entering into a recognizance,
with sufficient surety, or upon posting cash bail as provided in section 54-66, for the
detained person's appearance before the court having cognizance of the offense, to be
taken by any person designated by the Commissioner of Correction at the institution
where the person is detained. The person so designated shall deliver the recognizance
or cash bail to the clerk of the appropriate court before the opening of the court on the
first court day thereafter. When cash bail in excess of ten thousand dollars is received
for a detained person accused of a felony, where the underlying facts and circumstances
of the felony involve the use, attempted use or threatened use of physical force against
another person, the person so designated shall prepare a report that contains (1) the
name, address and taxpayer identification number of the detained person, (2) the name,
address and taxpayer identification number of each person offering the cash bail, other
than a person licensed as a professional bondsman under chapter 533 or a surety bail
bond agent under chapter 700f, (3) the amount of cash received, and (4) the date the
cash was received. Not later than fifteen days after receipt of such cash bail, the person
so designated shall file the report with the Department of Revenue Services and mail a
copy of the report to the state's attorney for the judicial district in which the alleged
offense was committed and to each person offering the cash bail. Sec. 54-53a. Detention of persons who have not made bail. (a) No person who
has not made bail may be detained in a community correctional center pursuant to the
issuance of a bench warrant of arrest or for arraignment, sentencing or trial for an offense
not punishable by death, for longer than forty-five days, unless at the expiration of the
forty-five days he is presented to the court having cognizance of the offense. On each
such presentment, the court may reduce, modify or discharge the bail, or may for cause
shown remand the person to the custody of the Commissioner of Correction. On the
expiration of each successive forty-five-day period, the person may again by motion be
presented to the court for such purpose. Secs. 54-54 and 54-55. Original information in Court of Common Pleas. Information in cases appealed to Court of Common Pleas. Sections 54-54 and 54-55 are
repealed. Sec. 54-56. Dismissal of information by court. All courts having jurisdiction of
criminal cases shall at all times have jurisdiction and control over informations and
criminal cases pending therein and may, at any time, upon motion by the defendant,
dismiss any information and order such defendant discharged if, in the opinion of the
court, there is not sufficient evidence or cause to justify the bringing or continuing of
such information or the placing of the person accused therein on trial. Sec. 54-56a. (Formerly Sec. 54-2b). Pleading by mail in certain motor vehicle
cases. In any criminal action arising out of an alleged violation of the law relating to
motor vehicles, except a violation of section 14-219 specified in subsection (e) of said
section 14-219, appearances, pleas of not guilty and requests for trial by jury or court
may be made by or on behalf of the defendant by mailing such pleas and requests by
first-class mail, postage prepaid, to the clerk of the court in which such case is to be
tried, which pleas and requests shall be received by said clerk not later than the court
day next preceding the court day on which the defendant is to appear. Said pleas and
claims shall be filed on forms approved by the Office of the Chief Court Administrator. Sec. 54-56b. Right to dismissal or trial on nolle. A nolle prosequi may not be
entered as to any count in a complaint or information if the accused objects to the nolle
prosequi and demands either a trial or dismissal, except with respect to prosecutions in
which a nolle prosequi is entered upon a representation to the court by the prosecuting
official that a material witness has died, disappeared or become disabled or that material
evidence has disappeared or has been destroyed and that a further investigation is therefore necessary. Sec. 54-56c. Request for privileged trial status. If the accused enters a plea of
not guilty, the state's attorney, assistant state's attorney or deputy assistant state's attorney may, in accordance with rules adopted by the judges of the Superior Court, request
that the case be privileged with respect to assignment for trial. Sec. 54-56d. (Formerly Sec. 54-40). Competency to stand trial. (a) Competency required. Definition. A defendant shall not be tried, convicted or sentenced while
he is not competent. For the purposes of this section, a defendant is not competent if he
is unable to understand the proceedings against him or to assist in his own defense. Sec. 54-56e. (Formerly Sec. 54-76p). *(See end of section for amended version
and effective date.) Accelerated pretrial rehabilitation. (a) There shall be a pretrial
program for accelerated rehabilitation of persons accused of a crime or crimes or a motor
vehicle violation or violations for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment may be
imposed, which crimes or violations are not of a serious nature. *Note: On and after July 1, 2001, this section, as amended by section 39 of public
act 00-196 and section 5 of public act 00-209, is further amended by section 4 of public
act 00-72 to read as follows: Sec. 54-56f. (Formerly Sec. 54-5). Requirements of sureties of the peace. Any
judge of the Superior Court may, from his personal knowledge or upon complaint of
another, require sureties of the peace and good behavior from any person who threatens
to beat or kill another or resists or abuses any officer in the execution of his office or
contends with angry words or, by any unlawful act, terrifies or disturbs any person.
When any person complains on oath to a judge of the Superior Court that he has just
cause to fear that another will imprison, beat or kill the complainant, or procure others
to do so, and that he is under fear of bodily harm, such judge may, if he believes such
person has just cause for such fear, require sureties of the peace and good behavior from
the person so complained of. Upon refusal of the person so required to find sureties of
the peace in any of such cases, such judge may commit him to a community correctional
center to remain until he is discharged by due course of law or until the next term of the
superior court having criminal jurisdiction in such judicial district, which may make
further order relating to the subject matter of any such offense; but, in all cases in which
any person so complains on oath, such judge shall require of him a sufficient bond to
prosecute his complaint to effect; and, if the person complained of is discharged by such
judge for want of probable cause, the complainant shall pay all the expenses of such
prosecution and such judge shall tax the same against the complainant and issue execution against him therefor, and the same when collected shall be paid into the hands of
such judge, to be by him paid to those to whom the same may be due.
Secs. 54-42 to 54-44. Original information in Superior Court. Bench warrant; procedure on
arrest; previous bond in Court of Common Pleas. Admissibility of confession. Informations
in cases appealed to Superior Court.
Sec. 54-45. When grand jury is required. Selecting grand jury. Alternate grand jurors.
Sec. 54-45a. Record of grand jury proceedings. Transcripts.
Sec. 54-46. Prosecution on complaint or information.
Sec. 54-46a. Probable cause hearing for persons charged with crimes punishable by death
or life imprisonment.
Sec. 54-47. Investigations into commission of crime.
Sec. 54-47a. Compelling testimony of witness. Immunity from prosecution.
Sec. 54-47b. Investigatory grand jury. Definitions.
Sec. 54-47c. Application for investigation into commission of crime.
Sec. 54-47d. Appointment of investigatory grand jury. Duration and scope of investigation.
Sec. 54-47e. Sealing of order and application. Summary of scope of investigation. Disclosure.
Sec. 54-47f. Conduct of investigation. Testimony of witnesses.
Sec. 54-47g. Finding and record of investigation. Disclosure. Hearing. Access to testimony.
Sec. 54-47h. Report.
Sec. 54-47i. Authority of investigation ordered prior to October 1, 1985.
Sec. 54-48. Reward for arrest of capital offender or felon.
Sec. 54-49. Reward for information as to high crime or crime resulting in death of police
officer or firefighter.
Sec. 54-50. Reward for information as to unlawful disinterment of corpse.
Sec. 54-51. Reward for information as to theft of motor vehicle, livestock or poultry.
Sec. 54-52. Determination of claims to reward.
Sec. 54-53. Release by correctional officials.
Sec. 54-53a. Detention of persons who have not made bail.
Secs. 54-54 and 54-55. Original information in Court of Common Pleas. Information in
cases appealed to Court of Common Pleas.
Sec. 54-56. Dismissal of information by court.
Sec. 54-56a. (Formerly Sec. 54-2b). Pleading by mail in certain motor vehicle cases.
Sec. 54-56b. Right to dismissal or trial on nolle.
Sec. 54-56c. Request for privileged trial status.
Sec. 54-56d. (Formerly Sec. 54-40). Competency to stand trial.
Sec. 54-56e. (Formerly Sec. 54-76p). *(See end of section for amended version and effective date.) Accelerated pretrial rehabilitation.
Sec. 54-56f. (Formerly Sec. 54-5). Requirements of sureties of the peace.
Sec. 54-56g. Pretrial alcohol education system.
Sec. 54-56h. Court to consider charitable contributions of defendant in disposition of
criminal or motor vehicle case.
Sec. 54-56i. Pretrial drug education program.
Sec. 54-56j. Pretrial school violence prevention program.
Secs. 54-56k and 54-56l.
Sec. 54-56m. Mediation programs.
Sec. 54-57. Joinder of offenses of the same character.
Sec. 54-58. Description of money in complaint or information.
Sec. 54-59. Statement of ownership, partnership or joint tenancy in indictment, information or complaint.
Sec. 54-60. Allegations in criminal cases.
Sec. 54-61. Complaints for offenses specified in special acts, ordinances and bylaws.
Sec. 54-62. Allegation of previous conviction.
Sec. 54-63. Mode of informing against larceny by embezzlement.
Sec. 54-63a. Definitions.
Sec. 54-63b. Bail Commission. Duties. Chief Bail Commissioner.
Sec. 54-63c. Release by law enforcement officer.
Sec. 54-63d. Release by bail commissioner.
Sec. 54-63e. Bond or promise conditioned on appearance.
Sec. 54-63f. Release after conviction and pending sentence or appeal.
Sec. 54-63g. Appeal from court order re release.
Sec. 54-64. Police officials and clerks of court to take promise to appear or bond.
Sec. 54-64a. Release by judicial authority.
Sec. 54-64b. Release following arrest on court warrant.
Sec. 54-64c. Notice of appearance after release.
Sec. 54-64d. Release of person taken into custody on a capias.
Sec. 54-64e. Noncriminal behavior as condition of release. Notice of conditions of release and sanctions for violation.
Sec. 54-64f. Violation of conditions of release. Imposition of different or additional
conditions. Revocation of release.
Sec. 54-64g. Surveillance of serious felony offenders released on bond.
Sec. 54-65. Procedure when principal intends to abscond.
Sec. 54-65a. Forfeiture of bond for failure to appear. Issuance of rearrest warrant or
capias. Termination or reinstatement of bond. Rebate to surety.
Sec. 54-66. Acceptance and disposition of bail. Pledge of real property as lien.
Sec. 54-66a. Automatic termination of bail bonds.
Sec. 54-67. When attorneys not allowed to give bonds.
Sec. 54-68. Persons charged with gaming to give bonds.
Sec. 54-69. Motion of parties to modify conditions of release.
Sec. 54-69a. Motion of bail commissioner to modify conditions of release.
Sec. 54-69b. Authority of court to modify conditions of release.
Sec. 54-70. Compromise of forfeited bonds.
Sec. 54-71. Mistake in form of recognizance.
Sec. 54-71a. No civil liability for release.
Sec. 54-72. Fines and forfeitures; prosecutions; liability of corporation.
Sec. 54-73. Collection and disposition of forfeitures.
Sec. 54-74. Remission of fine.
Sec. 54-75. Employment of detectives.
Sec. 54-76.
Sec. 54-76a. Procedure at hearing in probable cause.
(1949 Rev., S. 8764−8766; 1963, P.A. 126, S. 2, 3; 1967, P.A. 656, S. 60; 1969, P.A. 803, S. 1; P.A. 73-116, S. 23; 73-
667, S. 1, 2; P.A. 76-106, S. 1; 76-436, S. 536, 681; P.A. 77-452, S. 38, 72; 77-576, S. 39, 65; P.A. 80-313, S. 61; 80-483,
S. 136, 186.)
See Sec. 54-1c re admissibility of confession.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(b) No person shall be put to plea or held to trial for any crime the punishment of
which may be death or imprisonment for life, charged by the state before May 26, 1983,
unless an indictment has been found against him for such crime by a grand jury legally
impaneled and sworn, and no bill shall be presented by any grand jury unless at least
twelve of the jurors agree to it.
(1949 Rev., S. 8747; February, 1965, P.A. 173; P.A. 73-116, S. 1; 73-667, S. 1, 2; P.A. 78-280, S. 2, 127; P.A. 80-313,
S. 3; P.A. 83-210, S. 3, 5.)
History: 1965 act added provisions for alternate grand jurors; P.A. 73-116 added reference to judicial districts; P.A.
73-667 changed effective date of P.A. 73-116 from October 1, 1973, to April 25, 1973; P.A. 78-280 deleted reference to
counties; P.A. 80-313 divided section into Subsecs; P.A. 83-210 amended Subsec. (b) to require a grand jury indictment
for crimes punishable by death or imprisonment for life "charged by the state before May 26, 1983" to reflect the establishment of a probable cause hearing pursuant to Sec. 54-46a in place of a grand jury proceeding for persons accused of
such crimes.
See Sec. 1-25 re forms of oaths for jurors.
Powers and duties of grand jury. 1 C. 428. Where imprisonment for life or death is not penalty, no grand jury necessary.
3 C. 112. Inquiry before grand jury must be secret. 16 C. 467. Not necessary that accused be present. 21 C. 279. Quaere,
whether member of grand jury may be challenged for favor. 47 C. 106. If absolute disqualification is discovered after
indictment found, it may be pleaded in avoidance. Id. The endorsement of a "true bill" on an indictment cannot be contradicted by parol evidence on habeas corpus proceedings; 67 C. 553; and, in habeas corpus proceedings in United States
courts, failure to so endorse is not regarded. 160 U.S. 231. History and nature of grand jury. C. 27; 126 C. 72. When
required, an interpreter may be present in the grand jury room. 106 C. 721. When an accused person is confined for a crime
punishable by death or life imprisonment, it is the duty of the court to order a grand jury; and this may be done before
opening of term to which accused was bound over. Id., 719. Court may select members of grand jury, when. 126 C. 64.
In a general investigation by grand jury state's attorney may be present to aid in examination of witnesses. Id., 66. Jury
may have stenographer present. Id., 71. What evidence jury may elicit. Id. Constitution does not protect a person from
being questioned by grand jury but only gives immunity from answering particular questions. Id., 72. Requires an indictment
by a grand jury in all cases in which the penalty to be imposed may be life imprisonment. 144 C. 295. Grand jury in which
7 out of 18 are attorneys not in itself illegal where there is no evidence of an intentional and systematic exclusion of any
group. 146 C. 137. Cited. 135 C. 269; 146 C. 227; 153 C. 325. There is no federal constitutional impediment to dispensing
entirely with grand jury in state prosecutions. 155 C. 367. In absence of contrary evidence, presumption arises that selection
of grand jury was made without discrimination and fairly by officer in charge of selection. 158 C. 341. Cited. 159 C. 264.
Cited. 164 C. 402, 408. Cited. 176 C. 270, 272. Cited. 181 C. 268, 271−273. Cited. 183 C. 299, 304. Presence of counsel
before grand jury discussed. 187 C. 281, 289, 290. Trial court's denial of the motion to quash the ordering of the second
grand jury is not one of those few presentence orders deemed final for purposes of appeal. 191 C. 27, 28, 31, 35, 36. During
period between November 24, 1982, and May 26, 1983, statute provided authorization for use of grand juries in cases
punishable by death or life imprisonment. 192 C. 671, 675, 677−679, 693, 694, 696. Cited. Id., 700, 701. Cited. 194 C.
416, 422. Cited. 197 C. 280, 283. Cited. Id., 507, 512, 517. Cited. 199 C. 163, 166, 167. Cited. 203 C. 641, 647.
Cited. 10 CA 103, 112, 113. Cited. 27 CA 643, 644. Cited. Id., 675, 683.
Cited. 6 CS 221; 22 CS 6, 7. Person not given right to counsel before grand jury decision. This is not "critical stage"
in proceedings against him. 25 CS 61. Grand jury is not prohibited from receiving hearsay evidence. That such evidence
may have been considered by the grand jury would not entitle one who had been indicted to have the indictment quashed.
Id., 388, 389. Counsel for the accused may not accompany him before the grand jury. Id., 389. This section was fully
complied with by the court and its officers in summoning grand jury in absence of a showing that any of the members were
disqualified for any reason. 26 CS 211. Nature of grand jury discussed. Id., 213. Not the state's burden to prove that the
method of selection of grand jury was fair and nondiscriminatory. Id. Charge to grand jury that presumption of sanity was
adequate basis on which to find, so far as element of soundness of mind was concerned, probable cause to hold accused
for trial, was accurate. Id., 214, 215. Constitutional right of accused to counsel does not include representation by counsel
before a grand jury. Id. Indictment insufficient in law may be attacked by demurrer. Provision that grand jurors come from
county where court sits is broad enough to comply with federal constitutional requirement that there must be no intentional
or systematic exclusion of group or class from grand jury. 29 CS 119, 120. Exclusion of aliens from grand jury service
does not make statute unconstitutional since citizenship requirement bears rational relationship to demands of jury service.
35 CS 98, 100. Cited. 36 CS 141. Cited. 45 CS 1.
Subsec. (a):
Grand jury transcript available to a defendant under this subsection is made available under the inherent supervisory
powers of the superior court and evidentiary uses of it by the defendant are restricted to impeaching a witness, attacking
the credibility of a witness or proving inconsistent statements of a witness. 187 C. 281, 283, 288. Cited. 192 C. 671, 675.
Cited. 204 C. 259, 273.
Cited. 4 CA 544, 551, 554−556.
Subsec. (b):
Cited. 184 C. 597, 600. Cited. 192 C. 671, 675. Cited. 194 C. 692, 697. Cited. 197 C. 247, 253. Cited. 202 C. 18, 24.
Cited. 207 C. 276, 278. Cited. 226 C. 601, 611.
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(b) The transcript of such proceedings may not be used as evidence in any proceeding against the accused except for the purpose of impeaching a witness, attacking the
credibility of a witness or proving inconsistent statements of a witness. The transcript
may also be used as evidence in a prosecution for perjury committed by a witness while
giving such testimony.
(P.A. 78-289, S. 1; P.A. 80-313, S. 4.)
History: P.A. 80-313 divided section into Subsecs. and reworded provisions.
Cited. 177 C. 677, 680; 181 C. 268, 280. Cited. 186 C. 476, 478. Availability and use of grand jury transcripts discussed.
187 C. 281 et seq. Cited. 193 C. 350, 363. Cited. 194 C. 469, 472, 473. Cited. Id., 530, 554, 555. Cited. 197 C. 698, 708.
Cited. 200 C. 323, 331. Cited. 201 C. 534, 553.
Cited. 10 CA 103, 112.
Transcript may not be used to impeach a grand jury finding of a true bill. 36 CS 141, 143. Cited. 42 CS 10, 16. Cited.
45 CS 1.
Subsec. (b):
Cited. 194 C. 530, 555. Cited. 198 C. 644, 645, 656.
Cited. 45 CS 1.
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(1949 Rev., S. 8775; P.A. 75-376; P.A. 76-336, S. 15; 76-436, S. 537, 681; P.A. 79-157; P.A. 80-313, S. 7; P.A. 83-
210, S. 4, 5.)
History: P.A. 75-376 added provisions re trial on nolle prosequi; P.A. 76-336 clarified nolle provisions, substituting
"At any stage in such prosecution" for "In any such prosecution"; P.A. 76-436 removed from exception cases involving
nolle entered in common pleas court on matter bound over to superior court or upon recommendation of prosecutor that
bench warrant is being requested or issued by superior court for arrest for same transaction, reflecting transfer of all trial
jurisdiction to superior court, effective July 1, 1978; P.A. 79-157 designated previous provisions as Subsecs. (a) and (b)
and added Subsec. (c) re effect of not guilty plea on privilege with respect to assignment for trial; P.A. 80-313 specified
prosecution by indictment required for all crimes punishable by death or life imprisonment and deleted former Subsecs.
(b) and (c) re nolle prosequi and assignment for trial; P.A. 83-210 amended the section to reflect the establishment of a
probable cause hearing to replace a grand jury proceeding by providing that prosecution by complaint or information would
apply to all crimes "charged by the state on or after May 26, 1983" and prosecution by indictment would only apply to
persons accused of crimes punishable by death or life imprisonment "charged by the state before May 26, 1983".
See Sec. 54-56b re right to dismissal or trial on nolle.
See Sec. 54-56c re request for privileged trial status.
This section is constitutional. 60 C. 94; 135 C. 262. Information may be amended after evidence has been offered. 35
C. 319. As to particularity required. 39 C. 230; 93 C. 646. Must charge all essential elements of crime; 72 C. 606; 73 C.
407; thus, specific intent must be charged. 66 C. 250; 80 C. 614; 81 C. 699. Charging offense in words of statute. 66 C. 9;
id., 657; 72 C. 606; 73 C. 18; 80 C. 321; 81 C. 696; 83 C. 304; 97 C. 730, 735; 99 C. 117; or of city ordinance. 60 C. 106;
88 C. 715; 91 C. 68. If effect is to include acts not in purview of statute, it is not sufficient; 82 C. 321; 93 C. 646; a more
particular description may limit proof. 80 C. 321. Necessity of negativing exception. 69 C. 198; 88 C. 353. Old rules as
to strictness relaxed; 81 C. 696; general rule as to certainty. 85 C. 322. Aider by verdict; 68 C. 512; 81 C. 696; amendable
defect not ground for new trial. 80 C. 614. Necessity of identifying person with reference to whom crime is committed;
66 C. 558; of correctly alleging date of crime. 81 C. 98. Alleging matters by legal effect; act of principal as act of agent.
69 C. 86. Allegation of former conviction. 68 C. 512; 94 C. 701; 96 C. 172. Against one as accessory. 82 C. 213. Conspiracy
and acts done in pursuance of it may be alleged in one count; 75 C. 206; so keeping disorderly house and one where lewd
persons resort, 66 C. 8; so keeping place for registering bets and selling pools. 66 C. 250. See note to section 54-61. Merger
defined; is a doctrine of very limited application. 99 C. 114; 108 C. 215. Identity of offenses. Id., 214. Cited. 151 C. 524;
153 C. 325; id., 451. There is no federal constitutional impediment to dispensing entirely with grand jury in state prosecutions. 155 C. 367. Prosecution by information for infamous crime was not violation of defendant's rights under U. S.
constitution. 156 C. 391. Cited. 159 C. 264. Cited. 184 C. 597, 600. Cited. 192 C. 671, 679. Cited. 202 C. 443, 448. Cited.
229 C. 691, 699.
Cited. 22 CS 7. Not a denial of equal protection clause of fourteenth amendment of federal constitution to indict person
by an information in larceny case. 25 CS 509.
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(b) Unless waived by the accused person or extended by the court for good cause
shown, such preliminary hearing shall be conducted within sixty days of the filing of
the complaint or information in Superior Court. The court shall be confined to the rules
of evidence, except that written reports of expert witnesses shall be admissible in evidence and matters involving chain of custody shall be exempt from such rules. No motion
to suppress or for discovery shall be allowed in connection with such hearing. The
accused person shall have the right to counsel and may attend and, either individually
or by counsel, participate in such hearing, present argument to the court, cross-examine
witnesses against him and obtain a transcript of the proceedings at his own expense. At
the close of the prosecution's case, if the court finds that, based on the evidence presented
by the prosecution, probable cause exists, the accused person may make a specific offer
of proof, including the names of witnesses who would testify or produce the evidence
offered. The court shall not allow the accused person to present such evidence unless the
court determines that such evidence would be sufficient to rebut the finding of probable
cause.
(c) If, from the evidence presented pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, it
appears to the court that there is probable cause to believe that the accused person has
committed the offense charged, the court shall so find and approve the continuance of
the accused person's prosecution for that offense. A determination by the court that
there is not probable cause to require the accused person to be put to trial for the offense
charged shall not operate to prevent a subsequent prosecution of such accused person
for the same offense.
(P.A. 83-210, S. 1, 5; P.A. 87-260, S. 5.)
History: P.A. 87-260 amended Subsec. (a) to change the applicability of the requirement of a preliminary hearing from
a person charged by the state "on or after May 26, 1983" to a person charged by the state "who has not been indicted by
a grand jury prior to May 26, 1983".
Cited as P.A. 83-210, S. 1: Constitutional right to a probable cause hearing vested immediately for all defendants not
yet indicted on May 26, 1983. Portion of statute conferring right to probable cause hearing only on those charged on and
after May 26, 1983, is unconstitutional and therefore invalid. 192 C. 671, 673, 675, 677, 680, 681, 686, 693, 696−699.
Cited. 200 C. 323, 325, 329, 330. Cited. 201 C. 598, 600. Validity is not subject to constitutional attack as a violation of
separation of powers. 203 C. 641, 644−648, 650, 651. Cited. 206 C. 323, 327. Cited. 210 C. 631, 635. Cited. Id., 652, 662,
664, 665. Cited. 211 C. 289, 305, 307, 317. Cited. 213 C. 161, 165. Cited. Id., 708, 711−714, 717, 724. Cited. 214 C. 132,
137. Cited. Id., 454, 458. Cited. Id., 476−478, 481, 484. Cited. Id., 616, 617, 631, 632. Cited. 218 C. 151, 155, 157−159.
Cited. Id., 714, 717. Cited. 219 C. 721, 729. Cited. 220 C. 270, 273, 276. Cited. 221 C. 109, 111, 119, 120, 124, 126. Cited.
222 C. 506, 511. Cited. 223 C. 127, 140. Cited. 224 C. 29, 38. Cited. 228 C. 62, 63, 73. Probable cause hearing required
by section applies only to criminal prosecutions, not to an action for adjudication of delinquency. 229 C. 691, 692, 694−
696, 698−702. Cited. 233 C. 106, 127. Cited. 234 C. 97, 99, 108−110, 112. Cited. 237 C. 58, 62. Cited. 240 C. 727. Cited.
Id., 743. Cited. 242 C. 409.
Cited. 7 CA 457, 462. Cited. 26 CA 165, 168. Cited. 28 CA 34, 37. Cited. 29 CA 499, 506. Cited. 30 CA 381, 384,
392. Cited. 34 CA 58, 77; judgment reversed, see 232 C. 537 et seq. Cited. 35 CA 762, 763. Cited. 36 CA 250, 252. Cited.
Id., 364, 381. Cited. 37 CA 404, 418. Cited. 46 CA 545.
Cited as P.A. 83-210, S. 1. 40 CS 38, 39, 43. Cited. 42 CS 426, 428. Cited. 43 CS 38, 40. Cited. Id., 367, 369.
Subsec. (a):
Cited. 201 C. 598, 603. Cited. 204 C. 120, 121. Cited. 209 C. 133, 134. Cited. 210 C. 652, 665. Cited. 213 C. 161, 163.
Cited. 219 C. 721, 729. Cited. 240 C. 727.
Cited. 7 CA 457, 461. Cited. 19 CA 571, 573, 574. Cited. 29 CA 499, 506. Cited. 34 CA 58, 76; judgment reversed,
see 232 C. 537 et seq. Cited. 37 CA 404, 422. Cited. 41 CA 809, 812. Cited. 44 CA 790.
Subsec. (b):
Court concluded statute constitutional "... when read in conjunction with prosecution's ongoing constitutional duty to
disclose exculpatory material to a criminal defendant independent of a defense motion or request". 200 C. 323, 325, 327,
331, 337, 338. Cited. 201 C. 598, 600, 603, 604. Cited. 211 C. 289, 313. Cited. 213 C. 161, 165, 169. Cited. 214 C. 132,
137. Cited. Id., 476, 478, 481, 482. Cited. 216 C. 492, 507. No constitutional duty requires a court to entertain motions to
suppress at a probable cause hearing. 218 C. 151, 154, 156−158. Cited. 219 C. 721, 731. Cited. 220 C. 270, 275. Cited.
221 C. 109, 119, 121, 124, 126. Cited. 229 C. 691, 699, 700. Cited. Id., 716, 752. Cited. 234 C. 97, 110. Cited. 238 C. 588.
Waiver of time period in which to hold hearing may be asserted by the attorney for the defendant and does not require
defendant personally to appear and be canvassed. 245 C. 301.
Cited. 30 CA 381, 392. Cited. 34 CA 58, 77; judgment reversed, see 232 C. 537 et seq. Cited. 36 CA 250, 252. Cited.
Id., 364, 381. Cited. 37 CA 404, 420−422. Cited. 46 CA 545.
Subsec. (c):
Cited. 214 C. 476, 481. Cited. Id., 616, 630.
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(1949 Rev., S. 8777; 1953, S. 3324d; 1969, P.A. 631, S. 2; 1971, P.A. 860; P.A. 73-116, S. 2; 73-667, S. 1, 2; P.A. 74-
183, S. 139, 291; 74-186, S. 2, 12; P.A. 76-436, S. 10a, 538, 681; P.A. 78-280, S. 1, 127; P.A. 80-313, S. 5; P.A. 85-611,
S. 9.)
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(b) Upon the issuance of the order such witness shall not be excused from testifying
or from producing books, papers or other evidence in such case or proceeding on the
ground that the testimony or evidence required of him may tend to incriminate him or
subject him to a penalty or forfeiture. No such witness may be prosecuted or subjected to
any penalty or forfeiture for or on account of any transaction, matter or thing concerning
which he is compelled to testify or produce evidence, and no testimony or evidence so
compelled, and no evidence discovered as a result of or otherwise derived from testimony or evidence so compelled, may be used as evidence against him in any proceeding,
except that no witness shall be immune from prosecution for perjury or contempt committed while giving such testimony or producing such evidence. Whenever evidence is
objected to as inadmissible because it was discovered as a result of or otherwise derived
from compelled testimony or evidence, the burden shall be upon the person offering the
challenged evidence to establish a source independent of the compelled testimony or
evidence.
(1969, P.A. 631, S. 1; P.A. 74-183, S. 140, 291; 74-227, S. 1, 2; P.A. 76-436, S. 539, 681; P.A. 78-96, S. 3−5; P.A. 80-
313, S. 6; P.A. 81-104; P.A. 85-611, S. 8; P.A. 87-350, S. 4, 6.)
History: P.A. 74-183 replaced circuit court with court of common pleas in accordance with reorganization of the judicial
system, effective December 31, 1974; P.A. 74-227 deleted reference to prosecuting attorneys, added references to chief
state's attorney, deputy chief state's attorneys, state referees, superior court judges and three-judge panels and extended
applicability of provisions to cases involving violation of election laws; P.A. 76-436 deleted references to court of common
pleas, reflecting transfer of all trial jurisdiction to superior court, effective July 1, 1978; P.A. 78-96 applied provisions to
violations which are offenses under Title 25 provisions; P.A. 80-313 divided section into Subsecs. and made minor wording
changes in Subsec. (b); P.A. 81-104 provided that immunity from prosecution may be granted to any witness in a criminal
proceeding involving arson or bribery; P.A. 85-611 amended Subsec. (a) to replace reference to repealed Sec. 54-47 with
provision that testimony or evidence may be compelled "in any investigation conducted by an investigatory grand jury as
provided in sections 54-47b to 54-47g, inclusive"; P.A. 87-350 added provisions re criminal proceeding involving violation
of title 22a, corruption in executive, legislative or judicial branch of state government or in government of political subdivision of state, fraud by a vendor of goods or services in the medical assistance program under Title XIX of the Social Security
Act amendments of 1965, any violation of chapter 949c or any other class A, B or C felony or unclassified felony punishable
by a term of imprisonment in excess of five years for which chief state's attorney or state's attorney demonstrates that he
has no other means of obtaining sufficient information as to whether crime has been committed or identity of person who
may have committed a crime.
Section to be used to secure testimony for prosecution; as there is no other statutory authority granting immunity, there
is no basis for granting immunity to witness for the defense. 170 C. 206. Cited. 172 C. 542, 561. Assistant state's attorney
has authority pursuant to this section in conjunction with Sec. 51-278, to make applications for immunity grants. 174 C.
16, 21. One who has been granted immunity is not incompetent witness, although fact of immunity may bear upon weight
given testimony of witness granted immunity. Id., 287, 306. Cited. 191 C. 670, 674. Cited. 201 C. 559, 566−568. Cited.
202 C. 541−543, 545, 549, 550, 552−554, 556−560. Cited. 204 C. 259, 278. Defendant lacks standing to challenge procedure
by which a witness has been immunized. 206 C. 203−205, 212. Cited. 207 C. 98, 101. Secs. 54-47a−54-47h also cited. Id.
Cited. 213 C. 66, 71. Cited. 221 C. 625, 630, 634.
Cited. 16 CA 679, 680. Cited. 17 CA 395, 401. Cited. 20 CA 447, 450. Cited. 33 CA 521, 526.
Cited. 45 CS 1.
Subsec. (a):
Cited. 206 C. 203, 209.
Cited. 33 CA 521, 526.
Subsec. (b):
Cited. 206 C. 203, 205, 206, 209−212.
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(1) "Applicant" means any judge of the Superior Court, Appellate Court or Supreme
Court, the Chief State's Attorney or a state's attorney who makes an application to a
panel of judges for an investigation into the commission of a crime or crimes.
(2) "Crime or crimes" means (A) any crime or crimes involving corruption in the
executive, legislative or judicial branch of state government or in the government of
any political subdivision of the state, (B) fraud by a vendor of goods or services in the
medical assistance program under Title XIX of the Social Security Act Amendments
of 1965, as amended, (C) any violation of chapter 949c, (D) any violation of the election
laws of the state and (E) any other class A, B or C felony or any unclassified felony
punishable by a term of imprisonment in excess of five years for which the Chief State's
Attorney or state's attorney demonstrates that he has no other means of obtaining sufficient information as to whether a crime has been committed or the identity of the person
or persons who may have committed a crime.
(3) "Investigatory grand jury" means a judge, constitutional state referee or any
three judges of the Superior Court, other than a judge designated by the Chief Justice
to serve on the panel, appointed by the Chief Court Administrator to conduct an investigation into the commission of a crime or crimes.
(4) "Panel of judges" or "panel" means a panel of three Superior Court judges designated by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court from time to time to receive applications
for investigations into the commission of crimes in accordance with the provisions of
sections 54-47a to 54-47h, inclusive, one of whom may be the Chief Court Administrator.
(P.A. 85-611, S. 1; P.A. 87-350, S. 1, 6.)
History: P.A. 87-350 added any violation of the election laws of the state or any unclassified felony punishable by a
term of imprisonment in excess of five years to definition of "crime or crimes", added "or state's attorney" after "chief
states attorney" and added "or the identity of the person or persons who may have committed a crime".
Cited. 202 C. 541−543, 545, 546, 549, 550, 552−554, 556−560. Cited. 204 C. 259, 278. Cited. 207 C. 98, 101, 102,
Secs. 54-47a−54-47h also cited. Id. Cited. 213 C. 66, 71. Cited. 221 C. 625, 630, 634.
Cited. 16 CA 679, 680. Cited. 17 CA 395, 401. Cited. 20 CA 447, 450.
Cited. 45 CS 1.
Subdiv. (4):
Cited. 221 C. 625, 626.
Cited. 20 CA 447.
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(b) Each application for an investigation into the commission of a crime or crimes
shall be made in writing upon oath or affirmation to a panel of judges. Each application
shall include the following information: (1) The identity of the applicant and his authority
to make such application; (2) a full and complete statement of the facts and circumstances
relied upon by the applicant to justify his reasonable belief that the investigation will
lead to a finding of probable cause that a crime or crimes have been committed; and (3)
a full and complete statement of the facts concerning all previous applications known
to the applicant, made to any panel of judges, for investigation of any one or more of the
same criminal offenses involving any of the same persons specified in the application,
including the action taken by the panel on each such application. The panel of judges
may require such additional testimony or documentary evidence in support of facts in
the application as it deems necessary. Such additional testimony shall be transcribed.
(c) If the application is made by the Chief State's Attorney or a state's attorney, it
shall also include (1) a full and complete statement of the status of the investigation
and of the evidence collected as of the date of such application, (2) if other normal
investigative procedures have been tried with respect to the alleged crime, a full and
complete statement specifying the other normal investigative procedures that have been
tried and the reasons such procedures have failed, (3) if other normal investigative procedures have not been tried, a full and complete statement of the reasons such procedures
reasonably appear to be unlikely to succeed if tried or be too dangerous to employ,
and (4) a full and complete statement of the reasons for the applicant's belief that the
appointment of an investigatory grand jury and the investigative procedures employed
by such investigatory grand jury will lead to a finding of probable cause that a crime or
crimes have been committed.
(d) The panel may approve the application and order an investigation into the commission of a crime or crimes if it finds that (1) the administration of justice requires an
investigation to determine whether or not there is probable cause to believe that a crime
or crimes have been committed, (2) if the application was made by the Chief State's
Attorney or a state's attorney, other normal investigative procedures with respect to the
alleged crime have been tried and have failed or reasonably appear to be unlikely to
succeed if tried or be too dangerous to employ, and (3) the investigative procedures
employed by an investigatory grand jury appear likely to succeed in determining whether
or not there is probable cause to believe that a crime or crimes have been committed.
(P.A. 85-611, S. 2; P.A. 87-350, S. 2, 6; P.A. 98-48, S. 2.)
History: P.A. 87-350 added provision re transcription of additional testimony; P.A. 98-48 designated provisions of
Subsec. (b) re requirements of an application made by the Chief State's Attorney or a state's attorney as new Subsec. (c),
amended said Subsec. (c) to designate provisions re the use of other normal investigative procedures as Subdivs. (2) and
(3) and rephrase said provisions, add Subdiv. (1) requiring a statement of the status of the investigation and of the evidence
collected as of the date of the application and add Subdiv. (4) requiring a statement of the reasons for the applicant's belief
that the appointment of an investigatory grand jury and the investigative procedures employed by such grand jury will
lead to a finding of probable cause that a crime or crimes have been committed, and added new Subsec. (d) authorizing
the panel to approve the application and order an investigation if it makes certain findings and specifying said findings.
Cited. 202 C. 541−543, 545, 546, 549, 550, 552−554, 556−560. Cited. 204 C. 259, 278. Cited. 206 C. 203, 205. Cited.
207 C. 98, 101, 103, 107. Secs. 54-47a−54-47h also cited. Id. Cited. 213 C. 66, 71. Cited. 221 C. 625, 630, 634. Cited. 224
C. 29, 38.
Cited. 16 CA 679, 680. Cited. 17 CA 395, 401. Cited. 20 CA 447, 450.
Cited. 45 CS 1.
Subsec. (a):
Cited. 221 C. 625, 626.
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(b) Each order authorizing the investigation into the commission of a crime or
crimes by the panel shall specify: (1) The date of issuance of the order, (2) the period
of time within which the investigation is to be conducted, provided in no event shall the
investigation be longer than six months from the date the Chief Court Administrator
appoints the investigatory grand jury to conduct the investigation, unless an application
for an extension of time is filed and granted pursuant to subsection (c) of this section,
(3) the scope of the investigation, and (4) the panel's reasons for finding that (A) the
administration of justice requires an investigation to determine whether or not there is
probable cause to believe that a crime or crimes have been committed, (B) if the application was made by the Chief State's Attorney or a state's attorney, other normal investigative procedures with respect to the alleged crime have been tried and have failed or
reasonably appear to be unlikely to succeed if tried or be too dangerous to employ, and
(C) the investigative procedures employed by the investigatory grand jury appear likely
to succeed in determining whether or not there is probable cause to believe that a crime
or crimes have been committed. The panel shall retain a copy of the order and the original
application and shall transmit to the investigatory grand jury, appointed pursuant to
subsection (a) of this section, the original order and a copy of the application filed with
the panel.
(c) The investigatory grand jury may make an application to the panel of judges for
an extension of time within which to conduct its investigation or for an amendment to
the scope of its investigation. The application for extension or amendment shall set
forth the reasons for the necessity of such extension or amendment. No more than two
extensions or amendments of an order may be granted by the issuing panel. The period
of any extension shall be no longer than the panel deems necessary to achieve the purposes for which it was granted and in no event shall any extension be for a period longer
than six months.
(P.A. 85-611, S. 3; P.A. 87-350, S. 3, 6; P.A. 98-48, S. 3.)
History: P.A. 87-350 made technical changes in Subsec. (a) and deleted provision in Subsec. (c) requiring extension
or amendment to contain the findings thus far made; P.A. 98-48 amended Subdiv. (4) of Subsec. (b) to insert Subpara.
indicators and add Subpara. (B) re the panel's reasons for finding that other normal investigative procedures have failed
or are unlikely to succeed if tried or be too dangerous to employ and Subpara. (C) re the panel's reasons for finding that
the investigative procedures employed by the investigatory grand jury appear likely to succeed in determining whether or
not there is probable cause to believe that a crime or crimes have been committed.
Cited. 202 C. 541−543, 545, 547, 549, 550, 552−554, 556−560. Cited. 204 C. 259, 278. Cited. 206 C. 203, 205. Cited.
207 C. 98, 101, 103, 107. Secs. 54-47a−54-47h also cited. Id. Cited. 213 C. 66, 71. Cited. 221 C. 625, 630, 634.
Cited. 16 CA 679, 680. Cited. 17 CA 395, 401. Cited. 20 CA 447, 450.
Cited. 45 CS 1.
Subsec. (a):
Cited. 221 C. 625, 627.
Subsec. (c):
Cited. 213 C. 66, 71.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(P.A. 85-611, S. 4; P.A. 88-345, S. 2, 3.)
History: P.A. 88-345 deleted former provisions re discretionary disclosure of fact that matter has been referred to the
grand jury and added provisions re (1) submission by panel of summary of scope of investigation, recommendation as to
court location and (2) disclosure of such summary, effective June 7, 1988, and applicable to findings filed on or after June
7, 1988.
Cited. 202 C. 541−543, 545, 548−550, 552−554, 556−560. Cited. 204 C. 259, 278. Does not apply to disclosure of
material accumulated by grand jury investigation convened under authority of repealed Sec. 54-47. 207 C. 98, 101, 104,
106−108. Secs. 54-47a−54-47h cited. Id. Cited. 213 C. 66, 71. Cited. 221 C. 625, 630, 634.
Cited. 16 CA 679, 680. Cited. 17 CA 395, 401. Cited. 20 CA 447, 450.
Cited. 45 CS 1.
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(b) The attendance of witnesses and the production of documents at such investigations may be compelled by subpoena, signed by any official authorized to issue such
process.
(c) If any witness properly summoned fails to appear or to produce any documents
included in the subpoena, or if he fails to answer any proper question, the investigatory
grand jury conducting the investigation may report the matter to the state's attorney for
the judicial district which has been designated in subsection (a) of section 54-47d unless
such state's attorney is the applicant or has been appointed to assist in such investigation,
in which case the investigatory grand jury shall report the matter to the Chief State's
Attorney, and such state's attorney or Chief State's Attorney, as the case may be, may
file a complaint setting forth the facts at any criminal session of the superior court in
such judicial district. The court shall thereupon issue a citation to the witness to appear
before the court and show cause why he should not be punished as for a contempt, and
if, after hearing, the court finds that he failed to appear without due cause or failed to
produce any document properly to be presented to the investigatory grand jury or failed
to answer any proper question in the course of the investigation, it may punish him as
it might a witness failing to appear, to produce a document properly to be considered
or to answer a proper question before the court.
(d) Witnesses may be examined by the investigatory grand jury conducting the
investigation or by any attorney or attorneys appointed by such investigatory grand jury
for such purpose. At the hearing, the official conducting the investigation shall inform
the witness that he has the right to have counsel present and to consult with such counsel.
(e) The official conducting the investigation shall inform any witness who is a target
of the investigation that he is a target and shall advise him that he has the right under
the constitution of the United States and the constitution of Connecticut not to be compelled to be a witness, or to give evidence, against himself.
(f) Any attorney appointed to assist in conducting the investigation shall disclose
to the investigatory grand jury any exculpatory information or material in his possession,
custody or control concerning any person who is a target of the investigation.
(g) An official stenographer of the Superior Court or his assistant shall record any
testimony taken at the investigation.
(P.A. 85-611, S. 5.)
Cited. 202 C. 541−543, 545, 548−550, 552−554, 556−560. Cited. 204 C. 259, 278. Cited. 207 C. 98, 101, 104. Secs.
54-47a−54-47h also cited. Id. Cited. 213 C. 66, 71. Cited. 221 C. 625, 630, 634.
Cited. 16 CA 679, 680. Cited. 17 CA 395, 401. Cited. 20 CA 447, 450.
Cited. 45 CS 1.
Subsec. (d):
Cited. 202 C. 541, 549.
Subsec. (e):
Cited. 202 C. 541, 549.
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(b) The finding of the investigation shall be open to public inspection and copying
at the court where it has been filed seven calendar days after it has been filed, unless
within that period the Chief State's Attorney or a state's attorney with whom the finding
was filed files a motion with the investigatory grand jury requesting that a part or all of
such finding not be so disclosed. The finding may include all or such part of the record
as the investigatory grand jury may determine, except that no part of the record shall
be disclosed which contains allegations of the commission of a crime by an individual
if the investigatory grand jury failed to find probable cause that such individual committed such crime unless such individual requests the release of such part of the record. In
such event as much of the finding as has not been sought to be withheld from disclosure
shall be disclosed promptly upon the expiration of said seven-calendar-day period.
(c) Within fifteen calendar days of the filing of such motion, the investigatory grand
jury shall conduct a hearing. The investigatory grand jury shall give written notice of
such hearing to the person filing such motion and any other person the investigatory
grand jury deems to be an interested party to the proceedings, which may include, but
not be limited to, persons who testified or were the subject of testimony before the
investigatory grand jury. Within five calendar days of the conclusion of the hearing, the
investigatory grand jury shall render its decision, and shall send copies thereof to all
those to whom it gave notice of the hearing. It shall deny any such motion unless it
makes specific findings of fact on the record that there is a substantial probability that
one of the following interests will be prejudiced by publicity that nondisclosure would
prevent, and that reasonable alternatives to nondisclosure cannot adequately protect that
interest: (1) The right of a person to a fair trial; (2) the prevention of potential defendants
from fleeing; (3) the prevention of subornation of perjury or tampering with witnesses;
or (4) the protection of the lives and reputations of innocent persons which would be
significantly damaged by the release of uncorroborated information. Any order of nondisclosure shall be drawn to protect the interest so found.
(d) Any person aggrieved by an order of the investigatory grand jury shall have the
right to appeal such order by filing a petition for review with the Appellate Court within
seventy-two hours from issuance of such order.
(e) The Appellate Court shall provide an expedited hearing on such petition in accordance with such rules as the judges of the Appellate Court may adopt, consistent
with the rights of the petitioner and the parties.
(f) Notwithstanding the existence of an order of nondisclosure under this section,
any witness may apply in writing to the presiding judge of the criminal session of the
court of the judicial district wherein the record of the investigation has been filed, or
his designee, for access to and a copy of the record of his own testimony. Any witness
shall be allowed access, at all reasonable times, to the record of his own testimony and
be allowed to obtain a copy of such record unless said judge or his designee finds after
a hearing and for good cause shown that it is not in the best interest of justice to allow
the witness to have access to and a copy of the record of his testimony.
(g) Notwithstanding the existence of an order of nondisclosure under this section,
the presiding judge of the criminal session of the court of the judicial district wherein
the record of the investigation has been filed, or his designee, shall grant any written
request of a person accused of a crime as a result of the investigation to have access, at
all reasonable times, to the record of his own testimony and to obtain a copy of such
record.
(P.A. 85-611, S. 6; P.A. 87-350, S. 5, 6; P.A. 88-148; 88-345, S. 1, 3.)
History: P.A. 87-350 added provision re (1) duty of stenographer to file copies of finding and record of investigation,
(2) application of witness to presiding judge for access to record of investigation, (3) right of witness to access at all
reasonable times to access of record of own testimony and (4) granting written request by person accused of crime as result
of investigation to access of record of own testimony; P.A. 88-148 amended Subsec. (b) to authorize any witness to apply
for and, unless the presiding judge or his designee disallows it, to obtain a copy of the record of his own testimony, and
amended Subsec. (c) to require the presiding judge or his designee to grant the written request of a person accused of a
crime as a result of the investigation to obtain a copy of the record of his own testimony; P.A. 88-345 amended Subsec.
(a) to permit (1) person to make application to panel for disclosure of record and (2) panel to disclose any part of the record,
except such part which contains allegations re individual if grand jury failed to find probable cause and (3) right of appeal
within seventy-two hours of order, and added new provisions as Subsecs. (b) to (e), inclusive, re disclosure of finding,
hearing on motion for nondisclosure, specific findings of fact necessary for granting such motion, right of appeal of order
of grand jury and expedited hearing on petition by appellate court, relettering prior provisions accordingly, effective June
7, 1988, and applicable to findings filed on or after June 7, 1988.
Cited. 202 C. 541−543, 545, 549, 550, 552−554, 556−560. Cited. 204 C. 259, 278. Cited. 207 C. 98, 107, 105. Secs.
54-47a−54-47h also cited. Id. Cited. 213 C. 66, 71. Cited. 219 C. 905, 906. Cited. 221 C. 625, 628, 630, 631, 634.
Cited. 16 CA 679, 680. Cited. 17 CA 395, 401. Cited. 19 CA 230, 233, 234. Cited. 20 CA 447, 450.
Cited. 45 CS 1.
Subsec. (a):
Cited. 219 C. 905, 906. Cited. 221 C. 625, 628−630, 633. P.A. 88-345 Sec. 1(a) cited. Id. Cited. 222 C. 331, 340. Cited.
229 C. 178, 187.
Cited. 19 CA 230−234. Initial determination of "public interest" left to grand jury panel. 20 CA 447, 450. Cited. 43
CA 851.
Cited. 45 CS 1.
Subsec. (b):
Cited. 45 CS 1.
Subsec. (c):
Cited. 45 CS 1.
Subsec. (f):
Cited. 45 CS 1.
Subsec. (g):
Cited. 45 CS 1.
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(P.A. 85-611, S. 7.)
Cited. 202 C. 541−543, 545, 549, 550, 552−554, 556−560. Cited. 204 C. 259, 278. Cited. 207 C. 98, 101, 106. Cited.
213 C. 66, 71. Appellate review under section must be forwarded on an action brought to the trial court. There was no
basis for appeal from determinations of grand jury panel before effective date of P.A. 88-345, i.e. June 7, 1988. 221 C.
625, 630, 634.
Cited. 16 CA 679, 680. Cited. 17 CA 395, 401. Cited. 20 CA 447, 450.
Cited. 45 CS 1.
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(b) The appointment of any judge or referee after October 1, 1985, to replace a
judge or referee ordered to conduct an inquiry to determine whether or not probable
cause to believe that a crime or crimes have been committed, where such inquiry was
ordered prior to October 1, 1985, in accordance with section 54-47 of the general statutes,
revised to January 1, 1985, shall not be deemed to create a new inquiry and the authority
of such judge so appointed shall continue as provided in subsection (a) of this section.
(P.A. 86-317, S. 1, 2.)
P.A. 86-317 cited. 202 C. 189. P.A. 85-611 as clarified by P.A. 86-317 "did not revoke the authority of or alter the
procedures governing investigatory grand juries that had been properly authorized before October 1, 1985." Id. Section
validates any action taken or evidence obtained on or after October 1, 1985, pursuant to authority contained in former Sec.
54-47; considered to be clarifying. Id., 541−543, 551, 552, 556−560. Cited (as P.A. 86-317, Sec. 1(a)). 207 C. 98, 104.
Cited. 213 C. 66, 71.
Cited. 45 CS 1.
Subsec. (a):
Cited. 202 C. 541, 552. Cited. 213 C. 66, 72.
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(1949 Rev., S. 8269; P.A. 73-116, S. 3; 73-667, S. 1, 2; P.A. 77-604, S. 55, 84; P.A. 78-276; 78-280, S. 2, 127; P.A.
97-52.)
History: P.A. 73-116 substituted "Connecticut Correctional Institution, Somers" for "State Prison" and added reference
to judicial districts; P.A. 73-667 changed effective date of P.A. 73-116 from October 1, 1973, to April 25, 1973; P.A. 77-
604 deleted specific reference to imprisonment at Somers referring instead to imprisonment "for more than one year";
P.A. 78-276 deleted reference to counties (as did P.A. 78-280) and increased maximum amount of reward from three
thousand to twenty thousand dollars; P.A. 97-52 increased the maximum amount of the reward from twenty thousand to
fifty thousand dollars.
Does not recompense one who had wholly performed before the offer was made. 143 C. 462.
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(b) When any crime has been committed in any municipality which results in the
death of any police officer or firefighter, the chief executive officer of such municipality,
upon the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the legislative body of such municipality, or
when the legislative body is the town meeting, at least two-thirds of those present and
voting, may offer publicly, a reward not exceeding twenty thousand dollars, to the person
who gives information leading to the arrest and conviction of the guilty person, which
reward shall be paid to the informer by the municipality, by order of the court before
which such conviction is had.
(1949 Rev., S. 8270; P.A. 84-540, S. 5, 7; P.A. 93-425, S. 1.)
History: P.A. 84-540 added Subsec. (b) authorizing the chief executive officer of a municipality in which a crime has
been committed which results in the death of a police officer or fire fighter, to offer a reward for information leading to
arrest and conviction of guilty person; P.A. 93-425 amended Subsec. (a) by deleting "town, its selectmen" and adding
"municipality, the chief executive officer of such municipality, as described in section 7-193", increasing reward from
amount not exceeding two hundred to two thousand five hundred dollars, and deleting "town" and substituting "municipality".
A high crime is an immoral and unlawful act, nearly allied and equal in guilt to a felony, but not coming strictly within
that denomination. 6 C. 417; 84 C. 374; 86 C. 437. Construction of section should be equitable. 39 C. 159. Offer of reward
not barred until statute of limitations has run against the crime. Id. City has no power to offer reward, when. 65 C. 300.
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(1949 Rev., S. 8271.)
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(1949 Rev., S. 8272; P.A. 74-338, S. 55, 94.)
History: P.A. 74-338 removed persons who have had their cases nolled upon payment of a sum of money from purview
of Subsec. (a).
To give information includes apprehension of accused. 4 CS 251.
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(1949 Rev., S. 8268, 8273; P.A. 73-116, S. 24; 73-667, S. 1, 2; P.A. 76-436, S. 540, 681; P.A. 78-280, S. 1, 127.)
History: P.A. 73-116 added reference to judicial districts; P.A. 73-667 changed effective date of P.A. 73-116 from
October 1, 1973, to April 25, 1973; P.A. 76-436 deleted provision whereby presiding judge of court to which accused was
bound over determines amount of reward when accused forfeits his recognizance and authorized court for county or judicial
district where offense was committed to determine reward, reflecting transfer of all trial jurisdiction to superior court,
effective July 1, 1978; P.A. 78-280 deleted references to counties.
Averments in application. 39 C. 161. Party furnishing merely corroborative evidence, if necessary to conviction, may
be entitled to reward. Id., 162. The offer, unless otherwise limited, holds good until a prosecution would be barred by
statute of limitations. Id., 163. Policeman detecting burglar cannot demand reward. 51 C. 577. Statutes as to rewards give
rise to contractual rights. 78 C. 428. Cited. 143 C. 462.
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(1949 Rev., S. 8778; 1961, P.A. 517, S. 50; February, 1965, P.A. 606; 1969, P.A. 803, S. 2; P.A. 80-313, S. 17; P.A.
99-240, S. 15.)
History: 1961 act deleted obsolete reference to county commissioners; 1965 act made section applicable to person
awaiting arraignment or sentencing as well as trial, offered the alternative of posting cash bail and substituted present
provisions for taking bail for prior provision of taking by the court, a judge or clerk; 1969 act replaced jail administrator
with commissioner of correction, substituted references to community correctional centers for references to jails and
specified applicability to persons detained "pursuant to the issuance of a bench warrant"; P.A. 80-313 made minor changes
in wording; P.A. 99-240 added provisions requiring the person designated by the commissioner to prepare a report when
cash bail in excess of ten thousand dollars is received for a detained person accused of a felony involving the use, attempted
use or threatened use of physical force against another person, specifying the contents of such report and requiring such
designated person not later than fifteen days after receipt of such cash bail to file such report with the Department of
Revenue Services and mail a copy of such report to the appropriate state's attorney and each person offering the cash bail.
Not permitted to one under sentence for prior offense. K. 260. Sheriff may take bail and release prisoner. 2 D. 11. Not
the practice to issue a special order to clerk for commitment of prisoner to jail; there is a continuing order to that effect.
36 C. 251. Nature of act of taking bail; law authorizing clerk to take bail will not permit him to fix amount. 89 C. 301.
Liabilities on bail bond. 83 C. 688. Bail where state appeals; 65 C. 282; where accused appeals to supreme court and
sentence is stayed. 71 C. 457. Application to supreme court to admit accused to bail denied; procedure there must be to
have finding of facts made by referee unless they are admitted by state's attorney. 109 C. 738. Cited. 140 C. 326. In capital
cases refusal of bail must be restricted to cases where proof is evident or presumption great in accord with section 8 of
Article I of state's constitution. Burden of proof that proof is evident or presumption great in capital offenses as grounds
for refusing bail is on state and not met by fact of grand jury indictment. 159 C. 264.
Only an act of God or an act of law or an act of the obligee excuses a surety whose principal does not appear before
court. Sleepiness constitutes no reason for relaxation of the law. 23 CS 321.
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(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, any person who
has not made bail and is detained in a community correctional center pursuant to the
issuance of a bench warrant of arrest or for arraignment, sentencing or trial for an offense
classified as a class D felony or as a misdemeanor, except a person charged with a crime
in another state and detained pursuant to chapter 964 or a person detained for violation
of his parole pending a parole revocation hearing, shall be presented to the court having
cognizance of the offense within thirty days of the date of his detention. On such presentment, the court may reduce, modify or discharge the bail or may for cause shown remand
the person to the custody of the Commissioner of Correction. On the expiration of each
successive thirty-day period, the person shall again be presented to the court for such
purpose.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (a) and (b) of this section, any
person who has not made bail may be heard by the court upon a motion for modification
of the bail at any time.
(1971, P.A. 513; P.A. 74-186, S. 1, 12; P.A. 80-313, S. 25; P.A. 82-244; P.A. 89-166.)
History: P.A. 74-186 made minor changes in wording and specified that presentment is to occur at the expiration of
each successive forty-five day period; P.A. 80-313 made minor changes in wording, substituting "the" for "such" etc; P.A.
82-244 added Subsec. (b) requiring a bail review hearing every thirty days for persons charged with a class D felony or a
misdemeanor; P.A. 89-166 added Subsec. (c) providing that any person who has not made bail may be heard by the court
upon a motion for modification of the bail at any time.
See Sec. 51-180 re criminal terms and sessions of court.
See Sec. 51-180a re special session held when accused is confined for want of bail.
Cited. 169 C. 438, 440. Section which requires review of bail every forty-five days for persons held in custody while
mandating procedure for implementing right to be released on bail, provides no sanction for a violation of that procedure.
Denial of any right created by this section is not a violation of fundamental constitutional right. 171 C. 395, 403, 404.
Cited. 29 CS 434. Provides no sanction in event of a violation; defendant not entitled to dismissal of information without
showing of prejudice. 43 CS 211, 216.
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(1949 Rev., S. 8767, 8768; 1961, P.A. 517, S. 71.)
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(1949 Rev., S. 8769.)
Cited. 170 C. 337, 339. In absence of statutory authority, court may not of its own motion dismiss a criminal prosecution
unless there is fundamental legal defect in information or indictment or constitutional defect such as denial of speedy trial
or illegality of arrest. 172 C. 608. Cited. 189 C. 42, 45. Cited. 193 C. 602, 603. Cited. 198 C. 435, 443. Trial court did not
abuse its discretion having properly found "cause" to dismiss with prejudice. 200 C. 453, 458−460, 464. Cited. 204 C.
187, 193, 205, 206. Cited. 207 C. 374, 397, 402. Cited. 209 C. 225, 231, 236−238. Cited. 213 C. 708, 713. Cited. 214 C.
657, 659. Cited. 229 C. 716, 720. Cited. 242 C. 409. Absent compliance with section, trial court did not have authority to
dismiss pending misdemeanor charge because, in trial court's view, case was not sufficiently important to warrant time
and expense of jury trial. 243 C. 690.
Cited. 4 CA 520, 521, 525−528. Cited. 5 CA 347, 349. Cited. 7 CA 46, 73. Cited. 11 CA 224, 225. Insufficient cause
"prong" of statute is inappropriate basis for dismissal of information preceded by arrest warrant where no trial has yet been
held. 19 CA 495−504. Cited. 20 CA 321, 331. Cited. 21 CA 210, 214. Cited. 24 CA 195, 205, 206. Cited. 29 CA 689, 692.
Cited. 40 CA 789, 796. Cited. 45 CA 722.
Purpose and history of law. 13 CS 112. Cited. 21 CS 246. Resort to this section is not proper method to raise issue of
jurisdiction of court over person of defendant. 28 CS 512, 514, 515. Purpose of motion to dismiss is to prevent unchecked
powers by prosecuting attorney. 29 CS 118.
Motion to dismiss count having been previously granted, motion for directed verdict on that count was properly denied.
5 Conn. Cir. Ct. 78.
Subsec. (d):
Cited. 193 C. 474, 477.
Subsec. (e):
Cited. 200 C. 440, 442, 447.
Subsec. (j):
Cited. 8 CA 607, 615.
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(1963, P.A. 475; P.A. 74-183, S. 127, 291; P.A. 76-381, S. 3; 76-436, S. 519, 681; P.A. 77-452, S. 34, 72; P.A. 79-
196; P.A. 85-446, S. 4, 6; P.A. 90-213, S. 12.)
History: P.A. 74-183 replaced circuit court with court of common pleas, reflecting reorganization of judicial system,
effective December 31, 1974; P.A. 76-381 amended section to specify applicability re actions arising out of alleged commission of an infraction; P.A. 76-436 and P.A. 77-452 replaced court of common pleas with superior court, reflecting transfer
of all trial jurisdiction to superior court, effective July 1, 1978; P.A. 79-196 required that forms for filing pleas and claims
be approved by chief court administrator's office rather than by superior court judges; Sec. 54-2b transferred to Sec. 54-
56a in 1981; P.A. 85-446 deleted references to procedures for an alleged commission of an infraction, effective October
1, 1986; P.A. 90-213 added exception for a violation of Sec. 14-219 specified in Subsec. (e) of said Sec. 14-219.
Annotation to former section 54-2b:
Cited. 29 CS 155.
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(P.A. 80-313, S. 30.)
Note: This section formerly formed part of Sec. 54-46.
Cited as Sec. 54-46. 180 C. 153, 163. The court must accept the entry of the nolle prosequi for the record unless it is
persuaded that prosecutor's exercise of discretion is clearly contrary to manifest public interest. 185 C. 199, 201, 202.
Cited. 191 C. 27, 36. Cited. 198 C. 435, 443. Entry of nolles over defendant's objection fits within exception to rule of
finality allowing appeal of interlocutory trial court rulings that, if erroneous, cannot later be remedied. 209 C. 52, 54, 56.
Gives a defendant right to have criminal charge disposed of with finality by dismissal with prejudice. Id., 133, 135−137,
139−142. Cited. 214 C. 616, 631, 632. Cited. 233 C. 44, 58, 59, 61, 78. Cited. 240 C. 590.
Cited. 5 CA 347, 354. Cited. 10 CA 217, 235. Cited. 11 CA 224, 225. Cited. 40 CA 705, 707; judgment reversed, see
240 C. 590 et seq. Cited. 44 CA 162.
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(P.A. 80-313, S. 31.)
Note: This section formerly formed part of Sec. 54-46.
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(b) Presumption of competency. A defendant is presumed to be competent. The
burden of proving that the defendant is not competent by a preponderance of the evidence
and the burden of going forward with the evidence are on the party raising the issue.
The burden of going forward with the evidence shall be on the state if the court raises
the issue. The court may call its own witnesses and conduct its own inquiry.
(c) Request for examination. If at any time during a criminal proceeding it appears
that the defendant is not competent, counsel for the defendant or for the state, or the
court, on its own motion, may request an examination to determine the defendant's
competency.
(d) Examination of defendant. Report. If the court finds that the request for an
examination is justified and that, in accordance with procedures established by the judges
of the Superior Court, there is probable cause to believe that the defendant has committed
the crime for which he is charged, the court shall order an examination of the defendant
as to his competency. The court either may appoint one or more physicians specializing
in psychiatry to examine the defendant or it may order the Commissioner of Mental
Health and Addiction Services to conduct the examination either by a clinical team
consisting of a physician specializing in psychiatry, a clinical psychologist and one of
the following: A clinical social worker licensed pursuant to chapter 383b or a psychiatric
nurse clinical specialist holding a master's degree in nursing, or by one or more physicians specializing in psychiatry, except that no employee of the Department of Mental
Health and Addiction Services who has served as a member of a clinical team in the
course of such employment for at least five years prior to October 1, 1995, shall be
precluded from being appointed as a member of a clinical team. If the Commissioner
of Mental Health and Addiction Services is ordered to conduct the examination, he shall
select the members of the clinical team or the physician or physicians. If the examiners
determine that the defendant is not competent, they shall then determine whether there
is substantial probability that the defendant, if provided with a course of treatment,
will regain competency within the maximum period of any placement order under this
section. The court may authorize a physician specializing in psychiatry, a clinical psychologist, a clinical social worker licensed pursuant to chapter 383b or a psychiatric
nurse clinical specialist holding a master's degree in nursing selected by the defendant
to observe the examination. Counsel for the defendant may observe the examination.
The examination shall be completed within fifteen days from the date it was ordered
and the examiner or examiners shall prepare and sign, without notarization, a written
report and file it with the court within twenty-one business days of the date of the order.
On receipt of the written report, the clerk of the court shall cause copies to be delivered
immediately to the state's attorney and to counsel for the defendant.
(e) Hearing. The court shall hold a hearing as to the competency of the defendant
no later than ten days after it receives the written report. Any evidence regarding the
defendant's competency, including the written report, may be introduced at the hearing
by either the defendant or the state. If the written report is introduced, at least one of
the examiners must be present to testify as to the determinations in the report, unless
his presence is waived by the defendant and the state. Any member of the clinical team
shall be considered competent to testify as to the team's determinations. A defendant
and his counsel may waive the court hearing only if the examiners, in the written report,
determine without qualification that the defendant is competent.
(f) Court finding of competency or incompetency. If the court, after the hearing,
finds that the defendant is competent, it shall continue with the criminal proceedings.
If it finds that the defendant is not competent, it shall also find whether there is substantial
probability that the defendant, if provided with a course of treatment, will regain competency within the maximum period of any placement order permitted under this section.
(g) Court procedure if finding that defendant will not regain competency. If,
at the hearing, the court finds that there is not a substantial probability that the defendant,
if provided with a course of treatment, will regain competency within the period of any
placement order under this section, the court shall follow the procedure set forth in
subsection (m) of this section.
(h) Court procedure if finding that defendant will regain competency. If, at the
hearing, the court finds that there is a substantial probability that the defendant, if provided with a course of treatment, will regain competency within the period of any placement order under this section, the court shall order placement of the defendant for treatment for the purpose of rendering him competent.
(i) Placement for treatment. Conditions. The placement for treatment for the purpose of rendering the defendant competent shall comply with the following conditions:
(1) The period of placement under the order or combination of orders shall not exceed
the period of the maximum sentence which the defendant could receive on conviction
of the charges against him or eighteen months, whichever is less; (2) the placement shall
be either in the custody of the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services,
the Commissioner of Children and Families or the Commissioner of Mental Retardation
or, if the defendant or the appropriate commissioner agrees to provide payment, in the
custody of any appropriate mental health facility or treatment program which agrees to
provide treatment to the defendant and to adhere to the requirements of this section and
(3) the court shall order the placement, on either an inpatient or an outpatient basis,
which it finds is the least restrictive placement appropriate and available to restore competency. If outpatient treatment is the least restrictive placement for a defendant who
has not yet been released from a correctional facility, the court shall consider whether
the availability of that treatment is a sufficient basis on which to release the defendant
on a promise to appear, conditions of release, cash bail or bond. If the court determines
that the defendant may not be so released, the court shall order treatment of the defendant
on an inpatient basis at a mental health facility or mental retardation facility.
(j) Progress reports re treatment. The person in charge of the treatment facility
or his designee shall submit a written progress report to the court (1) at least seven days
prior to the date of any hearing on the issue of the defendant's competency; (2) whenever
he believes that the defendant has attained competency; or (3) whenever he believes
that there is not a substantial probability that the defendant will attain competency within
the period covered by the placement order. The progress report shall contain (A) the
clinical findings of the person submitting the report and the facts on which the findings
are based; (B) the opinion of the person submitting the report as to whether the defendant
has attained competency or as to whether the defendant is making progress, under treatment, toward attaining competency within the period covered by the placement order;
and (C) any other information concerning the defendant requested by the court, such as
the method of treatment or the type, dosage and effect of any medication the defendant
is receiving.
(k) Reconsideration of competency. Hearing. (1) When any placement order for
treatment is rendered or continued, the court shall set a date for a hearing, to be held
within ninety days, for reconsideration of the issue of the defendant's competency.
Whenever the court receives a report pursuant to subsection (j) which indicates that (A)
the defendant has attained competency, (B) the defendant will not attain competency
within the remainder of the period covered by the placement order or (C) the defendant
will not attain competency within the remainder of the period covered by the placement
order absent administration of psychiatric medication for which the defendant is unwilling or unable to provide consent, the court shall set the matter for a hearing no later than
ten days after the report is received. The hearing may be waived by the defendant only
if the report indicates that he is competent. The court shall determine whether the defendant is competent or whether he is making progress toward attainment of competency
within the period covered by the placement order. If the court finds that the defendant
is competent, he shall be returned to the custody of the Commissioner of Correction or
released, if he has met the conditions for release, and the court shall continue with the
criminal proceedings. If the court finds that the defendant is still not competent but that
he is making progress toward attaining competency, it may continue or modify the
placement order. If the court finds that the defendant is still not competent and will not
attain competency within the remainder of the period covered by the placement order
absent administration of psychiatric medication for which he is unwilling or unable to
provide consent, it shall proceed as provided in subdivisions (2) and (3) of this subsection.
(2) If the court finds that the defendant will not attain competency within the remainder of the period covered by the placement order absent administration of psychiatric
medication for which the defendant is unwilling or unable to provide consent, and after
any hearing held pursuant to subdivision (3) of this subsection, it may order the involuntary medication of the defendant if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that: (A)
To a reasonable degree of medical certainty involuntary medication of the defendant
will render him competent to stand trial, (B) an adjudication of guilt or innocence cannot
be had using less intrusive means, (C) the proposed treatment plan is narrowly tailored
to minimize intrusion on the defendant's liberty and privacy interests, (D) the proposed
drug regime will not cause an unnecessary risk to the defendant's health and (E) the
seriousness of the alleged crime is such that the criminal law enforcement interest of
the state in fairly and accurately determining the defendant's guilt or innocence overrides
the defendant's interest in self-determination.
(3) If the court finds that the defendant is unable to provide consent for the administration of psychiatric medication, and prior to deciding whether to order the involuntary
medication of the defendant under subdivision (2) of this subsection, the court shall
appoint a licensed health care provider with specialized training in the treatment of
persons with psychiatric disabilities to represent the health care interests of the defendant
before the court. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 52-146e, such person shall
have access to the psychiatric records of the defendant. Such person shall file a report
with the court not later than thirty days after his or her appointment. The report shall
set forth such person's findings and recommendations concerning the administration of
psychiatric medication to the defendant including the risks and benefits of such medication, the likelihood and seriousness of any adverse side effects and the prognosis with
and without such medication. The court shall hold a hearing on the matter not later than
ten days after receipt of such person's report and shall, in deciding whether to order
the involuntary medication of the defendant, take into account such person's opinion
concerning the health care interests of the defendant.
(l) Failure of defendant to return to treatment facility. If a defendant who has
been ordered placed for treatment on an inpatient basis at a mental health facility or
mental retardation facility is released from such facility on a furlough or for work,
therapy or any other reason and fails to return to the facility in accordance with the terms
and conditions of his release, the person in charge of the facility or his designee shall,
within twenty-four hours of the defendant's failure to return, report such failure to the
prosecuting authority for the court location which ordered the placement of the defendant. Upon receipt of such a report, the prosecuting authority shall, within available
resources, make reasonable efforts to notify any victim or victims of the crime for which
the defendant is charged of such defendant's failure to return to the facility. No civil
liability shall be incurred by the state or the prosecuting authority for failure to notify
any victim or victims in accordance with this subsection. The failure of a defendant to
return to the facility in which he has been placed may constitute sufficient cause for his
rearrest upon order by the court.
(m) Release or placement of defendant who will not attain competency. If at
any time the court determines that there is not a substantial probability that the defendant
will attain competency within the period of treatment allowed by this section, or if at
the end of that period the court finds that the defendant is still not competent, the court
shall either release the defendant from custody or order the defendant placed in the
custody of the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the Commissioner of Children and Families or the Commissioner of Mental Retardation. The commissioner given custody or his designee shall then apply for civil commitment according
to sections 17a-75 to 17a-83, inclusive, 17a-270 to 17a-283, inclusive, and 17a-495 to
17a-528, inclusive. The court shall hear arguments as to whether the defendant should
be released or should be placed in the custody of the Commissioner of Mental Health and
Addiction Services, the Commissioner of Children and Families or the Commissioner
of Mental Retardation. If the court orders the release of a defendant charged with the
commission of a crime that resulted in the death or serious physical injury, as defined
in section 53a-3, of another person, it may, on its own motion or on motion of the
prosecuting authority, order, as a condition of such release, periodic examinations of
the defendant as to his competency. Such an examination shall be conducted in accordance with subsection (d) of this section. Upon receipt of the written report as provided
in said subsection (d) the court shall, upon the request of either party filed not later
than thirty days after the court receives such report, conduct a hearing as provided in
subsection (e) of this section. Such hearing shall be held not later than ninety days
after the court receives such report. If the court finds that the defendant has attained
competency, he shall be returned to the custody of the Commissioner of Correction or
released, if he has met the conditions for release, and the court shall continue with the
criminal proceedings. Periodic examinations ordered by the court under this subsection
shall continue until the court finds that the defendant has attained competency or until
the time within which the defendant may be prosecuted for the crime with which he is
charged, as provided in section 54-193 or 54-193a, has expired, whichever occurs first.
The court shall dismiss, with or without prejudice, any charges for which a nolle prosequi
is not entered when the time within which the defendant may be prosecuted for the
crime with which he is charged, as provided in section 54-193 or 54-193a, has expired.
Notwithstanding the erasure provisions of section 54-142a, police and court records and
records of any state's attorney pertaining to a charge which is nolled or dismissed without
prejudice while the defendant is not competent shall not be erased until the time for the
prosecution of the defendant expires under section 54-193 or 54-193a. A defendant who
is not civilly committed as a result of an application made by the Commissioner of
Mental Health and Addiction Services, the Commissioner of Children and Families or
the Commissioner of Mental Retardation pursuant to this section shall be released. A
defendant who is civilly committed pursuant to such an application shall be treated in
the same manner as any other civilly committed person.
(n) Payment of costs. The cost of the examination effected by the Commissioner
of Mental Health and Addiction Services and of testimony of persons conducting the
examination effected by the commissioner shall be paid by the Department of Mental
Health and Addiction Services. The cost of the examination and testimony by physicians
appointed by the court shall be paid by the Judicial Department. If the defendant is
indigent, the fee of the person selected by the defendant to observe the examination and
to testify on his behalf shall be paid by the Public Defender Services Commission. The
expense of treating a defendant placed in the custody of the Commissioner of Mental
Health and Addiction Services, the Commissioner of Children and Families or the Commissioner of Mental Retardation pursuant to subsection (i) of this section shall be computed and paid for in the same manner as is provided for persons committed by a probate
court under the provisions of sections 17b-19, 17b-63 to 17b-65, inclusive, 17b-116 to
17b-138, inclusive, 17b-220 to 17b-250, inclusive, 17b-256, 17b-259, 17b-263, 17b-
287, 17b-340 to 17b-350, inclusive, 17b-689, 17b-689b and 17b-743 to 17b-747, inclusive.
(o) Custody of defendant. Until the hearing is held, the defendant, if not released
on a promise to appear, conditions of release, cash bail or bond, shall remain in the
custody of the Commissioner of Correction unless hospitalized as provided in sections
17a-512 to 17a-517, inclusive.
(p) Placement of violent defendant. This section shall not be construed to require
the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services to place any violent defendant in a mental institution which does not have the trained staff, facilities and security
to accommodate such a person. If placement in such a facility becomes necessary, a
state policeman shall be provided to guard the defendant after placement in such an
institution.
(q) Defense of defendant prior to trial. This section shall not prevent counsel for
the defendant from raising, prior to trial and while the defendant is not competent, any
issue susceptible of fair determination.
(r) Credit for confinement time. Actual time spent in confinement on an inpatient
basis pursuant to this section shall be credited against any sentence imposed on the
defendant in the pending criminal case or in any other case arising out of the same
conduct in the same manner as time is credited for time spent in a correctional facility
awaiting trial.
(1949 Rev., S. 8748; 1959, P.A. 523, S. 2; 1967, P.A. 670; 1969, P.A. 828, S. 213; P.A. 74-306, S. 1−4; P.A. 75-476,
S. 1−3, 6; P.A. 76-353; 76-436, S. 532, 681; P.A. 77-415, S. 1, 2; P.A. 78-280, S. 117, 127; P.A. 80-313, S. 32; P.A. 81-
365; P.A. 83-183, S. 1−5; P.A. 84-506; P.A. 85-288; 85-613, S. 79, 154; P.A. 93-91, S. 1, 2; P.A. 94-27, S. 16, 17; P.A.
95-146; 95-257, S. 11, 58; P.A. 96-90; 96-180, S. 128, 166; 96-215, S. 3, 4; P.A. 98-88, S. 1, 2.)
History: 1959 act added provision re computation and payment of hospital expense during confinement; 1967 act
divided section into Subsecs., added qualification of inability to assist in his own defense to Subsecs. (a) and (c) and
authority of judge to act on his own motion in Subsec. (a), amended Subsec. (b) to make mandatory the appointment of at
least two psychiatrists rather than discretionary appointment of two or three physicians to examine accused and added
provisions re commitment to state hospital for mental illness for examination, re physician's witnessing of examination
and re filing of examination report; 1969 act added Subsec. (d) re maximum periods of commitment; P.A. 74-306 amended
Subsec. (b) to make judge's appointment of examiners optional rather than mandatory, to change number appointed from
"at least two" to "one or more", to replace provision re commitment to state hospital with provisions re commitment to
commissioner of mental health and examination by clinical team, to impose fifteen-day deadline for filing written report,
to require hearing and to specify when hearing may be waived, amended Subsecs. (c) and (d) to reflect changes in Subsec.
(b), imposing fifteen-day deadline for hearing in Subsec. (c) and provision re application of Sec. 17-197 in Subsec. (d),
and added Subsecs. (e) and (f) re commitment of violent person and re cost of examinations; P.A. 75-476 restated and
clarified Subsec. (b) adding procedural details and limiting examinations to a determination of accused's ability to understand proceeding and assist in his own defense where previously determination was of accused's "mental condition", made
similar changes in Subsec. (c), eliminating references to insanity and mental defectiveness and deleting provision stating
that expenses are to be paid in same manner as expenses in superior court criminal prosecutions, and amended Subsec. (d)
to replace previous provisions re maximum commitment for period equaling maximum sentence for the particular crime
or for twenty-five years if case involves class A felony with maximum commitment period of eighteen months, to make
changes conforming provisions to changes in Subsecs. (b) and (c) and to add provisions re hearing procedure and options
to proceed with trial, reconfine accused, etc.; P.A. 76-353 amended Subsec. (b) to set ten-day deadline for hearing where
previously "prompt" hearing was required, amended Subsec. (c) to add references to commissioner of mental retardation,
to require hearing within ten rather than fifteen days and to add reference to possibility that accused will not be able to
understand proceeding and assist in his own defense within remainder of commitment period, amended Subsec. (d) to
conform with changes in Subsec. (c) and to restore optional maximum commitment for maximum period of sentence which
may be imposed for the crime he is accused of and repealed Subsecs. (e) and (f) by omission; P.A. 76-436 amended section
to reflect substitution of assistant state's attorneys for prosecuting attorneys, effective July 1, 1978; P.A. 77-415 restated
provisions, reorganized Subsecs. and added Subsecs. (f) and (g) restoring provisions omitted by P.A. 76-353; P.A. 78-280
made technical grammatical change in Subsec. (b); P.A. 80-313 restated and reordered provisions, and revised subsection
divisions but made no substantive changes; Sec. 54-40 transferred to Sec. 54-56d in 1981; P.A. 81-365 replaced previous
section which was declared unconstitutional; P.A. 83-183 authorized placement of defendant in custody of children and
youth services commissioner in Subsecs. (g), (i), (l) and (m) and specified that court may order treatment at mental retardation facilities in Subsec. (i); P.A. 84-506 amended Subsec. (d) to require the examiner to "prepare and sign, without
notarization" a written report and file it with the court "within ten days" of the examination, amended Subsec. (g) to replace
provision requiring court to either release the defendant or place him in the custody of the commissioner of mental health,
children and youth services or mental retardation with provision that the court shall "follow the procedure set forth in
Subsec. (m)", added a new Subsec. (l) re the responsibilities of the person in charge of a treatment facility and the prosecuting
authority when a defendant fails to return to such facility, and relettered remaining Subsecs. accordingly; P.A. 85-288
amended Subsec. (m) to provide that the court shall dismiss, with or without prejudice, any charges for which a nolle
prosequi is not entered when the time within which the defendant may be prosecuted for the crime with which he is charged
has expired; P.A. 85-613 made technical change in Subsec. (m), substituting reference to chapter 368t for reference to
chapter 365a; P.A. 93-91 substituted commissioner and department of children and families for commissioner and department of children and youth services, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 94-27 amended Subsec. (m) to delete reference to Secs.
17a-580 to 17a-603, inclusive, effective July 1, 1994; P.A. 95-146 amended Subsec. (d) to revise the composition of the
clinical team by replacing "a psychiatric social worker" with "one of the following: A clinical independent social worker
certified pursuant to chapter 383b or a psychiatric nurse clinical specialist holding a master's degree in nursing", to add
exception re appointment of an employee of the Department of Mental Health as a member of a clinical team, to revise
the list of professionals authorized to observe the examination by deleting "a psychiatric social worker" and adding "a
clinical independent social worker certified pursuant to chapter 383b or a psychiatric nurse clinical specialist holding a
master's degree in nursing" and to require the report to be filed "within twenty-one business days of the date of the order"
rather than "within ten days of the completion of the examination"; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department
of Mental Health with Commissioner and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, effective July 1, 1995;
P.A. 96-90 amended Subsec. (m) to delete references to Secs. 17a-450 to 17a-484, inclusive, 17a-540 to 17a-550, inclusive,
17a-560 to 17a-576, inclusive, 17a-615 to 17a-618, inclusive, and 46a-11a to 46a-11g, inclusive; P.A. 96-180 made technical changes in Subsec. (d) by replacing references to "clinical independent social worker certified pursuant to chapter
383b" with "clinical social worker licensed pursuant to chapter 383b", effective June 3, 1996; P.A. 96-215 amended Subsec.
(b) by deleting "clear and convincing" evidence and inserting "preponderance of the" evidence in lieu thereof, effective
June 4, 1996; (Revisor's note: In 1997 the references to "17b-115 to 17b-138" and "17b-689 to 17b-693, inclusive," in
Subsec. (n) were changed editorially by the Revisors to "17b-116 to 17b-138" and "17b-689, 17b-689b", respectively, to
reflect the repeal of certain sections by Sec. 164 of June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-2); P.A. 98-88 amended Subsec. (k) to designate
existing provisions as Subdiv. (1), redesignating former Subdivs. (1) and (2) as Subparas. (A) and (B), respectively, adding
Subpara. (C) re a report that the defendant will not attain competency absent administration of psychiatric medication for
which the defendant is unwilling or unable to provide consent and adding provision requiring the court to proceed as
provided in Subdivs. (2) and (3) if it finds that the defendant will not attain competency absent administration of psychiatric
medication for which the defendant is unwilling or unable to provide consent, to add new Subdiv. (2) authorizing the court
to order the involuntary medication of the defendant if it makes certain findings by clear and convincing evidence, and to
add new Subdiv. (3) requiring the appointment of a licensed health care provider to represent the health care interests of
the defendant if the defendant is unable to provide consent for the administration of psychiatric medication, requiring such
person to file a report with the court setting forth his findings and recommendations re the administration of psychiatric
medication to the defendant and requiring the court to hold a hearing on the matter and consider such person's opinion in
deciding whether to order the involuntary medication of the defendant, and amended Subsec. (m) to authorize a court when
it releases a defendant charged with a crime that resulted in the death or serious physical injury of another person to order
periodic examinations of the defendant, set forth the procedure for conducting such an examination and a subsequent
hearing by the court, require the continuation of criminal proceedings if the defendant is found to have attained competency,
specify the duration of such periodic examinations and add references to Sec. 54-193a.
See Sec. 17a-566 re required examination of persons convicted of certain crimes for signs of mental illness.
Annotations to former section 54-40:
Cited. 134 C. 45; 161 C. 20. A person who is "insane" within the meaning of the rule exempting mentally disabled
persons from execution is not necessarily "insane" within the meaning of the rules precluding incompetent persons from
trial, conviction and sentencing. 169 C. 13. Cited. 171 C. 454, 455. Cited. 193 C. 526, 531, 544.
Cited. 6 CA 476−478, 483.
Cited. 14 CS 33.
Commitment hereunder operates in all particulars as civil commitment by probate court and committed person's assets
must be used for his support. 5 Conn. Cir. Ct. 542. This section applies to those already committed at time of enactment
and is not ex post facto as it is not a criminal statute. Id.
Subsec. (e):
Cited. 198 C. 273, 275, 282.
Annotations to present section:
Cited. 186 C. 476, 480. Cited. 189 C. 61, 63, 64; Id., 566, 567. Cited. 192 C. 520, 525. Cited. 198 C. 598, 606. Cited.
199 C. 359, 364. Cited. 200 C. 224, 242. Cited. 205 C. 673, 677. Cited. 210 C. 304, 305. Cited. 222 C. 312−314. Cited.
224 C. 29, 38. Cited. Id., 907. Cited. 225 C. 524−527. Cited. 227 C. 930. Cited. 229 C. 228, 231, 234. Cited. 230 C. 572,
574, 582, 584−586, 589. Cited. 233 C. 44−46, 53, 60, 68, 78, 91−93. Cited. Id., 813, 825. Cited. 235 C. 671, 674−676.
Cited. 5 CA 79, 81. Cited. 6 CA 476−478, 483. Cited. 8 CA 491, 492. Cited. 9 CA 587, 589, 590, 596. Cited. 14 CA
140, 141. Cited. Id., 586, 594. Cited. 17 CA 602, 616. Cited. 22 CA 199, 201, 203, 204. Cited. Id., 477, 486. Cited. 25 CA
741, 744, 746. Cited. 28 CA 360, 367, 368; judgment reversed, see 229 C. 529 et seq. Cited. Id., 548−552. Cited. 30 CA
428, 431. Cited. 32 CA 553, 560, 561. Cited. 36 CA 641−643, 645, 646.
Cited. 44 CS 101, 104.
Subsec. (a):
Cited. 192 C. 383, 389. Cited. 198 C. 598, 604. Cited. 205 C. 673, 687. Cited. 223 C. 557, 562, 563. Cited. 230 C. 109,
131. Cited. 233 C. 44, 67, 85. Cited. Id., 813, 826. Cited. 237 C. 633.
Cited. 22 CA 199, 201. Cited. 32 CA 553, 561. Cited. 34 CA 236, 239. Cited. 36 CA 135, 137.
Subsec. (b):
Cited. 237 C. 633.
Cited. 5 CA 79, 82. Cited. 28 CA 360, 367, 368; judgment reversed, see 229 C. 529 et seq.
Subsec. (c):
Cited. 192 C. 383, 387. Cited. 200 C. 224, 238. Cited. 205 C. 673, 677, 682, 687. Cited. 237 C. 633.
Cited. 5 CA 79, 82. Cited. 20 CA 212, 213. Cited. 36 CA 135, 136, 138.
Subsec. (d):
Cited. 192 C. 383, 387. Cited. 200 C. 224, 227, 229. Cited. 237 C. 633.
Subsec. (e):
Cited. 214 C. 476, 481. Cited. 32 CA 553, 561.
Subsec. (f):
Cited. 22 CA 199, 201, 203.
Subsec. (g):
Cited. 22 CA 199, 204.
Subsec. (h):
Cited. 205 C. 673, 678.
Subsec. (i):
Cited. 205 C. 673, 678. Subdiv. (1) cited. 233 C. 44, 62, 68, 91. Subdiv. (2) cited. Id., 44, 68. Cited. 235 C. 671. Subdiv.
(1) cited. Id., 671, 674.
Cited. 22 CA 199, 202, 205.
Subsec. (m):
Cited. 192 C. 520, 522. Cited. 233 C. 44, 68.
Cited. 22 CA 199−206. Unconditional release under statute is a reasonable legislative determination. Id.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(b) The court may, in its discretion, invoke such program on motion of the defendant
or on motion of a state's attorney or prosecuting attorney with respect to a defendant
(1) who, the court believes, will probably not offend in the future, (2) who has no previous
record of conviction of a crime or of a violation of section 14-196, subsection (c) of
section 14-215, section 14-222a, subsection (a) of section 14-224 or section 14-227a,
(3) who has not been adjudged a youthful offender within the preceding five years under
the provisions of sections 54-76b to 54-76n, inclusive, and (4) who states under oath, in
open court or before any person designated by the clerk and duly authorized to administer
oaths, under the penalties of perjury that the defendant has never had such program
invoked in the defendant's behalf, provided the defendant shall agree thereto and provided notice has been given by the defendant, on a form approved by rule of court, to
the victim or victims of such crime or motor vehicle violation, if any, by registered or
certified mail and such victim or victims have an opportunity to be heard thereon. In
determining whether to grant an application under this section with respect to a person
who has been adjudged a youthful offender under the provisions of sections 54-76b
to 54-76n, inclusive, more than five years prior to the date of such application, and
notwithstanding the provisions of section 54-76l, the court shall have access to the
youthful offender records of such person and may consider the nature and circumstances
of the crime with which such person was charged as a youth. Any defendant who makes
application for participation in such program shall pay to the court an application fee
of thirty-five dollars.
(c) This section shall not be applicable: (1) To any person charged with a class A
or class B felony or a violation of section 14-227a, subdivision (2) of section 53-21,
section 53a-56b, 53a-60d, 53a-70, 53a-70a, 53a-70b, 53a-71, 53a-72a or 53a-72b, (2)
to any person charged with a crime or motor vehicle violation who, as a result of the
commission of such crime or motor vehicle violation, causes the death of another person,
(3) to any person accused of a family violence crime as defined in section 46b-38a who
(A) is eligible for the pretrial family violence education program established under
section 46b-38c, or (B) has previously had the pretrial family violence education program invoked in such person's behalf, (4) to any person charged with a violation of
section 21a-267 or 21a-279 who (A) is eligible for the pretrial drug education program
established under section 54-56i, or (B) has previously had the pretrial drug education
program invoked in such person's behalf, or (5) unless good cause is shown, to any
person charged with a class C felony.
(d) Any defendant who enters such program shall pay to the court a participation
fee of one hundred dollars. Any defendant who enters such program shall agree to the
tolling of any statute of limitations with respect to such crime and to a waiver of the
right to a speedy trial. Any such defendant shall appear in court and shall, under such
conditions as the court shall order, be released to the custody of the Office of Adult
Probation, except that, if a criminal docket for drug-dependent persons has been established pursuant to section 51-181b in the judicial district, such defendant may be transferred, under such conditions as the court shall order, to the court handling such docket
for supervision by such court. If the defendant refuses to accept, or, having accepted,
violates such conditions, the defendant's case shall be brought to trial. The period of
such probation or supervision, or both, shall not exceed two years. The court may order
that as a condition of such probation the defendant participate in the zero-tolerance
drug supervision program established pursuant to section 53a-39d. If the defendant has
reached the age of sixteen years but has not reached the age of eighteen years, the court
may order that as a condition of such probation the defendant be referred for services
to a youth service bureau established pursuant to section 17a-39, provided the court
finds, through an assessment by a youth service bureau or its designee, that the defendant
is in need of and likely to benefit from such services. When determining any conditions
of probation to order for a person entering such program who was charged with a misdemeanor that did not involve the use, attempted use or threatened use of physical force
against another person or a motor vehicle violation, the court shall consider ordering
the person to perform community service in the community in which the offense or
violation occurred. If the court determines that community service is appropriate, such
community service may be implemented by a community court established in accordance with section 51-181c if the offense or violation occurred within the jurisdiction of
a community court established by said section.
(e) If a defendant released to the custody of the Office of Adult Probation satisfactorily completes such defendant's period of probation, such defendant may apply for dismissal of the charges against such defendant and the court, on finding such satisfactory
completion, shall dismiss such charges. If the defendant does not apply for dismissal
of the charges against such defendant after satisfactorily completing such defendant's
period of probation, the court, upon receipt of a report submitted by the Office of Adult
Probation that the defendant satisfactorily completed such defendant's period of probation, may on its own motion make a finding of such satisfactory completion and dismiss
such charges. If a defendant transferred to the court handling the criminal docket for
drug-dependent persons satisfactorily completes such defendant's period of supervision,
the court shall release the defendant to the custody of the Office of Adult Probation under
such conditions as the court shall order or shall dismiss such charges. Upon dismissal, all
records of such charges shall be erased pursuant to section 54-142a. An order of the
court denying a motion to dismiss the charges against a defendant who has completed
such defendant's period of probation or supervision or terminating the participation of
a defendant in such program shall be a final judgment for purposes of appeal.
(P.A. 73-641, S. 1, 2; P.A. 74-38; P.A. 76-53; 76-179; P.A. 79-581, S. 11; 79-585, S. 10, 15; P.A. 81-446, S. 4; P.A.
82-9; P.A. 83-534, S. 7; P.A. 85-350, S. 2; 85-374; P.A. 87-343, S. 3, 4; P.A. 87-567, S. 5, 7; P.A. 88-145; P.A. 89-219,
S. 7, 10; P.A. 91-24, S. 6; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-6, S. 116, 117; P.A. 93-138; P.A. 95-142, S. 4; 95-154; 95-225, S. 31;
P.A. 97-248, S. 10, 12; P.A. 98-81, S. 16, 20; 98-208, S. 1, 2; P.A. 99-148, S. 3, 4; 99-187, S. 5; P.A. 00-196, S. 39; 00-
209, S. 5.)
"Sec. 54-56e. (Formerly Sec. 54-76p). Accelerated pretrial rehabilitation. (a)
There shall be a pretrial program for accelerated rehabilitation of persons accused of a
crime or crimes or a motor vehicle violation or violations for which a sentence to a term
of imprisonment may be imposed, which crimes or violations are not of a serious nature.
(b) The court may, in its discretion, invoke such program on motion of the defendant
or on motion of a state's attorney or prosecuting attorney with respect to a defendant
(1) who, the court believes, will probably not offend in the future, (2) who has no previous
record of conviction of a crime or of a violation of section 14-196, subsection (c) of
section 14-215, section 14-222a, subsection (a) of section 14-224 or section 14-227a,
(3) who has not been adjudged a youthful offender within the preceding five years under
the provisions of sections 54-76b to 54-76n, inclusive, and (4) who states under oath, in
open court or before any person designated by the clerk and duly authorized to administer
oaths, under the penalties of perjury that the defendant has never had such program
invoked in the defendant's behalf, provided the defendant shall agree thereto and provided notice has been given by the defendant, on a form approved by rule of court, to
the victim or victims of such crime or motor vehicle violation, if any, by registered or
certified mail and such victim or victims have an opportunity to be heard thereon. In
determining whether to grant an application under this section with respect to a person
who has been adjudged a youthful offender under the provisions of sections 54-76b
to 54-76n, inclusive, more than five years prior to the date of such application, and
notwithstanding the provisions of section 54-76l, the court shall have access to the
youthful offender records of such person and may consider the nature and circumstances
of the crime with which such person was charged as a youth. Any defendant who makes
application for participation in such program shall pay to the court an application fee
of thirty-five dollars.
(c) This section shall not be applicable: (1) To any person charged with a class A
or class B felony or a violation of section 14-227a, subdivision (2) of section 53-21,
section 53a-56b, 53a-60d, 53a-70, 53a-70a, 53a-70b, 53a-71, 53a-72a or 53a-72b, (2)
to any person charged with a crime or motor vehicle violation who, as a result of the
commission of such crime or motor vehicle violation, causes the death of another person,
(3) to any person accused of a family violence crime as defined in section 46b-38a who
(A) is eligible for the pretrial family violence education program established under
section 46b-38c, or (B) has previously had the pretrial family violence education program invoked in such person's behalf, (4) to any person charged with a violation of
section 21a-267 or 21a-279 who (A) is eligible for the pretrial drug education program
established under section 54-56i, or (B) has previously had the pretrial drug education
program invoked in such person's behalf, or (5) unless good cause is shown, to any
person charged with a class C felony.
(d) Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, any defendant who enters
such program shall pay to the court a participation fee of one hundred dollars. Any
defendant who enters such program shall agree to the tolling of any statute of limitations
with respect to such crime and to a waiver of the right to a speedy trial. Any such
defendant shall appear in court and shall, under such conditions as the court shall order,
be released to the custody of the Office of Adult Probation, except that, if a criminal
docket for drug-dependent persons has been established pursuant to section 51-181b in
the judicial district, such defendant may be transferred, under such conditions as the
court shall order, to the court handling such docket for supervision by such court. If the
defendant refuses to accept, or, having accepted, violates such conditions, the defendant's case shall be brought to trial. The period of such probation or supervision, or both,
shall not exceed two years. The court may order that as a condition of such probation
the defendant participate in the zero-tolerance drug supervision program established
pursuant to section 53a-39d. If the defendant has reached the age of sixteen years but
has not reached the age of eighteen years, the court may order that as a condition of such
probation the defendant be referred for services to a youth service bureau established
pursuant to section 17a-39, provided the court finds, through an assessment by a youth
service bureau or its designee, that the defendant is in need of and likely to benefit from
such services. When determining any conditions of probation to order for a person
entering such program who was charged with a misdemeanor that did not involve the
use, attempted use or threatened use of physical force against another person or a motor
vehicle violation, the court shall consider ordering the person to perform community
service in the community in which the offense or violation occurred. If the court determines that community service is appropriate, such community service may be implemented by a community court established in accordance with section 51-181c if the
offense or violation occurred within the jurisdiction of a community court established
by said section. If the defendant is charged with a violation of section 46a-58, 53-37a,
53a-181j, 53a-181k or 53a-181l, the court may order that as a condition of such probation
the defendant participate in a hate crimes diversion program as provided in subsection
(e) of this section.
(e) If the court orders the defendant to participate in a hate crimes diversion program
as a condition of probation, the defendant shall pay to the court a participation fee of
four hundred twenty-five dollars. No person may be excluded from such program for
inability to pay such fee, provided (1) such person files with the court an affidavit of
indigency or inability to pay, (2) such indigency or inability to pay is confirmed by the
Office of Adult Probation, and (3) the court enters a finding thereof. The Office of
Adult Probation shall contract with service providers, develop standards and oversee
appropriate hate crimes diversion programs to meet the requirements of this section.
Any defendant whose employment or residence makes it unreasonable to attend a hate
crimes diversion program in this state may attend a program in another state which has
standards substantially similar to, or higher than, those of this state, subject to the approval of the court and payment of the application and program fees as provided in this
section. The hate crimes diversion program shall consist of an educational program and
supervised community service.
(f) If a defendant released to the custody of the Office of Adult Probation satisfactorily completes such defendant's period of probation, such defendant may apply for dismissal of the charges against such defendant and the court, on finding such satisfactory
completion, shall dismiss such charges. If the defendant does not apply for dismissal
of the charges against such defendant after satisfactorily completing such defendant's
period of probation, the court, upon receipt of a report submitted by the Office of Adult
Probation that the defendant satisfactorily completed such defendant's period of probation, may on its own motion make a finding of such satisfactory completion and dismiss
such charges. If a defendant transferred to the court handling the criminal docket for
drug-dependent persons satisfactorily completes such defendant's period of supervision,
the court shall release the defendant to the custody of the Office of Adult Probation under
such conditions as the court shall order or shall dismiss such charges. Upon dismissal, all
records of such charges shall be erased pursuant to section 54-142a. An order of the
court denying a motion to dismiss the charges against a defendant who has completed
such defendant's period of probation or supervision or terminating the participation of
a defendant in such program shall be a final judgment for purposes of appeal."
(P.A. 73-641, S. 1, 2; P.A. 74-38; P.A. 76-53; 76-179; P.A. 79-581, S. 11; 79-585, S. 10, 15; P.A. 81-446, S. 4; P.A.
82-9; P.A. 83-534, S. 7; P.A. 85-350, S. 2; 85-374; P.A. 87-343, S. 3, 4; P.A. 87-567, S. 5, 7; P.A. 88-145; P.A. 89-219,
S. 7, 10; P.A. 91-24, S. 6; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-6, S. 116, 117; P.A. 93-138; P.A. 95-142, S. 4; 95-154; 95-225, S. 31;
P.A. 97-248, S. 10, 12; P.A. 98-81, S. 16, 20; 98-208, S. 1, 2; P.A. 99-148, S. 3, 4; 99-187, S. 5; P.A. 00-72, S. 4, 12; 00-
196, S. 39; 00-209, S. 5.)
History: P.A. 74-38 transferred power to invoke accelerated rehabilitation program from state's attorney or prosecuting
attorney to the court and replaced provision which made section inapplicable to persons accused of class A, B or C felony
with provision specifying that section is inapplicable in such cases "unless good cause is shown"; P.A. 76-53 clarified
provision requiring that crime victims be given opportunity to express their views by specifying notice procedure; P.A.
76-179 required that candidate for rehabilitation state under oath that he has not previously had the program invoked on
his behalf; P.A. 79-581 rendered provisions inapplicable to youths previously adjudged youthful offenders; P.A. 79-585
substituted office of adult probation for commission on adult probation; Sec. 54-76p transferred to Sec. 54-56e in 1981;
P.A. 81-446 excluded persons charged with a violation of Sec. 14-227a from the provisions of this section; P.A. 82-9
substituted "in the future" for "again" and added provision re erasure of records pursuant to Sec. 54-142a upon dismissal;
P.A. 83-534 excluded persons charged with a violation of Sec. 53a-56b or 53a-60d from the provisions of this section;
P.A. 85-350 added provision that if the defendant does not apply for dismissal of the charges against him after satisfactory
completion of the program the court may on its own motion make a finding of satisfactory completion and dismiss the
charges; P.A. 85-374 added provision that certain court orders are final judgments for purposes of appeal; P.A. 87-343
made persons accused of a motor vehicle violation for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment may be imposed eligible
for the program; P.A. 87-567 specified that section will not apply to persons accused of a family violence crime who are
(1) eligible for pretrial family education program established under Sec. 46b-38c or (2) have previously had pretrial family
violence education program invoked in their behalf; P.A. 88-145 precluded from the program an accused who has a previous
record of conviction of "a violation of section 14-196, subsection (c) of section 14-215, section 14-222a, subsection (a)
of section 14-224 or section 14-227a", and made a technical change to conform with the changes made by P.A. 87-343 by
requiring the accused to give notice to the victim or victims of such crime "or motor vehicle violation"; P.A. 89-219
established an application fee of twenty-five dollars and a participation fee of one hundred dollars; P.A. 91-24 added
provision permitting the defendant to make a sworn statement "before any person designated by the clerk and duly authorized
to administer oaths"; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-6 increased application fee from twenty-five to thirty-five dollars; P.A. 93-
138 made persons accused of more than one crime or motor vehicle violation eligible for the program; P.A. 95-142 made
ineligible for the program any person charged with a violation of Subdiv. (2) of Sec. 53-21 or Sec. 53a-70, 53a-70a, 53a-
70b, 53a-71, 53a-72a or 53a-72b; P.A. 95-154 made ineligible for the program any person charged with a class A or B
felony and any person who has previously been adjudged a youthful offender for the commission of a class B felony,
however provision re youthful offenders failed to take effect because of irreconcilable conflict with P.A. 95-225, the
provisions of that act having taken precedence; P.A. 95-225 made ineligible for the program any person who has previously
been adjudged a youthful offender where formerly a "youth" who has previously been adjudged a youthful offender was
ineligible unless good cause was shown, and added provision authorizing the court to order certain defendants be referred
for services to a youth service bureau as a condition of probation if the court finds that they are in need of and likely to
benefit from such services; P.A. 97-248 authorized the transfer of a defendant to the court handling the criminal docket
for drug-dependent persons if such a docket has been established in the judicial district, specified that the period of probation
or supervision or both not exceed two years and provided that if a defendant transferred to the court handling the criminal
docket for drug-dependent persons satisfactorily completes his period of supervision the court shall release the defendant
to the Office of Adult Probation or dismiss the charges, effective July 1, 1997; P.A. 98-81 after "who has not been adjudged
a youthful offender" added "on or after October 1, 1995", effective May 22, 1998; P.A. 98-208 inserted Subsec., Subdiv.
and Subpara. indicators and amended Subsec. (c) to add Subdiv. (2) making provisions inapplicable to any person charged
with a crime or motor vehicle violation who, as a result of the commission of such crime or motor vehicle violation, causes
the death of another person, effective July 1, 1998; P.A. 99-148 amended Subsec. (c) to add new Subdiv. (4) making
provisions inapplicable to any person charged with a violation of Sec. 21a-267 or 21a-279 who is eligible for the pretrial
drug education program under Sec. 54-56i or has previously had such program invoked in such person's behalf and made
provisions of section gender neutral, effective July 1, 1999; P.A. 99-187 amended Subsec. (d) to add provision authorizing
the court to order as a condition of probation that the defendant participate in the zero-tolerance drug supervision program
established pursuant to Sec. 53a-39d and to make technical changes for purposes of gender neutrality; P.A. 00-72 amended
Subsec. (d) to add exception re amount of the participation fee and add provision authorizing the court to order participation
in a hate crimes diversion program as a condition of probation for defendants charged with a violation of Sec. 46a-58, 53-
37a, 53a-181j, 53a-181k or 53a-181l, added new Subsec. (e) re hate crimes diversion program and redesignated former
Subsec. (e) as Subsec. (f), effective July 1, 2001; P.A. 00-196 amended Subsec. (d) to add provisions requiring the court
to consider ordering a person charged with a misdemeanor that did not involve the use, attempted use or threatened use
of physical force against another person or a motor vehicle violation to perform community service as a condition of
probation and authorizing such community service to be implemented by a community court if the offense or violation
occurred within the jurisdiction of a community court, which provisions were formerly incorporated in Sec. 53a-28(e) and
were deleted therefrom by same public act; P.A. 00-209 amended Subsec. (b) to replace in Subdiv. (3) the condition that
the defendant "has not previously been adjudged a youthful offender on or after October 1, 1995," with condition that the
defendant "has not been adjudged a youthful offender within the preceding five years", and to add provision that in
determining whether to grant an application for a person who has been adjudged a youthful offender more than five years
prior to the date of the application, the court shall have access to the youthful offender records of such person and may
consider the crime such person was charged with as a youth.
Annotation to former section 54-76p:
Cited. 36 CS 527−529, 531. Found error in denial of application for accelerated rehabilitation; detailed discussion in
dissent. 37 CS 767, 768, 778−786.
Annotations to present section:
Denial of application for accelerated rehabilitation not a final judgment from which right of appeal lies. 189 C. 92, 95
(Diss. Op.). Claim to a dismissal of charges based on successful completion of conditions imposed under statute is interlocutory and review of claim not deemed proper as an exception to the ground rule requiring final judgment; exceptions
discussed. 194 C. 650, 651, 656−659. Cited. 206 C. 512, 516. Cited. 219 C. 752, 753, 755−762. Cited. 222 C. 331, 340.
Denial of application for accelerated rehabilitation is not appealable following plea of nolo contendere. 2 CA 219, 220.
"Crime" means a single criminal act or transaction out of which one or more criminal charges might arise; determinative
criterion governing statute is whether changes arise out of same act or transaction. 6 CA 505−511. Cited. 8 CA 273, 284.
Cited. 9 CA 631, 639; judgment reversed, see 205 C. 352. Cited. Id., 686, 724. Cited. 23 CA 559, 560. Defendant charged
with more than one single criminal act or transaction is ineligible for accelerated rehabilitation. 25 CA 235, 236, 238−241.
Cited. 27 CA 635, 637. Section is mandatory in nature; failure to complete satisfactorily the period of pretrial probation
requires that case be returned to docket for trial. 45 CA 722.
Mere arrest of defendant, without more, is an insufficient ground for revoking his eligibility for dismissal of charges
pursuant to accelerated rehabilitation program. 37 CS 853, 856, 857. Cited. Id., 864, 865. Denial of application for accelerated rehabilitation not a final judgment from which right of appeal lies. 38 CS 552, 553. Cited. Id., 689, 691−693. Cited.
41 CS 454, 455.
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(1949 Rev., S. 8729; 1959, P.A. 28, S. 205; 1963, P.A. 642, S. 59; 1967, P.A. 656, S. 59; P.A. 73-116, S. 15; 73-667,
S. 1, 2; P.A. 74-183, S. 129, 291; P.A. 76-436, S. 520, 681; P.A. 78-280, S. 1, 127.)
History: 1959 act substituted circuit court judge for trial justice and deleted provision for person who abuses justice of
the peace; 1963 act deleted specification commitment be to jail "in county"; 1967 act changed court "session" to court
"term"; P.A. 73-116 replaced "jail" with "community correctional center" and added reference to judicial districts; P.A.
73-667 changed effective date of P.A. 73-116 from October 1, 1973, to April 25, 1973; P.A. 74-183 replaced circuit court
with court of common pleas, reflecting reorganization of judicial system, effective December 31, 1974; P.A. 76-436
replaced court of common pleas with superior court, reflecting transfer of all trial jurisdiction to superior court, effective
July 1, 1978; P.A. 78-280 deleted reference to counties; Sec. 54-5 transferred to Sec. 54-56f in 1981.
Annotations to former section 54-5:
Bond void in part is void in toto. 7 C. 239. Justice authorized to take recognizance for good behavior and also to appear
before higher court. 15 C. 149. Accused may be brought before and tried by another justice than the one issuing warrant.
59 C. 386. Cited. 60 C. 431.
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