CONNECTICUT PENAL CODE—UPDATED AND REVISED

November 24, 2008		2008-R-0636
Connecticut Penal Code—Updated and Revised

By: Christopher Reinhart, Senior Attorney

You asked for a breakdown of all offenses in the Connecticut Penal Code (Title 53a of the General Statutes). You asked for them listed in a chart with information on penalties. This report has been updated by OLR Report 2010-R-0240.

summary

This report lists all of the crimes contained in the Penal Code. It updates previous reports to reflect changes through the June 11, 2008 Special Session, including two new crimes created by legislation in 2008 that are likely to be codified as part of the Penal Code: home invasion and failure to report bribery. Statutes with criminal penalties that are codified outside the Penal Code are not included in this report.

Criminal offenses in Connecticut are classified as felonies, which are punishable by imprisonment for over one year, and misdemeanors, which are punishable by imprisonment for not more than one year. In turn, felonies are classified according to severity as capital, class A, class B, class C, and class D. Misdemeanors are classified as class A, class B, and class C. There are unclassified felonies and misdemeanors which are punishable by imprisonment but not designated under one of the classes listed above.

Terms of imprisonment in Connecticut must be for specific periods of time. Judges set the specific sentence for each offender from a range of sentences and fines set out in the statutes. A judge may impose a fine, a term of imprisonment, or both.

This report focuses on prison sentences and we do not include fines that apply to the crimes in the Penal Code, sex offender registry requirements, and other consequences of a conviction. We also exclude statutes that are punishable as infractions or by a fine only.

Table 1 displays all of the offenses in the Penal Code arranged by classification. It displays the authorized prison sentences for each and any mandatory minimum sentence that applies. OLR Report 2008-R-0619 lists all crimes, not just those in the Penal Code, with mandatory minimum sentences.

In addition to the crimes contained in Table 1, the Penal Code also includes enhanced penalties for persistent offenders, acts of terrorism, and certain other types of offenders. These provisions are described below in Table 2.

penal code offenses

Table 1 displays all of the offenses in the Penal Code arranged by classification. It displays the authorized prison sentences for each and any mandatory minimum sentence that applies.

In addition to the crimes listed in the table, the Penal Code punishes attempting or conspiring to commit any of them or acting as an accomplice to one of them.

Attempt or conspiracy is a crime “of the same grade and degree as the most serious offense which is attempted or is an object of the conspiracy, except that an attempt or conspiracy to commit a class A felony is a class B felony” (CGC § 53a-51). If someone is convicted of attempt or conspiracy to commit a crime that carries a mandatory minimum sentence other than a class A felony, the offender would be subject to that mandatory minimum sentence (see State v. Moran, 264 Conn. 593 (2003)).

Someone is an accomplice or criminally liable for the acts of another if he or she acts with the mental state required to commit a crime and solicits, requests, commands, or intentionally aids another to engage in criminal conduct. These offenders can be punished as if they were the

principal offenders (CGS § 53a-8). It also appears that someone who is an accomplice to a crime that is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence would be subject to that mandatory minimum.

Table 1: Penal Code Offenses Arranged By Class, With Authorized Prison Sentences and Mandatory Minimum Sentences

Classification

(Penalty)

Crime

(CGS §)

Mandatory Minimum Sentence

Capital Felony

(execution or life without possibility of release)

Capital felony

(53a-54b)

Execution or life without possibility of release

Class A Felonies—Murder

(25 to 60 years)

Murder

(53a-54a)

25 years

Felony murder

(53a-54c)

25 years

Class A Felony—Aggravated sexual assault of a Minor

(25 to 50 years)

Aggravated sexual assault of a minor

(53a-70c, 2008 Supp.)

· 1^st offense: 25 years

· Subsequent offense: 50 years

Class A Felonies

(10 to 25 years)

Assault of pregnant woman resulting in termination of pregnancy

(53a-59c)

10 years*

Sexual assault 1^st degree (when use force and victim under 16 or victim under 13 and actor more than two years older)

(53a-70)

· Five years

· 10 years if victim under 10

· 10-year mandatory minimum period of combined imprisonment and special parole

Aggravated sexual assault 1^st degree (victim under 16)

(53a-70a)

· Five years

· 20 years if use force

· 10-year mandatory minimum period of combined imprisonment and special parole

Kidnapping 1^st degree

(53a-92)

One year (pursuant to State v. Jenkins, 198 Conn. 671 (1986))

Kidnapping 1^st degree with a firearm

(53a-92a)

One year

Arson 1^st degree

(53a-111)

No mandatory minimum (pursuant to State v. O’Neill, 200 Conn. 268 (1986))

Employing a minor in an obscene performance

(53a-196a)

10 years*

Home invasion

(PA 08-1, § 1, January Special Session)

10 years*

Class B Felony—Manslaughter 1^st degree with a firearm

(5 to 40 years)

Manslaughter 1^st degree with a firearm

(53a-55a)

Five years

-Continued-

Classification

(Penalty)

Crime

(CGS §)

Mandatory Minimum Sentence

Class B Felony

(5 to 20 years)

Assault 1^st degree (when cause injury using deadly weapon or dangerous instrument)

(53a-59(a)(1))

· Five years

· 10 years if victim is under age 10 or a witness

Assault of an elderly, blind, disabled, pregnant, or mentally retarded person 1^st degree

(53a-59a)

Five years

Aggravated sexual assault 1^st degree (victim over age 16)

(53a-70a)

· Five years

· 10-year mandatory minimum period of combined imprisonment and special parole

Kidnapping 2^nd degree with a firearm

(53a-94a)

Three years

Burglary 1^stdegree (when committed with explosive, deadly weapon, or dangerous instrument)

(53a-101(a)(1))

Five years

Robbery 1^st degree (when commit with deadly weapon)

(53a-134(a)(2))

Five years

Class B Felonies

(1 to 20 years)

Manslaughter 1st degree

(53a-55)

Assault 1^st degree (except when use deadly weapon or dangerous instrument)

(53a-59)

10 years if victim is under age 10 or a witness

Assault of Department of Correction employee 1^st degree

(53a-59b)

Sexual assault 1^st degree

(53a-70)

· Two years

· 10 years if victim under age 10

· 10-year mandatory minimum period of combined imprisonment and special parole

Sexual assault in spousal or cohabitation relationship

(53a-70b)

Sexual assault 2^nd degree (victim under 16)

(53a-71)

Nine months

Sexual assault 3^rd degree with a firearm (victim under 16)

(53a-72b)

Two years

Promoting prostitution 1^st degree

(53a-86)

Enticing a minor (victim under age 13 or 3^rd or subsequent offense with victim 13 or older)

(53a-90a, 2008 Supp.)

When minor under age 13:

· 1^st offense: five years

· Subsequent offense: 10 years

Kidnapping 2^nd degree

(53a-94)

Three years

Burglary 1^stdegree (except when committed with explosive, deadly weapon, or dangerous instrument)

(53a-101)

Arson 2^nd degree

(53a-112)

Larceny 1^st degree

(53a-122)

Identity theft 1^st degree

(53a-129b)

Robbery 1^st degree (except when committed with deadly weapon)

(53a-134)

Possession of a weapon or dangerous instrument in a correctional institution

(53a-174a)

Rioting at correctional institution

(53a-179b)

Trafficking in persons

(53a-192a)

Promoting a minor in an obscene performance

(53a-196b)

Importing child pornography

(53a-196c)

Five years

Possessing child pornography 1^st degree

(53a-196d)

Five years

Computer crime 1^st degree

(53a-252)

Money laundering 1^st degree

(53a-276)

Vendor fraud 1^st degree

(53a-291)

Computer crime in furtherance of terrorism

(53a-301)

When directed toward public safety agency: Five years

Class C Felony

(3 to 10 years)

Manslaughter 2^nd degree with a firearm

(53a-56a)

One year

-Continued-

Classification

(Penalty)

Crime

(CGS §)

Mandatory Minimum Sentence

Class C Felonies

(1 to 10 years)

Manslaughter 2^nd degree

(53a-56)

Manslaughter 2^nd degree with a motor vehicle while intoxicated

(53a-56b)

Strangulation 1^st degree

(53a-64aa, 2008 Supp)

Sexual assault 2^nd degree (victim 16 or older)

(53a-71)

Nine months

Sexual assault 3^rd degree (victim under 16)

(53a-72a)

Sexual assault 3^rd degree with a firearm (victim 16 or older)

(53a-72b)

Two years

Promoting prostitution 2^nd degree

(53a-87)

Enticing a minor (2^nd offense, victim 13 or older)

(53a-90a, 2008 Supp.)

Misrepresentation of age to entice a minor

(53a-90b, 2008 Supp.)

Burglary 2^nd degree

(53a-102)

Burglary 2^nd degree with a firearm

(53a-102a)

One year

Arson 3^rd degree

(53a-113)

Larceny 2^nd degree

(53a-123)

Criminal trover 1^st degree (second and subsequent offenses)

(53a-126a)

Identity theft 2^nd degree

(53a-129c)

Robbery 2^nd degree

(53a-135)

Forgery 1^st degree

(53a-138)

Bribery

(53a-147)

Bribe receiving

(53a-148)

Bribery of a witness

(53a-149)

Bribe receiving by a witness

(53a-150)

Tampering with a witness

(53a-151)

Intimidating a witness

(53a-151a)

Bribery of a juror

(53a-152)

Bribe receiving by a juror

(53a-153)

Hindering prosecution 1^st degree

(53a-165aa)

Five years

Hindering prosecution 2^nd degree

(53a-166)

Assault of public safety or emergency medical personnel

(53a-167c)

Assault on a prosecutor

(53a-167d)

Escape 1^st degree

(53a-169)

Escape from custody (for felony)

(53a-171(b)

Inciting injury to persons or property

(53a-179a)

Inciting to riot at correctional institution

(53a-179c)

Falsely reporting an incident resulting in serious physical injury or death

(53a-180a)

Intimidation based on bigotry or bias 1^st degree

(53a-181j)

Possessing child pornography 2^nd degree

(53a-196e)

Two years

Interference with a cemetery or burial ground

(53a-218)

Computer crime 2^nd degree

(53a-253)

Money laundering 2^nd degree

(53a-277)

Vendor fraud 2^nd degree

(53a-292)

Criminal misrepresentation

(53a-302)

Contamination of public water or food for terrorism

(53a-303)

Five years

Damage to public transportation for terrorism

(53a-304)

Abuse 1^st degree

(53a-321)

Class D Felony

(5 years)

Criminal use of firearm or electronic defense weapon

(53a-216)

Five years

-Continued-

Classification

(Penalty)

Crime

(CGS §)

Mandatory Minimum Sentence

Class D Felony

(3 to 5 years)

Assault of an elderly, blind, disabled, pregnant, or mentally retarded person 2^nd degree with a firearm

(53a-60c)

Three years

Class D Felonies

(2 to 5 years)

Assault or larceny of an elderly, blind, disabled, pregnant, or mentally retarded person 2^nd degree

(53a-60b)

Two years

Criminal possession of firearm or electronic defense weapon

(53a-217)

Two years

Class D Felonies

(1 to 5 years)

Misconduct with a motor vehicle

(53a-57)

Assault 2^nd degree

(53a-60)

Assault 2^nd degree with a firearm

(53a-60a)

One year

Assault 2^nd degree with a motor vehicle while intoxicated

(53a-60d)

Threatening 1^st degree

(53a-61aa)

Strangulation 2^nd degree

(53a-64bb, 2008 Supp)

Sexual assault 3^rd degree (victim 16 or older)

(53a-72a)

Sexual assault 4^th degree (victim under 16)

(53a-73a)

Promoting prostitution 3^rd degree

(53a-88)

Enticing a minor (1^st offense, victim 13 or older)

(53a-90a, 2008 Supp.)

Unlawful restraint 1^st degree

(53a-95)

Custodial interference 1^st degree

(53a-97)

Substitution of children

(53a-99)

Burglary 3^rd degree

(53a-103)

Burglary 3^rd degree with a firearm

(53a-103a)

One year

Reckless burning

(53a-114)

Criminal mischief 1^st degree

(53a-115)

Criminal damage to landlord’s property 1^st degree

(53a-117e)

Damage to railroad property 1^st degree

(53a-117k)

Using a motor vehicle without the owner's permission or interfering or tampering with a motor vehicle (2^nd and subsequent offenses)

(53a-119b)

Larceny 3^rd degree

(53a-124)

Criminal trover 1^st degree (1^st offense)

(53a-126a)

Theft of utility or CATV service for profit or gain

(53a-127c)

Cheating while gambling (except for changing wager after time allowed expires)

(53a-127d)

Possession of cheating device

(53a-127e)

Issuing a bad check (over $1,000)

(53a-128)

Certain credit card crimes

(53a-128i(b))

Identity theft 3^rd degree

(53a-129d)

Trafficking in personal identifying information

(53a-129e)

Impersonation of a police officer

(53a-130a)

Robbery 3^rd degree

(53a-136)

Forgery 2^nddegree

(53a-139)

Criminal simulation

(53a-141, 2008 Supp.)

Tampering with a juror

(53a-154)

Tampering with or fabricating physical evidence

(53a-155)

Perjury

(53a-156)

False statement 1^st degree

(53a-157a)

Bribery of a labor official

(53a-158)

Bribe receiving by a labor official

(53a-159)

Commercial bribery

(53a-160)

Receiving a commercial bribe

(53a-161)

Bid rigging

(53a-161a)

Receiving kickbacks

(53a-161c)

Paying a kickback

(53a-161d)

Rigging

(53a-162)

Hindering prosecution 3^rd degree

(53a-167)

Escape 2^nd degree

(53a-170)

Failure to appear 1^st degree

(53a-172)

Conveying unauthorized items into correctional institution

(53a-174)

Criminal advocacy

(53a-179)

Falsely reporting an incident 1^st degree

(53a-180)

Falsely reporting an incident concerning serious physical injury or death

(53a-180b)

Breach of peace 1^st degree

(53a-180aa)

Stalking 1^st degree

(53a-181c)

Intimidation based on bigotry or bias 2^nd degree

(53a-181k)

Harassment 1^st degree

(53a-182b)

Eavesdropping

(53a-189)

Voyeurism

(53a-189a)

Disseminating voyeuristic material

(53a-189b)

Bigamy

(53a-190)

Incest

(53a-191)

Coercion (when the threat is to commit a felony)

(53a-192)

Obscenity as to minors

(53a-196)

Possessing child pornography 3^rd degree

(53a-196f)

One year

Possession of sawed-off shotgun or silencer

(53a-211)

Stealing a firearm

(53a-212)

Insurance fraud

(53a-215)

Criminally negligent storage of a firearm

(53a-217a)

Possession of weapon on school property

(53a-217b)

Criminal possession of a pistol or revolver

(53a-217c)

Negligent hunting 1^st degree

(53a-217e(b))

Unlawful possession or sale of gravestones

(53a-219)

Violate conditions of release 1^st degree

(53a-222)

Criminal violation of a protective order

(53a-223)

Criminal violation of standing criminal restraining order

(53a-223a)

Criminal violation of restraining order

(53a-223b)

Computer crime 3^rd degree

(53a-254)

Money laundering 3^rd degree

(53a-278)

Vendor fraud 3^rd degree

(53a-293)

Abuse 2^nd degree

(53a-322)

Class A misdemeanors

(1 year)

Assault 3^rd degree (when, with criminal negligence, cause physical injury with deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, or electronic defense weapon)

(53a-61(a)(3))

One year

Assault of an elderly, blind, disabled, pregnant, or mentally retarded person 3^rd degree

(53a-61a)

One year

Class A misdemeanors

(up to 1 year)

Criminally negligent homicide

(53a-58)

Assault 3^rd degree (except when, with criminal negligence, cause physical injury with deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, or electronic defense weapon)

(53a-61)

Threatening 2^nd degree

(53a-62)

Reckless endangerment 1^st degree

(53a-63)

Strangulation 3^rd degree

(53a-64cc, 2008 Supp)

Sexual assault 4^th degree (victim 16 or older)

(53a-73a)

Prostitution

(53a-82)

Patronizing a prostitute

(53a-83)

Patronizing a prostitute from a motor vehicle

(53a-83a)

Permitting prostitution

(53a-89)

Unlawful restraint 2^nd degree

(53a-96)

Custodial interference 2^nd degree

(53a-98)

Manufacturing or possession of burglar's tools

(53a-106)

Criminal trespass 1^st degree

(53a-107)

Criminal mischief 2^nd degree

(53a-116)

Criminal damage to landlord’s property 2^nd degree

(53a-117f)

Damage to railroad property 2^nd degree

(53a-117l)

Using a motor vehicle without the owner’s permission or interfering or tampering with a motor vehicle (1^st offense)

(53a-119b)

Larceny 4^th degree

(53a-125)

Criminal trover 2^nd degree

(53a-126b)

Diversion from state of benefit of labor of employees

(53a-127)

Unlawful entry into coin machine, possession of key to enter

(53a-127a)

Possession of a shoplifting device 53a-127f

Issuing a bad check (between $500 and $1,000)

(53a-128)

Certain credit card crimes

(53a-128i(a))

Misapplication of property

(53a-129)

Unlawfully concealing a will

(53a-131)

False entry by officer or agent of public community

(53a-132)

Forgery of symbols

(53a-142)

False statement 2^nd degree

(53a-157b)

Disclosure of bid or proposal

(53a-161b)

Soliciting or accepting benefit for rigging

(53a-163)

Participating in a rigged contest

(53a-164)

Interfering with an officer

(53a-167a)

Failure to assist a peace officer, firefighter, or motor vehicle inspector

(53a-167b)

Escape from custody (for other than a felony)

(53a-171(b))

Aiding escape from hospital or sanitarium

(53a-171a)

Failure to appear 2^nd degree

(53a-173)

Conveying unauthorized letters into correctional or humane institution or to inmate outside institution or using false name to enter institution

(53a-174)

Conveying or using electronic wireless communication device in prison

(53a-174b)

Riot 1^st degree

(53a-175)

Inciting to riot

(53a-178)

Falsely reporting an incident 2^nd degree

(53a-180c)

Stalking 2^nddegree

(53a-181d)

Intimidation based on bigotry or bias 3^rd degree

(53a-181l)

Interfering with an emergency call

(53a-183b)

Disrupting a funeral

(53a-183c, 2008 Supp.)

Tampering with private communications

(53a-188)

Coercion (when the threat is to commit other than a felony)

(53a-192)

Criminal possession of body armor

(53a-217d)

Negligent hunting 2^nd degree

(53a-217e(c))

Interference with a memorial plaque

(53a-220)

Unlawful purchase, possession, or sale of a memorial plaque

(53a-221)

Violation of conditions of release 2^nd degree

(53a-222a, 2008 Supp.)

Computer crime 4^th degree

(53a-255)

Money laundering 4^th degree

(53a-279)

Vendor fraud 4^th degree

(53a-294)

Abuse (of elderly, blind, disabled, or retarded person) 3^rd degree

(53a-323)

Failure to report bribery

(PA 08-3, § 6, June Special Session)

Class B misdemeanor

(up to 6 months)

Reckless endangerment 2^nd degree

(53a-64)

Criminal trespass 2^nd degree

(53a-108)

Criminal mischief 3^rd degree

(53a-117)

Criminal damage to landlord's property 3^rd degree

(53a-117g)

Damage to railroad property 3^rd degree

(53a-117m)

Larceny 5^th degree

(53a-125a)

Cheating while gambling (changing wager after time allowed expires)

(53a-127d)

Issuing a bad check (between $250 and $500)

(53a-128)

Criminal impersonation

(53a-130)

Forgery 3^rd degree

(53a-140)

Unlawfully using slugs 1^st degree

(53a-144)

Riot 2^nd degree

(53a-176)

Unlawful assembly

(53a-177)

Misuse of 9-1-1 system

(53a-180d, 2008 Supp.)

Breach of peace 2^nd degree

(53a-181)

Stalking 3^rd degree

(53a-181e)

Public indecency

(53a-186)

Obscenity

(53a-194)

Negligent hunting 3^rd degree

(53a-217e(d))

Computer crime 5^th degree

(53a-256)

Vendor fraud 5^th degree

(53a-295)

-Continued-

Classification

(Penalty)

Crime

(CGS §)

Mandatory Minimum Sentence

Class C Misdemeanors

(up to 3 months)

Criminal trespass 3^rd degree

(53a-109)

Criminal mischief 4^th degree

(53a-117a)

Larceny 6^th degree

(53a-125b)

Fraudulent use of automatic teller machine

(53a-127b)

Issuing a bad check ($250 or less)

(53a-128)

Unlawfully using slugs 2^nd degree

(53a-145)

Disorderly conduct

(53a-182)

Obstructing free passage

(53a-182a)

Harassment 2^nd degree

(53a-183)

Obstructing the lawful taking of wildlife

(53a-183a)

Loitering in or about school grounds

(53a-185)

Drinking while operating a motor vehicle

(53a-213)

Criminal lockout

(53a-214)

Negligent hunting 4^th degree

(53a-217e(e))

Vendor fraud 6^th degree

(53a-296)

Unclassified

(life imprisonment, statutorily defined as 60 years)

Arson murder

(53a-54d)

Can be suspended (State v. Dupree, 196 Conn. 655 (1985))

Unclassified

(up to two years)

Violating injunction against material or performance that is obscene or obscene as to minors

(53a-209)

*CGS §§ 53a-28 and 53a-29 prohibit suspension or reduction of any sentence for a class A felony meaning that the 10-year minimum sentence for a class A felony becomes a mandatory minimum, unless the statute specifies otherwise. In cases noted above, the Connecticut Supreme Court has ruled that where a more serious crime carries a lesser penalty, this penalty must prevail and be applied to the less serious crime.

persistent offenders, acts of terrorism, and Other enhanced sentences

A number of statutes authorize enhanced penalties for offenders who commit crimes contained in the Penal Code depending on their criminal record or the circumstances of the crime (such as using a weapon). Table 2 displays these provisions, including two provisions from outside the Penal Code because they enhance penalties for crimes contained in the Penal Code.

Table 2: Statutes That Enhance Penalties for Penal Code Offenses and Offenders

*Offense* *(CGS §)*	*Authorized Penalty*
Probation for certain sex offenses	10 to 35 years probation
Persistent dangerous felony offenders (53a-40(a) and (h), as amended by PA 08-1, January Special Session, and PA 08-51)	· For those with one of the required prior convictions, a range between twice the minimum penalty for the crime the person stands convicted of, including twice any mandatory minimum sentence that applies, to a maximum of 40 years or twice the maximum penalty for the crime the person stands convicted of, whichever is longer · For those with two of the required prior convictions, a range between three times the minimum penalty for the crime the person stands convicted of, including three times any mandatory minimum sentence that applies, and life in prison (60 years)
Persistent dangerous sexual offenders (53a-40(b) and (i))	A combined term of prison and special parole that constitutes a life sentence (statutorily defined as 60 years)
Persistent serious felony offenders (53a-40(c) and (j))	Sentence of imprisonment for the next more serious degree of felony instead of the statutory sentence for the underlying crime*
Persistent serious sexual offenders (53a-40(d) and (k))	Sentence of imprisonment and a period of special parole which together constitute the maximum sentence for the next more serious degree of felony*
Persistent larceny offenders (53a-40(e) and (l))	Sentence for a class D felony (the underlying larceny offenses are all misdemeanors)
Persistent felony offenders (53a-40(f) and (m))		Sentence of imprisonment for the next more serious degree of felony with a 3-year mandatory minimum sentence*
Persistent bigotry or bias offenders (53a-40a)		Sentence for the next most serious felony or misdemeanor or, if the crime for which the sentence is to be imposed is a class A misdemeanor, the sentence for a class D felony
Offense committed while on release (53a-40b)		In addition to the sentence for the offense: · up to 10 years for a felony · up to one year for a misdemeanor
Persistent stalking and harassment-related offenders (53a-40d)		Sentence for the next most serious felony or misdemeanor or, if the crime for which the sentence is to be imposed is a class A misdemeanor, the sentence for a class D felony

-Continued-

Offense

(CGS §)

Authorized Penalty

Carjacking—robbery involving an occupied motor vehicle

(53a-136a)

Three years mandatory minimum, in addition and consecutive to any imprisonment for the robbery

Persistent negligent hunters

(53a-217e(f))

Sentence for the next most serious degree of negligent hunting or hunting under the influence

Act of terrorism

(53a-300)

Sentence for the next most serious degree of felony*

Commit class A, B, or C felony with assault rifle

(53-202j)

Eight year mandatory minimum, in addition and consecutive to any imprisonment for the felony

Commit class A, B, or C felony with firearm

(53-202k)

Five years mandatory minimum, in addition and consecutive to any imprisonment for the felony

*If the penalty for a class A felony is imposed under one of these provisions, a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence would apply.

CR:ts