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First Degree Felony in Connecticut
Under the Connecticut Penal Code (Section 53a-25), the most serious offenses are Class A felonies, followed by Class B, C, D, and E felonies.
However, these should not be confused with other types of crimes committed “in the first degree”. This term may be used for other offenses that fall under any felonies. For instance, manslaughter in the first degree and reckless endangerment in the first degree are typically Class B felonies. Hence, Class A felonies in Connecticut are the highest offenses, but not equivalent to offenses done in the first degree.
Crimes under Class A felonies typically attract the most severe penalties (jail terms and fines) compared to other categories. These crimes are usually violent by nature and may involve death, serious injury, or harm to a minor.
Note: Felonies refer to any crime punishable by imprisonment of more than one year.
Public Access to Class A (First Degree) Felony Records in Connecticut
In Connecticut, felony records may be accessible as case files, criminal records, inmate records, or other documents maintained by criminal justice agencies. Most of these records are considered public and are in line with the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act. However, certain records, such as juvenile records, victim information, and information sealed for privacy reasons, may be unavailable to the public.
Some record custodians may provide databases or online search tools for free or easy access to records relating to crimes and criminal cases in the state. Third-party resources may also be available. Otherwise, interested persons may have to request records from the custodian by providing specific crime/case descriptions, identifying the needed document, and paying applicable fees for record duplication.
The following are types of access provided by different sources:
| Source | Record type | Access type | Website/Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Judicial Branch | Court records or case files | Online case look-up | https://www.jud.ct.gov/crim.htm |
| Court clerks | Court records or case files | In person, by mail, or through other channels provided by the specific court clerk (may charge a fee). | Depends on the specific court. |
| Connecticut State Police- Bureau of Identification | Criminal record checks | Fee-based requests via mail or online | DESPP-SPBI 1111 Country Club Road, Middletown, CT 06457-2389 |
| Connecticut State Police - Crime Analysis Unit | Crime statistics | Online reports | https://portal.ct.gov/despp/division-of-state-police/crimes-analysis-unit/crimes-analysis-unit/annual-reports/crime-in-connecticut-annual-reports |
| Connecticut Department of Correction | Inmate or offender information | Online inmate search | https://www.ctinmateinfo.state.ct.us/searchop.asp |
Common Crimes Classified as First Degree Felonies in Connecticut
Examples of Class A felonies in Connecticut include murder, kidnapping in the first degree, aggravated sexual assault of a minor, and assault of a pregnant woman resulting in termination of pregnancy. Persons may be charged or convicted of these Class A felonies if the offense involves certain conditions set out by the law.
| Crime | Brief Description |
|---|---|
| Murder |
A murder is a Class A felony as per Section 53a-45 if a person intentionally causes a person’s death, and:
|
| Assault of a pregnant woman resulting in the termination of the pregnancy. |
A person is guilty of this crime if such person commits assault in the first degree (under Section 53a-59) and:
|
| Aggravated sexual assault of a minor |
This is a Class A felony under Section 53a-70c if a person commits a sexual assault on a victim who is under 18 years of age and:
|
| Kidnapping in the first degree |
When a person abducts another as per Section 53a-92 with the intent to:
|
| Arson in the first degree |
Starting a fire or causing an explosion as defined in Section 53a-100 with:
|
Other Class A felonies include trafficking in persons, home invasion, and employing a minor in an obscene performance.
According to the 2023 Crime in Connecticut Report, the reported offenses in the state included 3,057 aggravated assaults, 744 rapes, 109 statutory rapes, and 136 murders/non-negligent manslaughter. There were also 305 kidnappings, 11 human trafficking offenses, and 193 arson cases reported in 2023.
Prison Sentences and Fines for Class A (First Degree) Felonies in Connecticut
Persons convicted of committing a Class A felony in Connecticut may face prison terms from 10 to 25 years. However, convictions of murder or aggravated sexual assault of a minor may result in a sentence of 25 years to life imprisonment. Fines for Class A felonies may not exceed $20,000.
Certain aggravating factors may also increase sentence duration. For instance, persistent offenders or persons who use weapons may face enhanced penalties.
For crimes committed “in the first degree”, sentencing may depend on the classification of the particular offense or specific penalties prescribed in the Penal Code. However, certain crimes in other categories may have longer sentences than some Class A felonies, such as manslaughter in the first degree, which is a Class B felony with a possible sentence of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.
| Connecticut Class A Felony Punishment | Prison Range | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Murder with special circumstances | Life imprisonment without possibility of release | $20,000 |
| Arson murder | Life imprisonment without possibility of parole | $20,000 |
| Murder | From 25 years to life | $20,000 |
| Aggravated sexual assault of a minor | From 25 years to life | $20,000 |
| Other Class A felonies | From 10 years to 25 years | $20,000 |
What is the Maximum Sentence for a First Degree Felony in Connecticut?
Since Connecticut officially abolished the death penalty (or capital punishment) in 2012, the highest possible sentence for a Class A felony under Section 53a-35a of the Penal Code is life imprisonment. Some Class A felonies also have a maximum term of 25 years if the law does not provide a definite sentence. Additionally, fines for Class A felonies may not be more than $20,000. However, more severe crimes committed under certain aggravating circumstances may result in an increased jail term.
Can Class A (First Degree) Felony Records Be Sealed or Expunged in Connecticut?
No, convictions of Class A felonies are not eligible for expungement under the Clean Slate Law. Only convictions for lower-level and non-violent crimes, such as misdemeanors, Class D/E felonies, and certain unclassified felonies, may be erased from the record after a waiting period of 7 or 10 years.
However, pardoned felony convictions may result in automatic expungement after a specified waiting period. It is rare for a Class A felony conviction to obtain an absolute pardon, unless the person is wrongfully convicted and later exonerated.
On the other hand, acquitted or dismissed felony cases, as well as dropped charges, may qualify for expungement or record sealing. This process is not automatic and requires persons to file a petition with the court to make decisions at its discretion. An expungement order will erase records related to a case, whereas a court seal order removes the record from public view.
Difference Between First Degree and Second Degree Felonies in Connecticut
The primary difference between Class A and Class B felonies in Connecticut is the severity of the crime and sentence. Due to their nature, Class A felonies usually have higher fines and a longer sentence range.
Generally, Class A felonies are punishable by fines up to $20,000 and jail terms from 10-25 years or 25 years to life. Meanwhile, Class B felonies have penalties up to $15,000 and jail terms usually from 1 to 20 years (except for manslaughter in the first degree). Therefore, the mandatory minimum jail terms for Class A felonies are significantly higher.
Under Section 53a-29, Class A felonies are not eligible for conditional discharge or probation, but Class B felonies may be eligible under special circumstances. This means an earlier release or alternative sentence (other than incarceration) is impossible for persons convicted of Class A felonies.
| Felony Level | Common Crimes | Sentencing Range |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Murder, aggravated sexual assault of a minor, kidnapping in the first degree, arson in the first degree, and trafficking of persons | 10 - 25 years imprisonment 25 years - life imprisonment Up to $20,000 in fines |
| Class B | Manslaughter in the first degree, assault in the first degree, rape in the first degree, burglary in the first degree, robbery in the first degree. | 1- 20 years imprisonment 5- 40 years (manslaughter in the first degree) Up to $15,000 in fines. |
Statute of Limitations for First Degree Felony Charges in Connecticut
A statute of limitations or a ‘limitation of prosecution’ under the Connecticut Criminal Code is a deadline or timeframe to bring charges against or prosecute someone after a crime has been committed. As per Section 54-193, there is no statute of limitations for offenses or violations punishable as a Class A felony under the Connecticut Penal Code. Hence, crimes like murder, first-degree arson, first-degree kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault of a minor, and trafficking of persons may be prosecuted at any time.
Probation and Parole Eligibility for Class A (First Degree) Felonies in Connecticut
As per Section 53a-29 of the Connecticut Criminal Code, Class A felonies do not qualify for conditional discharge or probation. Hence, persons convicted of crimes under this category cannot be released under special conditions or receive alternative sentences and therefore must face incarceration.
On the other hand, parole eligibility for individuals convicted of Class A felonies varies depending on the offender’s crime, criminal history, conduct during incarceration, the length of time since the conviction, and other relevant conditions. Generally, persons convicted of violent crimes must complete 85% of their sentence to qualify for discretionary parole, while non-violent offenders must complete 50% of their sentence to be eligible for parole.
However, convictions of Class A felonies like murder, arson, murder, felony murder, first-degree aggravated sexual assault, and murder with special circumstances are not eligible for parole. Other Class A felonies may qualify for parole if they meet the Board of Pardons and Paroles (BOPP) conditions.
Nevertheless, there may be other kinds of parole opportunities available to persons convicted of Class A felonies (excluding murder with special circumstances). For instance, there is medical parole, compassionate parole, provisional parole, and parole for inmates who are almost done serving their sentences. The BOPP may hold parole hearings and grant paroles to persons who meet set conditions at its own discretion.
| Term | Definition | Eligible for Class A felons |
|---|---|---|
| Probation | Sentence of monitored supervision instead of imprisonment | Not eligible |
| Conditional discharge | Early release under special conditions determined by the court | Not eligible |
| Parole | Early supervised release from prison | Partly eligible for offenses not involving murder or aggravated sexual assault. Often, after serving 85% of the sentence. |
Impact of a First Degree Felony Conviction on Criminal Records in Connecticut
Class A felony convictions are ineligible for expungement or erasure under the Connecticut Clean Slate Law and shall therefore remain permanently in the offender’s criminal record. Hence, even upon release, the offender’s record shall be available to the public, and this may lead to societal consequences, such as:
- Problems gaining employment
- Difficulty getting housing
- Denied or revoked professional licenses
- Risk of higher sentences in the case of repeat offenders
- Loss of voting rights
- Mandatory registration as a sex offender (if applicable)
- Disqualification from jury service and firearms possession
- Limitation in receiving certain social benefits, like food stamps.