What is a Second Degree Felony in Connecticut?

The Connecticut Penal Code, Chapter 952, classifies felonies by degree, ranging from Class A, the most severe, to Class D, the least severe. Crimes in the second degree are generally treated as Class B or Class C felonies, depending on the offense and the circumstances surrounding the case. For example, arson in the second degree (CGS § 53a-112) is a Class B felony, while manslaughter in the second degree (CGS § 53a-56) is a Class C felony.

Second-degree felonies are considered less severe than first-degree felonies (such as murder, first-degree arson, or first-degree kidnapping) but remain significantly more serious than lower-level offenses, including Class D felonies or misdemeanor crimes like third-degree larceny or second-degree strangulation, which carry lighter penalties and shorter sentences. The types of crimes that may qualify as second-degree felonies are defined throughout the Connecticut Penal Code.

Which Crimes Are Considered Second-Degree Felonies in Connecticut?

Under Connecticut law, several offenses are classified as second-degree felonies, including:

• Strangulation or Suffocation (CGS § 53a-64bb): Occurs when a person restrains another by the neck or throat, or obstructs their nose or mouth, causing risk of injury or distress. This is a Class D felony.
• Promoting Prostitution (CGS § 53a-86): A person commits this offense in the second degree by advancing or profiting from prostitution involving another individual. This is a Class C felony.
• Assault (CGS § 53a-60): Assault in the second degree covers acts such as intentionally causing serious physical injury, or injury with a deadly weapon. This is a Class D felony.
• Sexual Assault (CGS § 53a-71): Sexual assault in the second degree happens when a person engages in intercourse with someone legally unable to consent, such as due to age, incapacity, or authority. Depending on circumstances, it may be a Class B or Class C felony.
• Forgery (CGS § 53a-139): Forgery in the second degree involves creating or altering a written instrument with intent to defraud, deceive, or injure. This is a Class D felony.

Connecticut Second Degree Felonies Penalties and Punishments

In Connecticut, a second-degree felony is classified as a Class B felony under the state law. Penalties for Class B felonies typically include a minimum of 1 year and up to 20 years in prison, along with fines that can reach $15,000. Judges may also impose probation, parole eligibility, or other conditions depending on the crime and the person’s criminal history.

Punishments are not fixed and may vary based on the circumstances of the offense (such as whether violence was involved) and whether the defendant has prior felony convictions. Courts also consider factors like restitution to victims, mandatory counseling, or community service as part of sentencing.

Overall, while Class B felonies carry serious consequences, outcomes are highly case-specific, and consulting an experienced attorney is the best way to understand potential results. The table below summarizes the penalties typically imposed for second-degree felonies.

What is Second Degree Murder and How is it Classified in Connecticut?

Connecticut law does not recognize second-degree murder as a separate offense. All intentional killings fall under the general murder statute (CGS § 53a-54a) and are classified as a Class A felony. In contrast, some other states, like New York, Louisiana, or North Carolina, distinguish second-degree murder from first-degree murder based on the absence of premeditation or planning.

In simpler terms, second-degree murder in those states usually covers situations where a person acts intentionally or recklessly, but impulsively rather than after careful thought or planning. Common examples include striking someone fatally during a sudden fight, firing a weapon recklessly into a crowd, or causing a death while committing another serious felony.

A related but less severe offense in Connecticut is manslaughter in the second degree (CGS § 53a-56), a Class C felony. This applies when a person recklessly causes another person’s death under circumstances that show disregard for safety. Unlike murder, manslaughter reflects reckless or negligent behavior rather than a deliberate or clear intent to kill.

Are Second Degree Felony Records Public in Connecticut?

Yes. According to the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), records created or kept by the state agencies, including arrest and court records related to second-degree felonies, are generally open to the public unless restricted by law.

Exceptions that may limit access include records erased under state law (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 54-142a), juvenile matters, or files sealed by judicial order. Under FOIA and the Judicial Branch Rules on Record Privacy, the following records may be exempt from disclosure:

• Juvenile records and proceedings
• Records sealed by court order
• Records erased under state law

In some states, such as New York, members of the public may request criminal history record information through the State Division of Criminal Justice Services, provided it is not used for criminal justice purposes.

How to Access Second Degree Felony Court Records in Connecticut

In Connecticut, the Superior Court has jurisdiction over felony offenses. Therefore, searches for second-degree felony court records usually begin in the Superior Court for the judicial district where the case was first filed.

Interested persons may access Connecticut criminal court case records using any of the following options:

• Contact the court: Individuals may visit or contact the Clerk’s Office at the relevant Superior Court to inspect or request second-degree felony records. Written or mailed requests may also be submitted. Public access terminals are available at many courthouses. Although most court records are public in Connecticut, access may be restricted in certain cases, such as those involving juveniles, sealed files, or sensitive information. If access is denied, the clerk must notify the requester in writing of the reason.
• Search the Judicial Branch online system: The Connecticut Judicial Branch case lookup portal allows users to search criminal case records online by party name or docket number. The portal provides access to basic case details, filings, and court schedules.
• Request records through the State Police Bureau of Identification (SPBI): The SPBI maintains statewide criminal history record information. This provides certified conviction history reports rather than detailed court case files. Available options include a name and date of birth search ($36), a criminal conviction history record search ($75), or a fingerprint-based conviction history record search ($75).

Can Second Degree Felony Charges be Reduced or Dismissed?

Yes. In Connecticut, second-degree felony charges can sometimes be reduced or dismissed. A defendant’s attorney may negotiate a plea bargain, where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge or agrees not to contest certain charges in exchange for a reduced sentence. Accepting a plea bargain also means waiving certain rights, including the right to a trial by jury and the fundamental right against self-incrimination.

Defendants should not agree to a plea bargain without consulting an attorney, as agreements must be voluntary and approved by a judge. Prosecutors consider the seriousness of the crime, available evidence, the defendant’s criminal history, and willingness to cooperate when evaluating plea deals.

A second-degree felony charge may also be dismissed in specific situations, such as insufficient evidence, procedural errors, or constitutional violations. Judges reviewing motions to dismiss consider only the legal validity of the charges, not the defendant’s guilt or innocence (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 54-56). Whether a charge is reduced or dismissed depends on the case specifics, the strength of the evidence, and the quality of legal representation.

Is it Possible to Expunge or Seal a Second Degree Felony or Murder Record in Connecticut?

It depends. In Connecticut, murder convictions and most serious felonies are generally not eligible for expungement or sealing. Certain second-degree felony convictions, mainly Class D and E felonies committed before January 1, 2000, may be eligible under state law. Eligibility depends on several factors, including the type of offense, whether the person has remained crime-free, and whether the conviction qualifies under Connecticut statutes, including Sec. 54-142a and related provisions.

A person may be eligible to have records of a second-degree felony expunged or sealed if:

• The charge was dismissed or not prosecuted
• The person was found not guilty
• The charge was dismissed after a diversion program
• The individual has remained crime-free for a required waiting period, typically five years or longer, depending on circumstances

To request expungement or sealing, an applicant must file a Petition for Expungement of Records (JD-CR-202) with the Superior Court in the judicial district where the charges were filed. Consulting an attorney is strongly recommended.

How Long Do Second Degree Felony Records Stay Public in Connecticut?

It depends. In Connecticut, arrest, court, and criminal records for second-degree felonies remain public unless expunged. These records generally stay accessible indefinitely, meaning a felony conviction can remain in the public domain and be viewed by third parties.