Connecticut Criminal Defense Laws

Sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or sexual assault of a victim under 21 years of age must be prosecuted within 30 years after the victim turns 21 (effectively until age 51).

A class A misdemeanor violation of sexual assault in the fourth degree (§ 53a-73a) against a victim 21 or older must be prosecuted within 10 years.

Connecticut uses definite sentencing for felonies: Class A — 10-25 years (or 25 years to life for certain offenses); Class B — 1-20 years; Class C — 1-10 years; Class D — 1-5 years; Class E — 1-3 years. Class A felony sentences may not be suspended or reduced.

Class A misdemeanor: up to 1 year imprisonment, up to $2,000 fine. Class B misdemeanor: up to 6 months imprisonment, up to $1,000 fine. Class C misdemeanor: up to 3 months imprisonment, up to $500 fine. Class D misdemeanor: up to 30 days imprisonment, up to $250 fine.

Effective January 2023, Connecticut automatically erases certain criminal records after waiting periods: misdemeanor convictions after 7 years; class D and E felonies (and unclassified felonies with max 5-year sentences) after 10 years. Excludes sex offenses, family violence crimes, and firearm-related offenses. Pardons from the Board of Pardons and Paroles also trigger erasure.

Operating Under the Influence (OUI): BAC limit of 0.08% (0.04% commercial, 0.02% under 21). First offense: 48 hours to 6 months jail, $500-$1,000 fine. Second offense within 10 years: 120 days to 2 years jail. Third offense: 1-3 years jail (felony). First offenders may qualify for the Impaired Driver Intervention Program (IDIP) to have charges dismissed.

Adults 21+ may possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis in public and up to 5 ounces in a locked container at home or in a vehicle. Home cultivation of up to 6 plants per person (12 per household) is legal since July 1, 2023. Odor of cannabis cannot be used as sole basis for a stop or search.