Class A Misdemeanor Connecticut Overview
Are you or one of your loved ones in jail facing a Class A misdemeanor Connecticut charge? While these offenses are less severe than felonies, a conviction can have serious repercussions.
In this post, our professional bail bondsmen at Connecticut Bail Bonds Group take an in-depth look at Class A misdemeanors in the state. We outline the differences between Class A misdemeanors and other offenses in the Connecticut Penal Code. You’ll also learn more about the potential penalties for these offenses and the mandatory minimum sentences that apply.
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What Is the Difference Between Felonies and Misdemeanors
Like all other states, Connecticut law divides criminal offenses into felonies and misdemeanors. A felony is a serious crime punishable with a state prison sentence of one year or longer. Misdemeanors are less severe than felonies, but their penalties may include a prison sentence of up to one year.
Both felonies and misdemeanors have letter classifications depending on their severity. Felony classifications range from A to D, with Class A felonies being the most severe and Class D felonies being the least serious.
Similarly, a Class A misdemeanor is more serious than a Class B misdemeanor but less severe than a Class E felony. Class C misdemeanors are the least serious and include offenses such as harassment in the second degree, disorderly conduct, and sixth-degree larceny.
Types of Misdemeanors by Class
Class A Misdemeanors
Class A misdemeanors include offenses such as criminally negligent homicide, assault in the third degree, reckless endangerment in the first degree, and prostitution. These offenses are punishable by a prison sentence of no longer than one year or a fine of up to $2,000.
Some Class A misdemeanors carry a mandatory minimum sentence. Assault in the third degree carries a minimum sentence of one year if the offender causes physical injury with a dangerous instrument, deadly weapon, or electronic defense weapon. The assault of a person who is elderly, disabled, blind, or pregnant also has a one-year minimum prison sentence.
When sentencing a repeat offender, the court can hand down a Class D felony sentence for a Class A misdemeanor Connecticut conviction.
For example, a persistent bigotry or biased offender who committed intimidation in the third degree can receive a prison sentence of up to five years. Similarly, a persistent offender who committed assault, trespassing, stalking, harassment, or the criminal violation of a restraining order, may receive a sentence for a Class D felony.
Class B Misdemeanors
The list of Class B misdemeanors is significantly shorter than Class A offenses. These offenses include reckless endangerment in the second degree, criminal trespassing in the second degree, and breach of peace in the second degree.
Class B misdemeanors are punishable by a prison sentence of up to six months or a fine of up to $1,000. The Connecticut Penal Code doesn’t list any mandatory minimum sentences for Class B misdemeanors. However, persistent offenders may receive a Class A misdemeanor prison sentence of up to one year.
Class C Misdemeanors
Class C misdemeanors include, among others, criminal trespassing in the third degree, larceny in the sixth degree (shoplifting), and the fraudulent use of an ATM. Other examples of these offenses include disorderly conduct, negligent hunting, and harassment in the second degree.
The penalties for Class C misdemeanors include a prison sentence of up to three months or a fine of up to $500.
The Consequences of a Class A Misdemeanor Conviction
In the case of a severe Class A misdemeanor conviction, such as assault in the third degree, the court will likely give a maximum sentence. One-year prison sentences are also more likely when defendants have a criminal history or if aggravating factors are present. Examples of aggravating factors include:
- The use of a weapon to cause injury
- The abuse of a position of trust
- The deliberate targeting of a vulnerable victim
In practice, first offenders typically receive relatively light sentences for misdemeanor offenses. The court can also give sentences beyond a fine and prison time.
For example, the court can suspend the driver’s license of someone who receives a DUI conviction. A conviction for assault in the third degree can lead to the suspension of the defendant’s firearm permit. A sentence for sexual assault in the fourth degree will include an entry into the sex offender registry.
A Class A misdemeanor conviction can result in a community service or probation sentence. If the sentence relates to drug or alcohol abuse, the court may order that the offender complete a rehabilitation program.
Expunging Class A Misdemeanor Records
A Class A misdemeanor Connecticut conviction will remain on a person’s criminal record and appear in background checks. You can petition the court to remove the record if you have been found guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. You can also ask the court to seal the conviction record so that it does not appear in a background check (expungement).
The court will only consider a Class A misdemeanor expungement request if you complete all sentence requirements. For example, the court will not consider your expungement request if you still need to serve time on probation or community service. The court will also not clear your record if you have pending arrests or charges.
If you want to clear your criminal record, consult your lawyer, who will apply for expungement.
Do You Need a Bail Bond in Connecticut?
Are you in jail facing a Class A misdemeanor charge? At Connecticut Bail Bonds Group, we can provide you with a bail bond service to secure your release while you await trial. If the court grants you bail, we can post a surety bond on your behalf in exchange for a fee.
Using our bail bond service, you don’t need to use your savings or property to post bail. As a result, you can get out of jail immediately and start working on your defense. Our bail bond services are available 24/7, including public holidays and weekends.
Contact us today for a professional and responsive bail bond service in Connecticut.
