Can Repeat Offenders Face More Serious Criminal Charges in Connecticut?

 Posted on June 17, 2021 in Criminal Defense

Violations of the law can result in multiple types of consequences. The severity of these consequences will depend on a person’s specific criminal charges and other factors that may play a role in their case. Multiple convictions will usually result in more serious penalties, and in some cases, a person may be subject to laws that detail enhanced penalties for “persistent offenders.” Those facing criminal charges will need to be represented by an experienced attorney who can explain how these laws apply to their case and determine the best defense strategies.

Persistent Offender Laws in Connecticut

Connecticut law defines several categories of persistent offenders, including:

• Persistent dangerous felony offenders - If a person is convicted of violent crimes such as manslaughter, kidnapping, first- or second-degree robbery, first-degree assault, first-degree burglary, second-degree burglary with a firearm, or arson, and they had previously been convicted of one of these crimes, they will be sentenced to at least twice the minimum sentence for the offense and a maximum of 40 years in prison. A third conviction will result in being sentenced to at least three times the minimum sentence for the offense.

• Persistent serious felony offenders - If a person is convicted of a felony after previously being convicted and sentenced to more than one year in prison, they will be sentenced to a prison term for the next higher degree of felony. 

• Persistent felony offenders - If a person is convicted of a Class A, B, or C felony, and they had been convicted of a Class A, B, or C felony on two previous occasions, they will be sentenced to a prison term for the next higher degree of felony, with a minimum sentence of three years. 

• Persistent dangerous sexual offenders - If a person is convicted of sex crimes such as first- or third-degree sexual assault, aggravated first-degree sexual assault, or third-degree sexual assault with a firearm after previously being convicted of one of these offenses and sentenced to more than one year in prison, they will be sentenced to prison and special parole equivalent to a life sentence.

• Persistent serious sexual offenders - If a person is convicted of sex crimes such as first-, second-, or third-degree sexual assault after previously being convicted and sentenced to more than one year in prison, they will be sentenced to prison and special parole equivalent to the maximum sentence for the next higher degree of felony.

• Persistent larceny offenders - If a person is convicted of third-, fourth-, fifth-, or sixth-degree larceny (theft), and they had previously been convicted of larceny twice within the past 10 years, they may receive the sentence that would be issued for a Class D felony.

• Persistent offenders for possession of a controlled substance - If a person is convicted of drug possession, and they were convicted of drug possession on two previous occasions, they may receive the sentence that would be issued for a Class E felony.

Contact Our Stamford Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are facing criminal charges, the penalties for a conviction may increase if you have previously been convicted. The Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner can help you determine the best ways to minimize the potential penalties you may face. To schedule a free consultation and begin building your defense strategy, contact our Fairfield County criminal defense attorney at 203-348-5846.

Sources:

https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_952.htm#sec_53a-40

https://www.cga.ct.gov/2007/rpt/2007-R-0481.htm