CONNECTICUT Criminal Law Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is a Class B felony's minimum sentence?

3 years

What is a definition of 'building'?

watercraft

aircraft

a structure with valid certificate of occupancy (correct)

none of the above

What class felony is 'felony' represented by E-3, D-5, C-15, B-20, A-10 to live?

Class C (correct)

Class D (correct)

Class B (correct)

Class A

What is the penalty for a Class C felony?

6 months Signup and view all the answers

What is defined as 'burglary' under CGS 53a-101?

Entering unlawfully in a building with intent to commit a crime while armed. Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes a Class A felony?

Both A and B Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of burglary to its definition:

Burglary 1st = Class B felony, enters unlawfully with intent to commit a crime Burglary 2nd = Class C felony, enters unlawfully in a dwelling while someone else is present Burglary 3rd = Class D felony, enters and remains with the intent to commit a crime Signup and view all the answers

What does 'dwelling' refer to?

A building occupied by a person lodging therein at night. Signup and view all the answers

Criminal trespass 1st is a Class A felony.

False Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes a Class C felony for robbery?

Robbery that threatens use of a deadly weapon or occurs during larceny at a bank. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of 'larceny'?

Both A and B Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of 'bribery'?

Offering a benefit to a public servant for decisions or actions. Signup and view all the answers

Tampering with physical evidence can lead to a Class D felony.

True Signup and view all the answers

What does 'preponderance of the evidence' mean?

More than 50% chance that a claim is true. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'proof beyond a reasonable doubt' constitute?

The burden of proof on the prosecutor to prove the defendant's guilt. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three parts of elements in criminal law?

Actus reus, mens rea, causation & effect Signup and view all the answers

Which type of possession means having actual custody or control?

Actual possession Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to act 'intentionally'?

To cause a particular result or engage in conduct knowingly. Signup and view all the answers

What is an affirmative defense?

A claim made by the defense that mitigates unlawful action if proven. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'recklessly' mean in criminal law?

Disregard for a risk that a reasonable person would see. Signup and view all the answers

What is criminal negligence?

Failure to see risk or to provide the standard of care. Signup and view all the answers

What is the statute for criminal liability for the acts of another?

CGS 53a-8 Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances can reasonable physical or deadly force be used?

To discipline a child or incompetent person, protect oneself or others, or during certain professional duties. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of conspiracy in criminal law?

An agreement with one or more persons to commit a crime. Signup and view all the answers

What is felony murder?

A death caused during the commission of certain felonies such as robbery or kidnapping. Signup and view all the answers

What does serious physical injury refer to?

Injury creating a substantial risk of death or serious impairment of health. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a deadly weapon?

Any weapon capable of inflicting serious bodily injury or death. Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes harassment in the second degree?

Communicating with someone in a manner likely to cause annoyance or alarm. Signup and view all the answers

What defines voyeurism in criminal law?

Recording images of someone in a private space without consent. Signup and view all the answers

What is public indecency?

Performing sexual acts in public or lewdly exposing oneself. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Elements of a Crime

Actus Reus: The physical act or conduct of a crime.
Mens Rea: The mental state or intention behind the act.
Causation & Effect: The relationship between the act and its consequence.

Types of Possession

Actual Possession: Having physical custody or control of an item.
Constructive Possession: Having an item within reach, even if not in direct control.

Intent

Engaging in conduct with the knowledge that it will cause a specific result.

Affirmative Defense

A legal claim that, if proven, reduces or negates liability for a crime (e.g., self-defense, insanity).

Recklessness

Disregarding a known risk and failing to act as a reasonable person would.

Criminal Negligence

Not recognizing a risk or failing to provide the required standard of care.

Criminal Liability for Another's Acts

If someone solicits or aids another in criminal activity, both can face charges.

Use of Reasonable Force (CGS 53a-18)

Permissible for:
- Parents disciplining children
- Corrections officers or drivers for safeguarding
- Physicians during treatment
- Teachers restraining students or safety threats

Defense of Person (CGS 53a-1a)

Force can be used to prevent serious bodily harm; retreat if safe unless at home or work.

Defense of Premises (CGS 53a-20)

Individuals in control can use necessary force to prevent criminal trespass or violent crime.

Defense of Property (CGS 53a-21)

Reasonable force is allowed to prevent larceny or damage.

Arrest Procedures (CGS 53a-22)

Force is permissible during arrests if there's reasonable belief of an offense.

Conspiracy (CGS 53a-48)

Requires intent to commit a crime, agreement with others, and an overt act in furtherance of the conspiracy.

Criminal Attempt (CGS 53a-49)

Involves acting with the intention for a crime and taking substantial steps towards its commission.

Assault in the Second Degree with a Motor Vehicle (CGS 53a-60d)

Committing assault while under the influence and causing serious physical injury results in a Class D felony.

Criminal Mischief First Degree (CGS 53a-115)

Intent to damage property over $1,500 leads to a Class D felony.

Murder (CGS 53a-54a)

Intentionally causing the death of another can result in a Class A felony, with additional circumstances increasing severity.

Manslaughter First Degree (CGS 53a-54d)

Intent to cause serious injury or death or acting with extreme indifference to human life can lead to severe charges.

Felony Murder (CGS 53a-54c)

Committing serious crimes during which another person dies leads to a Class A felony charge.

Manslaughter Second Degree with Motor Vehicle (CGS 53a-56b)

Operating under the influence and causing a death is a Class C felony.

Serious Physical Injury

Defined as injuries that cause substantial risk of death or serious impairment to health or organ function.

Deadly Weapons & Dangerous Instruments

Deadly Weapon: Any object capable of causing serious injury or death.
Dangerous Instrument: An object that can cause substantial bodily harm depending on its use.

Assault Degrees (CGS 53a-61, 53a-60)

Third Degree: Intent or reckless causing injury with a deadly weapon is a Class A misdemeanor.
Second Degree: Intent to cause serious injury can lead to a Class D felony.

Strangulation/Suffocation Degrees (CGS 53a-64aa, 53a-64bb, 53a-64cc)

Vary based on seriousness of injuries and previous convictions, leading to classifications from Class A misdemeanor to Class C felony.

Threatening (CGS 53a-62, 53a-61aa)

Threatening acts can result in Class A misdemeanors, increasing to Class D felonies in specific contexts (like schools).

Harassment and Stalking (CGS 53a-183)

Stalking and communication causing distress have varying degrees, with potential for Class B to Class D felonies based on prior offenses and risk.

Intimidation Based on Bias (CGS 53a-181j,k,l)

Offenses motivated by bias can lead to serious felony charges, reflecting the severity of the offense and the impact on victims.

Public Indecency & Disorderly Conduct

Engaging in sexual acts or threatening behavior in public can lead to misdemeanor charges.

Sexual Assault Regulations

Multiple degrees of sexual assault are defined based on age, consent, and vulnerability of the victim, with severe penalties under several statutes.

Kidnapping Degrees (CGS 53a-92)

Defined by intent and acts that compel ransom or seriously endanger a victim, categorized as Class A or B felonies.

Unlawful Restraint (CGS 53a-95,96)

Classifications based on risk of physical injury or the act of restraining another individual.### Firearms and Felonies
Class B felony carries a minimum sentence of 3 years when firearms are involved.

Legal Terms

Building: Includes watercraft, aircraft, trailers, sleeping cars, railroad cars, or any structure with a valid certificate of occupancy.
Felony Classification: Ranges from E (3 years) to A (10-20 years), severity decreases from E to A.
Misdemeanor Classification: Ranges from D (30 days) to A (1 year) with increasing severity.

Burglary Offenses

First Degree Burglary (CGS 53a-101):
- Unlawful entry into a building with intent to commit a crime, armed with an explosive or deadly weapon.
- Minimum sentence of 5 years, classified as a Class B felony.
Second Degree Burglary (CGS 53a-102):
- Intent to commit a crime while unlawfully entering a dwelling with someone present; classified as Class C felony.
- Second part involves committing burglary with a firearm; also a Class C felony.
Third Degree Burglary (CGS 53a-103):
- Unlawful entry and remaining with intent to commit a crime; firearm involvement constitutes a Class D felony.

Definitions of Dwellings

A dwelling is defined as a building occupied for lodging at night, irrespective of actual presence.

Home Invasion (CGS 53-100aa)

Involves unlawful entry into a dwelling with intent to commit a crime where someone is present.
Committing a felony while armed constitutes a Class A felony with a minimum sentence of 10 years.

Trespass Offenses

First Degree Criminal Trespass (CGS 53a-107): Class A misdemeanor for knowing unauthorized entry or remaining after an order to leave.
Second Degree Criminal Trespass (CGS 53a-108): Class B misdemeanor for unauthorized entry or remaining in a building or public land.
Third Degree Criminal Trespass (CGS 53a-109): Class C misdemeanor for remaining in a posted or fenced area without permission.

Criminal Mischief

Fourth Degree (CGS 53a-117a): Intentionally damaging public safety equipment; classified as Class C misdemeanor.
Third Degree (CGS 53a-117): Reckless damage without belief of right; classified as Class B misdemeanor.
Second Degree (CGS 53a-116): Damage exceeding $250; classified as Class A misdemeanor.
First Degree (CGS 53a-115): Damage exceeding $1,500 to state property; classified as Class D felony.

Larceny Offenses

General Definition: Intent to deprive another of property through wrongful taking.
6th Degree: Theft of $500 or less; Class C misdemeanor.
5th Degree: Theft exceeding $500; Class B misdemeanor.
4th Degree: Theft exceeding $1,000 or specific items like waste vegetable oil; Class A misdemeanor.
3rd Degree: Motor vehicle theft less than $10,000; Class D felony.
2nd Degree: Motor vehicle theft exceeding $10,000; Class C felony.
1st Degree: Theft by extortion or exceeding $20,000; Class B felony.

Robbery Offenses

General Definition: Committing larceny through threats or physical force.
3rd Degree (CGS 53a-136): Class D felony.
2nd Degree (CGS 53a-135): Robbery with use of a deadly weapon or in a bank; Class C felony.
1st Degree (CGS 53a-134): Robbery with serious injury or armed threat; Class B felony.

Forgery Offenses

3rd Degree (CGS 53a-140): Class B misdemeanor for forging written instruments.
2nd Degree (CGS 53a-139): Class D felony for intent to defraud involving significant legal documents.
1st Degree (CGS 53a-138): Class C felony for serious financial instruments or government documentation forgery.

Bribery

Bribery (CGS 53a-147): Offering benefits to a public servant for decisions; classified as Class C felony.
Bribe Receiving (CGS 53a-148): Accepting benefits by public servants; also classified as Class C felony.

Tampering with Evidence (CGS 53a-155)

Involves altering or destroying evidence in an ongoing investigation; classified as Class D felony.

False Statements (CGS 53a-157a,b)

First degree involves falsifying payroll; classified as Class D felony.
Second degree involves misleading public servants; classified as Class A misdemeanor.

Interference with Officers (CGS 53a-167a)

Obstructing or hindering official duties without causing injury; classified as Class A misdemeanor.

Escape from Custody (CGS 53a-171)

Class C felony for escape from custody; misdemeanor for non-felony scenarios.

Child Safety Offenses (CGS 53-21)

Causing injury to a child under 16 is a Class C felony.
Impairing a child's morals or direct contact with intimate parts constitutes serious felonies.

Cruelty to Animals (CGS 53-247a-e)

Various acts of cruelty, including fighting or failing to care for pets, anger severe penalties.

Computer Crime (CGS 53a-252-256)

Degrees of computer crime based on financial value ranging from B misdemeanor for $500 or less to Class B felony for over $10,000.

Evidence Standards

Preponderance of Evidence: Claim must be more than 50% likely to be true.
Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt: Legal standard for proving a defendant's guilt in criminal cases.

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Description

This quiz focuses on understanding the essential elements of criminal law in Connecticut, particularly for police academy students. You will explore key concepts such as actus reus, mens rea, and types of possession. Use these flashcards to solidify your understanding of the foundational aspects of criminal liability and legal terminology.