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Questions and Answers
What is a Class B felony's minimum sentence?
3 years
What is a definition of 'building'?
What class felony is 'felony' represented by E-3, D-5, C-15, B-20, A-10 to live?
What is the penalty for a Class C felony?
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What is defined as 'burglary' under CGS 53a-101?
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What constitutes a Class A felony?
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Match the type of burglary to its definition:
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What does 'dwelling' refer to?
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Criminal trespass 1st is a Class A felony.
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What constitutes a Class C felony for robbery?
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What is the definition of 'larceny'?
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What is the definition of 'bribery'?
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Tampering with physical evidence can lead to a Class D felony.
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What does 'preponderance of the evidence' mean?
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What does 'proof beyond a reasonable doubt' constitute?
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What are the three parts of elements in criminal law?
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Which type of possession means having actual custody or control?
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What does it mean to act 'intentionally'?
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What is an affirmative defense?
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What does 'recklessly' mean in criminal law?
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What is criminal negligence?
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What is the statute for criminal liability for the acts of another?
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Under what circumstances can reasonable physical or deadly force be used?
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What is the definition of conspiracy in criminal law?
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What is felony murder?
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What does serious physical injury refer to?
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What is considered a deadly weapon?
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What constitutes harassment in the second degree?
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What defines voyeurism in criminal law?
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What is public indecency?
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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.