Connecticut Criminal Records

Connecticut Criminal Records are official papers that include information on a person's criminal history in the state. The information provided in the record is from the local, county, and state jurisdictions, courts of appeals, trial courts, and county and state correctional institutions.

The public may see state criminal records under the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act. And the Connecticut State Police Bureau of Identification, run by the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), is in charge of keeping these state criminal records.

Overall, Connecticut's law is easy to understand and has few simple exceptions. The rule applies to all state agencies and any other public agency. The state responds fast to petitions and allows appeals if the court denies them.

In Connecticut, criminal records include the following:

• Subject's name and any aliases
• Mugshot or photograph
• Unique identifiers
• Birthdate
• Fingerprints
• Past and present addresses
• Arrests, warrants, and charges
• Conviction history

Connecticut Criminal Records can have different information depending on an individual's violations. Here are the types of offenses that may be present in someone's criminal history:

Felonies

If someone has committed a crime in Connecticut, the agency with authority will record it either as capital felonies, Class A, B, C, or D felonies, or unclassified.

Capital Felonies

Before 2012, Connecticut's laws stated that "people who committed capital felonies (like murder in certain situations) could be put to death or sent to prison for life without the chance of parole. But in April 2012, Connecticut removed the death penalty for this violation.

Class A Felonies

Class A felonies are the second most serious in Connecticut. It includes jail sentences of 10 years and penalties up to $20,000. An example of this type is first-degree sexual assault.

Class B Felony

A person convicted of a class B felony can spend one to 40 years in prison and pay a fine of up to $15,000. An example of a class B felony is theft worth more than $20,000.

Class C Felony

A Class C felony offense can lead to a jail term of one to 10 years and extra penalties of up to $10,000. Intimidating a witness is an example under this category.

Class D Felony

Class D felonies are Connecticut's least severe. This conviction carries a 1 to 5 years jail term and penalties up to $5,000. First-degree threatening is an example of a Class D felony.

Unclassified Felony

In Connecticut, some offenses may result in an unclassified felony charge. The state law dictates the sentence if a crime is under this class.

Here are the most typical felonies in Connecticut:

• Armed robbery
• Assault
• Battery
• Manslaughter
• Murder
• Intimidating a witness
• Domestic charges
• Drug trafficking
• Vehicular homicide

A person condemned of a felony other than a capital felony can file for expungement when specific waiting periods (in years) have passed. In any case, records are expungable after 20 years.

Misdemeanors

If someone has a misdemeanor record on their Connecticut Criminal Records, they will fall under these categories:

Class A Misdemeanors

Connecticut's most severe misdemeanors are Class A. These offenses carry a year in prison and a $2,000 fine. An example of this class is the possession of a controlled substance.

Class B Misdemeanors

Class B misdemeanors can get you up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Getting third-degree stalking is an example of a Class B misdemeanor.

Class C Misdemeanors

Class C misdemeanors carry a maximum three-month jail term and a $500 fine. The offense is a class C misdemeanor when the stolen item's value is $500 or less.

Class D Misdemeanors

Connecticut's less severe misdemeanors are Class D. This offense carries a possible 30-day prison term and a $250 fine. These misdemeanors include illegal tattooing and not returning lost items.

Unclassified Misdemeanors

Some crimes in Connecticut can get you charged with an unclassified misdemeanor. If a crime is under this category, the punishment is in the law that defines the crime.

The most prevalent misdemeanors in Connecticut are:

• Criminal trespassing
• Criminal impersonation
• Fourth-degree larceny
• Prostitution
• Inciting to riot
• Second-degree reckless endangerment
• Unlawful assembly
• Obscenity
• Second-degree breach of peace

Unless you remove it, a misdemeanor will remain on your record for the rest of your life. Expungement in the state clears your misdemeanor record on your Connecticut criminal history. To apply, you must wait three years from the disposition date.

Criminal Driving Violations

All traffic-related criminal charges in Connecticut are known as traffic violations or infractions. However, traffic violations are the only offenses in a person's criminal history. And if you break the law while driving, you will get a misdemeanor or felony record under:

Misdemeanor Traffic Violations

In Connecticut, most traffic misdemeanor charges come from a citation or ticket. Traffic violations considered misdemeanors can lead to fines, jail time, or both.

The most common misdemeanor traffic violations in Connecticut are:

• Driving with a suspended or revoked license
• Driving under the influence
• Reckless driving

Felony Traffic Violations

Felony traffic violations are the most severe kind of traffic offense in Connecticut. These crimes can lead to damage to property or harm to a person. If committed, it can get you fines, probation, or even time in jail.

Some examples of felony traffic violations in Connecticut are:

• Aggravated DUI charges
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Vehicular homicide

How long does a traffic violation record remain in Connecticut Criminal Records? Since these offenses are either misdemeanors or felonies, they are permanent unless you petition an expungement.

Sexual Offenses

Connecticut categorizes sexual offenses into four levels based on the seriousness of each sex crime in the state. This classification contains the following:

First-Degree Sexual Assault (Sex 1)

The provisions defining sexual assault in the first degree are in Connecticut General Statutes. A party is guilty of sexual assault in the first degree if:

• A person coerces another to engage in sexual activity by using physical force or threatening violence against the victim or a third party.
• A person above the age of 13 has sexual intercourse with a minor.
• An entity conducts second-degree sexual assault with two or more persons.
• A person who is mentally impaired or unable to agree does a sexual act with another person.

Depending on the circumstances, first-degree sexual assault is a Class A or Class B felony.

First-Degree Aggravated Sexual Assault

In addition to Sex 1, the following actions constitute aggravated sexual assault in the first degree:

• Threatens to employ a deadly weapon during a sexual act.
• Intentionally mutilates, damages, or hinders any portion of the victim's body.
• Commits the deed without regard for human life, exposing the victim to death and causing severe bodily harm.
• Has at least two accomplices

In terms of evidence of a crime, aggravated sexual assault in the first degree can be a Class A or Class B felony.

Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Minor

A person may be charged with aggravated sexual assault of a minor if they engage in sexual activity with a juvenile under 13 years old, have a severe sexual assault conviction, and commit one of the following:

• Abducts or unjustly holds the victim enslaved
• Utilizes hostility when performing the crime
• Causes severe bodily injury or mutilation to the victim

Aggravated sexual assault on a minor is a Class A felony record in Connecticut.

Second-Degree Sexual Assault (Sex 2)

A person can be arrested for second-degree sexual assault by committing at least one of the charges listed below:

• The sex offender is at least three years older than the victim.
• Have sexual contact with a mentally ill person who can't consent.
• Engage a minor in sexual activity when the offender is the victim's guardian or responsible for his or her care.
• Initiate sex with a vulnerable individual.
• Involve a youngster under their supervision in a sexual connection while the victim is in legal custody.
• The perpetrator is a psychotherapist who makes sexual contact with a patient while providing professional services.
• Have sex with a patient and claim it's medically necessary as a health care worker.
• Engage in sexual activity with a student as a school teacher, or coach

Second-degree sexual assault is a Class C felony record in Connecticut.

Third-Degree Sexual Assault (Sex 3)

Third-degree sexual assault happens when:

• A person coerces someone to do a sexual act or threatens to use force on them or a third party, causing them to suffer physical harm.
• There is sexual exploitation of a mentally disabled person.
• A party engages in sexual contact with someone related to them.

In Connecticut, third-degree sexual assault is a Class D felony record. However, if the victim is under 16, it is a Class C felony.

Third-Degree Sexual Assault With a Firearm

If a person commits sexual assault in the third degree and uses a revolver, handgun, rifle, machine gun, or shotgun, they are guilty of sexual assault in the third degree with a firearm.

In Connecticut, third-degree sexual assault with a firearm is a Class C felony. If a victim is under 16, it's a Class B felony record.

Fourth-Degree Sexual Assault

Generally, a person has committed sexual assault in the fourth degree if:

• Engages in sexual contact without another's permission
• Has intercourse with a dead animal or body
• This person is a psychotherapist who sexually reaches a patient
• Fakes a medical justification for sexual contact with another person
• This individual is a school employee who sexually contacts a student at a school
• Such a person is an athletic coach or instructor who subjects a student to sexual contact

Fourth-degree sexual assault is listed as a Class A misdemeanor record; if the victim is under 16, it's a Class D felony.

The first-degree sexual assault (sex 1), first-degree aggravated sexual assault, and aggravated sexual assault of minor violators must register as sex offenders for life. Meanwhile, second-degree sexual assault (sex 2), third-degree sexual assault (sex 3), third-degree sexual assault with a firearm, and fourth-degree sexual assault violators must register as sex offenders in the state for ten years for first-time offenses, but a lifetime for repeat offenders.

The Connecticut Sex Offenders Registry keeps track of sex offenders in the state. You can get the information over the internet since the registry is an online platform created to raise awareness about the hazards of sex offenders.

Connecticut allows expungement, commonly called an "absolute pardon", to erase criminal records. Once you're pardoned, they will delete all of your police and court records. The state will not provide information to requesters, even to law enforcement.

Who is eligible for expungement? Connecticut automatically expunges or pardons crimes if:

• You were accused and found not guilty
• The case dismissed
• The court dropped your case 13 months ago
• Your case has been pending for 13 months without prosecution or other resolution.

In general, you can petition to delete misdemeanor or felony records, if:

• Your last misdemeanor conviction is three years old
• Your previous felony conviction is at least five years old
• No parole or probation
• You have no outstanding state or federal charges or cases

Connecticut Expungement Procedure

The following are the typical steps you need to take in getting an expungement or absolute pardon in Connecticut:

• To delete your criminal record in Connecticut, you must obtain and fill out the form for the Absolute Pardon application. You can visit the website of the Connecticut Board of Pardons & Paroles to get these papers.
• You must also accomplish the "Background Investigation Authorization" form and identify three references who will complete the "Absolute Reference Questionnaire".
• Then, obtain police records for arrests that resulted in convictions during the last decade or letters from the arresting police agency confirming the reports no longer exist. You must collect and file a probation letter with the completion date(s), docket number(s), and probation status for each term of probation served.
• Include the necessary or other documentation you like the Board to consider when reviewing your application, such as certifications or educational achievements.
• Using the Connecticut Board of Pardons and Parole website, submit the completed application and accompanying documents by mail or through its ePardons Portal.

The staff will review your application to decide whether you'll have an Expedited Review without a hearing or a conventional pre-screen. Non-violent crimes without victims of interest may be eligible for an Expedited Review. You can grant the pardon without showing up if you meet the requirements for expedited review.

During an expedited review, the Board may award an absolute pardon, refuse your application, or send it to a full panel hearing.

Connecticut Inmate Records provide current and prior imprisonment information. Inmates are those convicted and deprived of their civil freedoms.

The Connecticut State Department of Corrections keeps records on people who are in prison. It has a database where you can search for these records online and get to them anytime without making a formal request. You can start the search by entering a person's first name, last name, and date of birth.

In Connecticut, an inmate record includes a person's criminal history as well as the following information:

• Personal information like name, birthdate, and gender
• A mugshot
• Inmate location
• Inmate registration/ID number
• Jail transfer details
• Custody status
• Law enforcement agency making the arrest

Connecticut Arrest Records are a collection of an individual's arrest history due to their claimed participation in criminal activities under the state's jurisdiction.

According to the state's Public Records Law, arrest records in Connecticut are accessible to the public. The SPBI is responsible for keeping the state's arrest records.

Like most states, a warrant is necessary before the police arrest you. If police in Connecticut have probable reason to believe you have committed a crime, they can get an arrest warrant for you. The Connecticut police will contact you if you are the primary concern of an investigation.

The first step after the arrest is "booking". This administrative phase records the criminal suspect's details, including the police report and fingerprints. Booking can take several hours, depending on the facility's activity, the number of arrestees, and the number of law enforcement officials involved.

How to get access to arrest records in Connecticut? Call your local police station or sheriff's office to look for Connecticut arrest records. In addition, on the State Judicial Branch Criminal or Motor Vehicle Case Lookup page, you can obtain this information without incurring any fees.

Arrest records in Connecticut will give you the following information:

• Personal identification information
• Details about the arrests
• Any related charges and convictions

Employers and landlords in Connecticut use criminal records for official background checks to learn about the character of applicants. But anyone can ask the Connecticut State Police to do a background check on any resident.

A search by name only costs $36, while a search by conviction history costs $75. According to Connecticut law, you can use this instead of the Letter of Good Conduct for things like securing a visa, adopting a child, and migrating abroad.

Different jurisdictions check for criminal records differently, but primarily, you can access them by submitting a Criminal History Record request form to the Connecticut State Police.