Conn. Gen. Stat. 53a‑102 – Burglary in the Second Degree

Connecticut General Statutes 53a‑102 explained for non lawyers

1. What the law prohibits

You commit burglary in the second degree if you:

• Enter or stay unlawfully in a dwelling (a place where people normally sleep),
• When someone else—who’s not part of the crime—is actually inside,
• And you did so with the intent to commit a crime inside (like theft, assault, etc.)

2. What the penalties are if someone is convicted

• It’s a Class C felony.
• Punishable by:
  • Up to 10 years in prison,
  • And a fine up to $10,000.

3. What the state has to prove to convict someone (Elements of the offense)

Prosecutors must prove all these points beyond a reasonable doubt:

1. You unlawfully entered or remained in a dwelling—you didn’t have permission or legal right, and you stayed after any license expired, or someone told you to leave.
2. Another person was inside the dwelling at the time, and they were not part of the crime.
3. You entered with the intent to commit a crime (e.g., steal, assault, etc.) once inside.
4. You committed these acts in a place considered a dwelling, not just any building. 

For the actual statute, you can visit Justia which has the actual law on its website.

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