Conn. Gen. Stat. 53a‑103a – Burglary in the Third Degree with a Firearm

Connecticut General Statutes 53a‑103a explained for non lawyers

1. What the law prohibits

This crime applies when someone commits burglary in the third degree—that is, they enter or stay unlawfully in a building with intent to commit a crime—and during that act, they use, have, threaten with, display, or act like they have a firearm (such as a pistol, shotgun, rifle, etc.).

• A defendant cannot be convicted of both regular burglary and firearm-enhanced burglary for the same act, though both charges can be filed.

2. What the penalties are if someone is convicted

• It’s a Class D felony.
• The offender must serve at least 1 year in prison, and that year cannot be suspended or reduced by the court (i.e., no early release).

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

To win a conviction, prosecutors must establish:

1. The defendant committed burglary in the third degree (§ 53a-103)—meaning they entered or stayed in a building unlawfully with intent to commit a crime. During the same incident, they either:
   • Used,
   • Were armed with,
   • Threatened with,
   • Displayed, or
   • Acted like they had a firearm.

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

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