Conn. Gen. Stat. 53a-134 – Robbery in the first degree

Connecticut General Statutes 53a-134 explained for non lawyers

1. What the law prohibits

You commit robbery in the first degree when you commit robbery and one of these serious circumstances applies:

• You are armed with a deadly weapon during the robbery
• You use or threaten to use a dangerous weapon
• You cause serious physical injury to someone who is not a participant in the crime
• You use or threaten to use what appears to be a pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, or machine gun (even if it’s fake)

2. What the penalties are if someone is convicted

• This is a Class B felony.
• Punishable by:
  • Up to 20 years in prison
  • Up to $15,000 in fines
  • Plus possible probation and restitution

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

To secure a conviction, the state must prove all of the following beyond a reasonable doubt:

1. The defendant committed robbery (used force or threats while stealing)
2. At least one of the following aggravating factors:
   • The defendant was armed with a deadly weapon during the robbery
   • The defendant used or threatened to use a dangerous weapon
   • The defendant caused serious physical injury to a non-participant
   • The defendant used or threatened to use what appeared to be a firearm

Note: This is the most serious robbery charge in Connecticut, carrying up to 20 years in prison. It involves actual weapons, guns (real or fake), or serious injury to victims.

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

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