Conn. Gen. Stat. 53a-135 – Robbery in the second degree

Connecticut General Statutes 53a-135 explained for non lawyers

1. What the law prohibits

You commit robbery in the second degree when you commit robbery and one of these additional circumstances applies:

• You have help from another person who is physically present during the robbery
• You commit larceny at a bank or credit union while intimidating an employee into fearing for their physical safety
• You display or threaten to use what appears to be a dangerous weapon (even if it’s fake)
• You represent that you have a dangerous weapon (claim you have a gun, knife, etc.)

2. What the penalties are if someone is convicted

• This is a Class C felony.
• Punishable by:
  • Up to 10 years in prison
  • Up to $10,000 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 aided by another person present during the robbery
   • The defendant committed larceny at a bank or credit union while intimidating an employee by causing them to fear for their physical safety
   • The defendant displayed or threatened to use what appeared to be a dangerous weapon
   • The defendant represented (claimed) to have a dangerous weapon

Note: This is more serious than third degree robbery because of the additional dangerous elements – help from accomplices, injury to victims, or weapons (real or fake).

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

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