Conn. Gen. Stat. 53a‑72b – Sexual Assault in the Third Degree with a Firearm

Connecticut General Statutes 53a‑72b explained for non lawyers

1. What the law prohibits

You commit sexual assault in the third degree with a firearm if you first commit sexual assault in the third degree (§ 53a‑72a), and during that crime, you:

• Use, have, threaten with, display, or act like you have a firearm (such as a pistol, shotgun, rifle, etc.).

2. What the penalties are if someone is convicted

• By default, it’s a Class C felony.
• If the victim is younger than 16, it becomes a Class B felony.
• Upon conviction, the offender must serve at least 2 years in prison that cannot be suspended or reduced, plus a special parole period, completing a total sentence of 10 years (prison + parole).
  

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

The prosecutor must show, beyond a reasonable doubt, that:

1. The defendant committed sexual assault in the third degree (§ 53a‑72a)—such as using force to make someone submit to sexual contact, having sex with someone who couldn’t consent, or having intercourse with a close relative.
2. During the assault, the defendant used, threatened with, displayed, or pretended to have a firearm.
3. If the victim is under 16, that fact elevates the crime to a Class B felony.

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

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