Conn. Gen. Stat. 53a‑73a – Sexual Assault in the Fourth Degree

Connecticut General Statutes 53a‑73a explained for non lawyers

1. What the law prohibits

You can be charged with sexual assault in the fourth degree if you:

1. Have sexual contact (such as touching intimate parts) with someone in any of these situations:
   • The victim is under 13 years old and you’re more than two years older,
   • The victim is 13–14 and you’re more than three years older,
   • The victim is physically helpless,
   • The victim is under 18 and you’re their guardian or supervisor,
   • The victim is in custody (like in a hospital or jail) and you’re in charge of them;
2. Have sexual contact without the other person’s consent, even if circumstances of age or authority do not apply;
3. Have sexual contact with a dead body;
4. Are a psychotherapist having sexual contact with someone in therapy, emotionally dependent, or under therapeutic deception;
5. Use deception claiming the contact is for a doctor or medical exam;
6. Are a school employee and the victim is a student at that school;
7. Are a coach or instructor and the victim is a secondary student or under 18 in your coaching;
8. Are an adult with power or authority over someone under 18;
9. Have sexual contact with someone under the care of developmental services while supervising them.

2. What the penalties are if someone is convicted

• Generally, it’s a Class A misdemeanor:
  • Up to 1 year in jail.
• If the victim is under 16, it becomes a Class D felony:
  • Up to 5 years in prison.

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

To convict under § 53a‑73a, the prosecution must prove:

1. Sexual contact occurred.
2. One of the specific conditions listed above applied—like age differences, lack of consent, authority relationships, or deception.
3. If the victim was under 16, the crime must be charged and proven as a Class D felony, not a misdemeanor.

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

Every day you wait is another day the prosecution builds their case against you. Connecticut’s criminal courts don’t pause for uncertainty. Get experienced representation working on your case immediately. Free consultation available today: 203-925-9200