Conn. Gen. Stat. 53a‑92a – Kidnapping in the First Degree with a Firearm

Connecticut General Statutes 53a‑92a explained for non lawyers

What the law prohibits

A person commits kidnapping in the first degree with a firearm if they meet all of these conditions:

1. They commit kidnapping in the first degree (§ 53a‑92)—that is, unlawfully abduct or restrain someone with intent to ransom, coerce, terrorize, facilitate a felony, harm them, or disrupt government functions.
2. During that kidnapping, they either:
   • Use a firearm,
   • Are armed with a firearm,
   • Threaten to use it,
   • Show it, or
   • Act as if they have one (e.g., brandishing an empty holster).

They cannot be convicted for both kidnapping and kidnapping with a firearm for the same act, though they may be charged for both.

What the penalties are if someone is convicted

• This offense is a Class A felony, the most serious non-capital crime in Connecticut.
• Punishable by up to 25 years in prison
• No mandatory minimum — the 1-year minimum was removed by P.A. 13-28

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

To convict, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:

1. The defendant committed kidnapping in the first degree (§ 53a‑92)—that means they abducted or restrained a person with one of the specific criminal intents (like ransom, terror, harm, etc.).
2. During that kidnapping, the defendant used, threatened with, displayed, or acted like they had a firearm.
3. The kidnapping and firearm use happened as part of the same incident.

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

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