Conn. Gen. Stat. 53a‑94a – Kidnapping in the Second Degree with a Firearm

Connecticut General Statutes 53a‑94a explained for non lawyers

1. What the law prohibits

You commit kidnapping in the second degree with a firearm if:

1. You already commit kidnapping in the second degree under § 53a‑94 (i.e. you abduct or restrain someone unlawfully); and
2. During that kidnapping, you either:
   • Use a firearm,
   • Are armed with one,
   • Threaten to use it,
   • Display it,
   • Or act like you have one (e.g., brandish it).
     You cannot be convicted for both kidnapping in general and with a firearm for the same act—but you can be charged with both.

2. What the penalties are if someone is convicted

• This is a Class B felony.
• The offender must serve at least 3 years in prison, and that time cannot be suspended or reduced.
• Additional prison time may be added, up to the maximum for Class B felonies.

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

To convict someone under § 53a‑94a, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt:

1. The person committed kidnapping in the second degree (i.e., they unlawfully abducted or restrained someone).
2. During that same incident, they used, carried, threatened with, displayed, or represented having a firearm.
3. The kidnapping and firearm action occurred together, not in separate events.

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

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