Even if you have no prior criminal record, a single conviction for any felony offense in Connecticut could lead to years of imprisonment, steep fines, the loss of civil privileges, and many other consequences. If you were previously convicted of a felony offense, you may be subject to enhanced penalties upon conviction for another one. In any case, you should be proactive about building a strong defense with help from an attorney.

Representation from a New Britain felony lawyer can be vital to effectively handle a criminal allegation and pursue a favorable outcome in your case. From beginning to end of your legal proceedings, Ruane Attorneys could tirelessly enforce your rights and fight for your best interests.

Categories of Felonies Defined Under State Law

Connecticut General Statute §53a-25 defines a felony as any criminal offense punishable by a term in prison—as opposed to local or county jail—of more than one year. The law also establishes five categories of felony offenses based on their perceived severity. While Connecticut still treats murder with special circumstances as a “capital felony” punishable upon conviction by life imprisonment without parole, the state no longer imposes the death penalty against those convicted of this offense.

According to C.G.S. §53a-35a and 53a-41, the maximum sentences for each tier of felony upon conviction are as follows:

• Class A felony murder – 25 years to life imprisonment, plus a $20,000 fine
• Class A felony aggravated sexual assault of a minor – 25 to 50 years in prison, plus a $20,000 fine
• All other Class A felonies – 10 to 25 years of imprisonment, plus a $20,000 fine
• Class B felony first-degree manslaughter with a firearm – five to 40 years in prison, plus a $15,000 fine
• All other Class B felonies – one to 20 years in prison, plus a $15,000 fine
• All Class C felonies – one to 10 years in prison, plus a $10,000 fine
• All Class D felonies – up to five years in prison, plus a $5,000 fine
• All Class E felonies – up to three years in prison, plus a $3,500 fine

Any felony offenses considered “unclassified” carry the penalties specified in the relevant section of the Connecticut Penal Code, as a New Britain attorney could further explain.

Aggravating Conditions for Felony Charges

C.G.S. §53a-40 allows courts to impose enhanced criminal penalties against individuals deemed “persistent dangerous” or “persistent serious” felony offenders based on a history of convictions for similar or identical offenses. Depending on the circumstances and the specific offenses involved, the court could upgrade a defendant’s charge to the next applicable “class” designation.

Additionally, the involvement of a firearm in the commission of a Class A, B, or C felony offense can result in an enhanced prison term, potentially adding five to eight years. Those facing felony charges need representation from a New Britain lawyer to prevent the severe consequences of a conviction.

Seek Help from a New Britain Felony Attorney Today

Felony charges of any kind can be life-changing, especially if they result in a criminal conviction. The steps you take to defend yourself can make all the difference in your life moving forward.

Retaining a New Britain felony lawyer is a crucial first step toward achieving a positive result from your legal proceedings. Call Ruane Attorneys today to discuss your options in an initial consultation.