All states, including Connecticut, divide crimes into felonies and misdemeanors. Misdemeanors in Connecticut are punishable by up to one year in jail. Felonies are more serious crimes, punishable by state prison terms of one year or longer.

For more information on felonies in Connecticut, see Connecticut Felony Crimes by Class and Sentences.

Misdemeanors are designated as Class A, B, C, or D; or they may be unclassified. If a crime is unclassified, the punishment will be specified in the statute defining the crime. (Conn. Gen. Stat. § § 53a-26, 53a-36.)

Class A Misdemeanors

Class A misdemeanors are the most serious misdemeanors in Connecticut, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. (Conn. Gen. Stat. § § 53a-36, 53a-42.) Prostitution is a class A misdemeanor.

For more information on this and related crimes, see Prostitution, Pimping, and Pandering Laws in Connecticut.

Class B Misdemeanors

A class B misdemeanor is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. (Conn. Gen. Stat. § § 53a-36, 53a-42.) Embezzlement of property worth $500 to $1,000 is a class B misdemeanor.

For more information on this crime, see Connecticut Embezzlement Laws.

Class C Misdemeanors

A class C misdemeanor conviction can result in a jail term of up to three months and a fine of up to $500. (Conn. Gen. Stat. § § 53a-36, 53a-42.) Theft of property worth $500 or less is a class C misdemeanor.

For more information on theft penalties, see Connecticut Petty Theft and Other Theft Laws.

Class D Misdemeanors

Class D misdemeanors are the least serious misdemeanors in Connecticut, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $250. (Conn. Gen. Stat. § § 53a-36, 53a-42.)

Statute of Limitations

A statute of limitations is a time period during which the state must commence criminal prosecution or the defendant can have the case thrown out. For misdemeanors in Connecticut, the state has one year from the time the crime is committed to begin prosecution.

For more information, see Connecticut Criminal Statute of Limitations.

Obtaining Legal Assistance

A criminal conviction, even for a misdemeanor, can have serious consequences. If you are facing any criminal charges, please consult with a Connecticut criminal defense attorney. An attorney can tell you what to expect in court, based on the charges and the assigned judge and prosecutor. With an attorney’s help, you can present the strongest possible defense.

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