(a) The term 'offense' means any crime or violation which constitutes a breach of any law of this state or any other state, federal law or local law or ordinance of a political subdivision of this state, for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment or to a fine, or both, may be imposed, except one that defines a motor vehicle violation or is deemed to be an infraction. The term 'crime' comprises felonies and misdemeanors. Every offense which is not a 'crime' is a 'violation'. Conviction of a violation shall not give rise to any disability or legal disadvantage based on conviction of a criminal offense.(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, the provisions of sections 53a-28 to 53a-44, inclusive, shall apply to motor vehicle violations. Said provisions shall apply to convictions under section 21a-278 except that the execution of any mandatory minimum sentence imposed under the provisions of said section may not be suspended.(1969, P.A. 828, S. 24; 1972, P.A. 294, S. 39; P.A. 75-380, S. 15; 75-577, S. 8, 126; P.A. 92-260, S. 8.)History: 1972 act added provision in Subsec. (b) re applicability of Secs. ay not be suspended.(1969, P.A. 828, S. 24; 1972, P.A. 294, S. 39; P.A. 75-380, S. 15; 75-577, S. 8, 126; P.A. 92-260, S. 8.)History: 1972 act added provision in Subsec. (b) re applicability of Secs. 53a-28 to 53a-44 with respect to convictions under Sec. 19-480a; P.A. 75-380 amended Subsec. (a) to include breach of federal and other states' laws as offense; P.A. 75-577 included infractions in exception to 'offense' definition in Subsec. (a); P.A. 92-260 made technical changes.Cited. 166 C. 449; 209 C. 98; 226 C. 191; 228 C. 758; 229 C. 716.Cited. 6 CA 505; 9 CA 686; 22 CA 108; 24 CA 195; 27 CA 225; 41 CA 454; 45 CA 722. Defendant charged with an infraction has no constitutional right to a jury trial because such right applies only to criminal prosecutions, and an infraction is not a crime pursuant to section. 134 CA 175. Classification by legislature of infractions as noncriminal acts payable by fine operates as a presumption that infractions do not constitute criminal offenses for purposes of double jeopardy analysis, albeit one that is rebuttable by clear proof to the contrary. Id., 346.Cited. 36 CS 527; Id., 551.
Connecticut Legal Code
§ 53a-24
Connecticut Title 53a — Connecticut law
Source: https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_952.htm#sec_53a-24· Version 2026