Connecticut General Statutes 53a-45 – Murder: Penalty; waiver of jury trial; finding of lesser degree
(a) Murder is punishable as a class A felony in accordance with subdivision (2) of § 53a-35a unless it is a capital felony committed prior to April 25, 2012, punishable in accordance with subparagraph (A) of subdivision (1) of § 53a-35a, murder with special circumstances committed on or after April 25, 2012, punishable as a class A felony in accordance with subparagraph (B) of subdivision (1) of § 53a-35a, or murder under § 53a-54d.
Attorney's Note
Under the Connecticut General Statutes, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class A felony | up to 25 years | up to $20,000 |
Terms Used In Connecticut General Statutes 53a-45
- Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
- Person: means a human being, and, where appropriate, a public or private corporation, a limited liability company, an unincorporated association, a partnership, a government or a governmental instrumentality. See Connecticut General Statutes 53a-3
- Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
(b) If a person indicted for murder or held to answer for murder after a hearing conducted in accordance with the provisions of § 54-46a waives his right to a jury trial and elects to be tried by a court, the court shall be composed of three judges designated by the Chief Court Administrator or his designee, who shall name one such judge to preside over the trial. Such judges, or a majority of them, shall have power to decide all questions of law and fact arising upon the trial and render judgment accordingly.
(c) The court or jury before which any person indicted for murder or held to answer for murder after a hearing conducted in accordance with the provisions of § 54-46a is tried may find such person guilty of homicide in a lesser degree than that charged.