C.G.S. § 53a-60b – Assault in the Second Degree on a Pregnant, Elderly, or Disabled Person

Definition

Under Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-60b, a person is guilty of Assault in the Second Degree when they intentionally cause serious physical injury to someone they know or reasonably should know is pregnant, elderly (60+), or physically/mentally disabled. The statute reflects Connecticut’s heightened protection for vulnerable individuals.

Elements the State Must Prove

1. The defendant caused a serious physical injury to the victim;
2. The defendant knew or reasonably should have known the victim was pregnant, elderly, or disabled;
3. The conduct was intentional.

Penalties

• Class D felony
• Mandatory minimum: 1 year of incarceration (not suspendable)
• Maximum: up to 5 years in prison
• Fine up to $5,000
• Possible probation (in addition to the mandatory minimum)
• Permanent felony record impacting employment, housing, immigration, and firearm rights
• Family-violence track & protective orders commonly apply when the incident involves household/family members

Common Scenarios

• Domestic argument where a pregnant partner sustains a serious injury
• Elder abuse during a family dispute leading to fractures or head trauma
• Caregiver assault on a person with significant mobility or cognitive limitations
• Public altercation involving a shove or strike that causes serious injury to a 60+ victim

Examples

• Apartment argument involving pregnancy: During a dispute, a man shoves his pregnant partner into a counter causing a fractured rib; charges filed under § 53a-60b with DV protective orders.
• Parking-lot shove of an older adult: A 66-year-old is pushed to the ground and suffers a hip fracture; § 53a-60b plus potential Breach of Peace/Disorderly Conduct.
• Caregiver assault on a disabled client: A group-home staffer slaps a resident with mobility limitations, causing an orbital fracture; charged under § 53a-60b with licensing fallout.
• Bar scuffle where pregnancy wasn’t known: Later-revealed 10-week pregnancy + serious injury, but if the accused couldn’t reasonably know, prosecutors may file § 53a-60 instead.
• Street altercation with an elderly stranger: A 72-year-old suffers facial fractures after being punched; § 53a-60b is likely, with potential Threatening if there were prior threats.

Related Offenses

• Assault in the Second Degree – C.G.S. § 53a-60
• Assault in the Second Degree with a Firearm – C.G.S. § 53a-60a
• Assault in the Third Degree – C.G.S. § 53a-61
• Threatening in the First Degree – C.G.S. § 53a-61aa
• Threatening in the Second Degree – C.G.S. § 53a-62
• Breach of Peace in the Second Degree – C.G.S. § 53a-181
• Disorderly Conduct – C.G.S. § 53a-182
• Strangulation / Impeding Breathing (degrees) – C.G.S. § 53a-64cc et seq.
  (Prosecutors often charge these alongside or as alternatives depending on facts.)

Defense & Resolution Strategies

At Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer, we attack weaknesses in the State’s case and pursue resolutions that protect your future.

• Lack of intent / accident: Evidence the injury was not intentional.
• Knowledge of protected status: Did you actually know—or should you reasonably have known—the person was pregnant, elderly, or disabled?
• “Serious physical injury” challenge: Medical proof may not meet the statute’s high threshold.
• Self-defense / defense of others: Where supported by facts.
• Accelerated Rehabilitation (AR): For eligible first-time offenders in appropriate cases; discretionary and fact-sensitive.
• Family Violence Education Program (FVEP): In DV-track cases with eligible defendants and suitable facts, FVEP can divert the case toward dismissal after successful completion.
• Negotiated charge reductions: To non-felony or non-DV alternatives where possible.
• Protective-order advocacy: Tailoring orders to avoid unnecessary hardship while ensuring compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Call to Action

Facing a § 53a-60b charge is serious. Get experienced help now.
Call Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer at (203) 357-5555 or fill out the contact form for a free, confidential consultation. We defend clients throughout Connecticut.

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