Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-167c – Assault of a Public Safety, Emergency Medical, or Public Transit Personnel

Understanding Connecticut’s Law Protecting Public Safety Officials

Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-167c criminalizes assault against specific categories of public servants, including police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, Department of Correction employees, public transit employees, and other designated officials acting in the line of duty. The statute elevates these assaults to felonies, recognizing the heightened danger to those who protect and serve the public.

What often surprises defendants is how broadly applied this statute can be. Even conduct that would usually be considered a misdemeanor assault or breach of peace may be charged as a Class C or Class D felony when the victim is in one of the protected categories. These cases frequently arise out of arrests, traffic stops, jail incidents, or confrontations with emergency personnel.

From a Connecticut criminal lawyer’s perspective, these cases are among the most aggressively prosecuted offenses. Prosecutors view them as essential to protecting law enforcement and emergency responders, which means defendants need a focused, strategic defense right from the start.

Elements of the Crime the State Must Prove

To convict someone under C.G.S. § 53a-167c, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt:

1. The victim is a protected person under the statute: police officer, firefighter, emergency medical technician, public transit employee, Department of Corrections employee, probation officer, parole officer, or similar.
2. The victim was performing official duties at the time of the alleged assault.
3. The defendant acted with the intent to prevent the performance of duties or with the intent to cause physical injury.
4. The defendant caused physical injury to the victim or engaged in conduct such as throwing an object or bodily fluid (spitting, urine, feces, etc.) at the victim.

The law covers both physical strikes and contacts by bodily fluids or hazardous substances, which Connecticut courts have upheld as constituting assault under this statute.

Because of this broad language, Connecticut criminal defense attorneys often argue about the scope of official duties and the level of intent demonstrated.

Examples of Violations Example 1:

A man being arrested in Stamford resists and elbows a police officer in the face. Even if the injury is minor, this can be charged as assault of a public safety officer, a felony under § 53a-167c.

Example 2:

An intoxicated passenger spits on a Norwalk transit bus driver after being asked to pay the fare. Spitting constitutes assault under this statute and exposes the passenger to felony prosecution.

Example 3:

During an emergency call in Bridgeport, EMTs attempt to treat a combative individual. The individual punches one EMT in the shoulder. This act triggers § 53a-167c liability.

Example 4:

An inmate in a Connecticut Department of Corrections facility throws urine at a corrections officer. Even if no physical injury occurs, this conduct qualifies as assault under the statute.

Example 5:

A parole officer in Danbury attempts to take someone into custody for a violation. The defendant throws a cup of coffee at the officer. Even without injury, this qualifies under § 53a-167c.

Related Offenses

• C.G.S. § 53a-61 – Assault in the Third Degree
• C.G.S. § 53a-62 – Threatening in the Second Degree
• C.G.S. § 53a-167a – Interfering with an Officer
• C.G.S. § 53a-181 – Breach of the Peace in the Second Degree

These related charges sometimes accompany a § 53a-167c arrest, and an experienced Connecticut criminal lawyer will work to negotiate dismissals or reductions wherever possible.

Defenses to C.G.S. § 53a-167c – Assault of Public Safety Personnel Lack of Intent

If the injury was accidental or the defendant did not intend to prevent the officer from performing duties, this can be a defense.

Identity of Victim

The state must prove that the alleged victim was within the protected class and was performing official duties. If the officer was off-duty or acting outside the scope of duties, the statute may not apply.

No Physical Injury

If the prosecution cannot prove physical injury or that the defendant caused the contact, the charge may be reduced.

Excessive Force by Officials

If the defendant acted in self-defense due to excessive force by law enforcement, a defense may exist. A Connecticut criminal lawyer can present evidence, body camera footage, or witness testimony to support this.

Challenging Evidence

Many of these cases turn on witness testimony, body camera footage, or medical reports. A skilled defense attorney will scrutinize inconsistencies to weaken the state’s case.

Diversionary Programs

First-time offenders may qualify for the Accelerated Rehabilitation (AR) Program, but because § 53a-167c is a serious offense involving public safety personnel, prosecutors often oppose AR. A skilled defense attorney can advocate for AR by presenting mitigating circumstances, such as a lack of prior record, substance abuse treatment, or mental health considerations.

Additionally, if the allegations involve substance abuse or mental health crises, Connecticut courts sometimes consider specialized diversionary tracks, including treatment programs or anger management counseling, in appropriate cases.

Key point: Even if diversionary programs are not guaranteed, an experienced Connecticut criminal defense lawyer can often negotiate alternatives to incarceration.

Penalties

Violations of C.G.S. § 53a-167c are treated harshly:

• Class C Felony (assault causing physical injury): up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
• Class D Felony (spitting, throwing objects, bodily fluids without significant injury): up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $5,000.

Collateral consequences include a permanent felony record, loss of employment opportunities, immigration consequences for non-citizens, and significant reputational harm.

Collateral Consequences and Long-Term Impact

A conviction under this statute brands you as someone who assaulted a police officer or public safety worker. Beyond jail or probation, this can:

• Disqualify you from specific jobs or professional licenses.
• It is used to impeach credibility in court.
• This leads to harsher treatment in future cases due to a violent felony record.
• Impact immigration status or professional licensing.

For young professionals, students, or individuals with clean records, this kind of felony conviction can be devastating. A Connecticut criminal lawyer will always aim to protect your future opportunities and not just focus on immediate penalties.

Strategies Used by Connecticut Criminal Lawyers

• Negotiating charge reductions to misdemeanor assault or breach of peace.
• Challenging probable cause for the arrest.
• Examining officer conduct for excessive force or improper arrest tactics.
• Seeking diversionary outcomes to preserve a clean record.
• Trial defense when the evidence does not meet the state’s burden.

Every case is unique. The best defense strategies depend on facts, video, witnesses, and a client’s personal background.

Criminal Defense for Assault of Public Safety Officials

Facing an assault charge under C.G.S. § 53a-167c is daunting. Connecticut courts, especially in Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, and Danbury, treat these cases seriously. However, there are defenses, and outcomes depend on the facts. Attorney Allan F. Friedman, a leading Connecticut criminal lawyer, has over 30 years of experience defending clients accused of serious felonies and will aggressively pursue all defenses, from challenging intent to seeking diversionary outcomes.

For a free consultation, contact The Law Offices of Allan F. Friedman at 1100 Summer St #306, Stamford, CT 06905. Call (203) 357-5555 anytime or contact us online.

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