Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-252 – Computer Crime in the First Degree

Why Computer Crime Charges Are So Overwhelming

Being charged with computer crime in the first degree under Connecticut law is terrifying. Suddenly you’re facing a Class B felony, which carries the same penalties as major larceny or armed robbery — up to 20 years in prison.

Most of the clients I represent for these charges are not hardened criminals. They are professionals, IT workers, business partners, students, or employees who either made a mistake, got accused of misusing access, or became scapegoats in business disputes. The moment they walk into my office, their biggest fears are clear:

• Will I go to jail?
• Will I lose my career?
• How will this affect my family?
• What happens to my future if I’m branded a felon?

The truth is that computer crime charges often sound worse than the facts. With the right defense, it’s possible to challenge the evidence, negotiate reductions, and in many cases, avoid life-altering consequences.

What the Law Says: C.G.S. § 53a-252

Under Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-252, you commit Computer Crime in the First Degree if you:

• Use a computer, computer network, or data system,
• With intent to commit fraud, theft, or damage,
• And the value of the property, services, or loss exceeds $10,000.

This statute ties into the state’s larceny laws. Just like theft charges, the dollar amount determines the degree of the crime. Once the threshold passes $10,000, the law elevates the offense to First Degree.

Penalties

Computer Crime in the First Degree is a Class B felony. That means:

• Up to 20 years in prison
• Up to $15,000 fine
• Court-ordered restitution to victims

While not every case leads to maximum penalties, judges and prosecutors often take these cases very seriously. Beyond the statutory penalties, the felony record itself is devastating — it affects job applications, background checks, licensing, immigration, and reputation.

Real-World Examples

Here are a few scenarios that could lead to a § 53a-252 charge:

• An IT administrator accused of diverting $20,000 in company funds through unauthorized transfers.
• A business partner who allegedly altered or deleted accounting records, causing losses above $10,000.
• A student hacking into a school database to change records, with damages valued in excess of $10,000.
• An employee accused of manipulating payroll systems and overpaying themselves more than $10,000.

In each case, prosecutors use the high-dollar amount to justify First Degree charges, even when the evidence is circumstantial or there was no intent to steal.

Collateral Consequences

The penalties go far beyond fines or jail:

• Employment – Many employers will not hire someone with a felony record, especially in finance or IT.
• Professional licenses – Teachers, doctors, brokers, and other licensed professionals face disciplinary boards.
• Immigration – Felonies involving fraud or theft are considered crimes of moral turpitude and can lead to deportation.
• Reputation – These cases are highly technical, but to the public, a charge can look like you’re a “hacker” or “fraudster.”

How Prosecutors Build These Cases

Computer crime cases rely heavily on digital forensics. Prosecutors often present:

• Server logs, IP addresses, and account access reports
• Bank records and electronic transfers
• Witness statements from coworkers or business partners
• Metadata from files and emails

The problem? These forms of evidence are technical, complex, and prone to error. A skilled defense attorney knows how to challenge chain of custody, question the reliability of forensic reports, and expose reasonable doubt.

Defenses to Computer Crime First Degree

Some of the most effective defenses I’ve used include:

• Lack of intent – Mistakes, accidents, or misjudgments do not equal felony computer crime.
• Value disputes – If the amount is under $10,000, the charge must be reduced to a lower degree.
• Shared access / mistaken identity – If others had access to the system, the State must prove you were the one responsible.
• Insufficient forensic evidence – Digital evidence can be unreliable, especially if logs or accounts were shared.
• Illegal search or seizure – If the computer or device was seized unlawfully, the evidence may be suppressed.

Diversionary Programs and Restitution

Because § 53a-252 is a Class B felony, the Accelerated Rehabilitation program is not available at this level. But there are still strategies:

• Charge reduction – If we can negotiate the charge down to 2nd or 3rd degree, AR becomes an option.
• Restitution – Repaying losses is often the single most powerful tool in these cases.
• Combination approach – Restitution plus charge reduction often leads to dismissals through AR.

Courts look favorably on defendants who step forward, make restitution, and show they are not a danger to the community.

Accelerated Rehabilitation (AR) Explained

If the charge is reduced, AR becomes a game-changer.

• No guilty plea required.
• Judge sets conditions like restitution, counseling, or community service.
• If you complete the program, the case is dismissed and you avoid a record.

I’ve helped many clients charged initially with First Degree Computer Crime who ended up with reduced charges and successful AR applications, leaving court with clean records.

Why Restitution Is So Important

Judges and prosecutors view restitution as proof of accountability. When victims are made whole, courts are much more willing to consider reductions and diversionary outcomes.

Restitution arrangements can include:

• Lump sum repayment
• Installment plans
• Combination of repayment plus diversion

I’ve had cases where restitution of $12,000 turned a First Degree felony into a misdemeanor with no jail time.

Related Offenses

Computer crime statutes in Connecticut are broken down by dollar amount:

• § 53a-253 – Computer Crime 2nd Degree (value $5,000–$10,000, Class C felony)
• § 53a-254 – 3rd Degree (value $1,000–$5,000, Class D felony)
• § 53a-255 – 4th Degree (value $500–$1,000, Class A misdemeanor)
• § 53a-256 – 5th Degree (value under $500, Class B misdemeanor)

Many cases start at First Degree but are ultimately resolved at a lower level, especially with restitution.

Frequently Asked Questions About Computer Crime First DegreeIs Computer Crime in the First Degree Always a Felony?

Yes. It is a Class B felony in Connecticut, one of the most serious categories under state law. That means a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years and fines up to $15,000.

Can I Go to Jail if It’s My First Offense?

It’s possible, but many first-time offenders avoid jail if restitution is made and the case is negotiated skillfully. Courts often look for repayment and rehabilitation rather than punishment where no violence was involved.

What if the Amount Was Under $10,000?

Then the charge should not be First Degree. Instead, it must be reduced to a lower-degree computer crime, which carries far less serious penalties.

Can Restitution Resolve the Case?

Restitution is often the key to favorable outcomes. Repaying losses can open the door to reduced charges, diversionary programs, or even dismissals.

How Long Do These Cases Take?

Most computer crime cases last 6 to 12 months, depending on evidence and negotiations. More complex cases involving forensic analysis or large sums of money can take longer.

Will This Show Up on a Background Check?

Yes, a felony arrest or conviction will appear on a background check. That’s why dismissal or reduction is so important to protect your career and reputation.

What if Multiple People Had Access to the Computer?

That can be a strong defense. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were the one responsible, not just that the act came from a shared account.

How Strong Is Forensic Evidence?

Digital forensics can be persuasive but it’s not perfect. Logs, IP addresses, and metadata can be challenged, especially if devices were shared or unsecured.

Can Charges Be Reduced?

Yes. Many cases start as First Degree but are negotiated down to lower-degree charges. This greatly reduces exposure and can sometimes allow entry into diversionary programs.

Do I Need a Lawyer if I Just Want to Pay the Money Back?

Absolutely. Even if you’re willing to make restitution, you still face a felony charge. A lawyer can make sure repayment is structured in a way that leads to dismissal or reduced charges rather than a permanent conviction.

Final Thoughts

Being charged under C.G.S. § 53a-252 – Computer Crime in the First Degree can feel like the end of your world. But remember: a charge is not a conviction. With the right defense, it is often possible to reduce the degree, challenge the evidence, and avoid a permanent felony record.

I’ve spent over 30 years defending people across Stamford, Norwalk, Greenwich, and Fairfield County. I know how prosecutors handle these cases — and I know how to fight back with strategies that work.

📞 Call Allan F. Friedman, Criminal Lawyer at (203) 357-5555 or contact me online for a confidential consultation.

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