C.G.S. § 53a-56 — Manslaughter in the Second Degree

Manslaughter 2nd alleges that someone recklessly caused another person’s death or intentionally caused/aided another person to commit suicide. It’s a serious violent felony, but it does not carry a statutory mandatory minimum (unlike some firearm-enhanced versions).

For more information on the arraignment, bond, and case process, consult our Criminal Defense home page.

Prosecutors must prove one of the following beyond a reasonable doubt:

1. Recklessness causing death: You were aware of and consciously disregarded a substantial and unjustifiable risk that death would occur, and your disregard was a gross deviation from what a reasonable person would do; and someone died.

2. Aiding suicide: You intentionally caused or intentionally aided another person to commit suicide.

“Reckless” is more than a mistake or simple carelessness. It’s knowing there’s a serious risk of death and choosing to plow ahead anyway.

• Class C felony
  • 1 to 10 years in prison
  • Up to $10,000 in fines
  • Possible probation, strict conditions of release, and lasting collateral consequences (immigration, employment, licensing, firearm rights)

• Scene & forensics: Autopsy findings, toxicology, trajectory/impact analysis, reconstruction.
• Digital evidence: Phones, texts, location data, surveillance/Ring video.
• Witnesses & context: Prior disputes, speed/alcohol allegations, safety rules ignored, 911 audio, body-cam.

• No recklessness: The facts show a tragic accident or at most criminal negligence (which fits a lesser charge like Criminally Negligent Homicide, § 53a-58).
• Causation gaps: Intervening medical issues, alternative cause of death, or unreliable reconstruction.
• Suppression: Unlawful stop/search/seizure; statements taken in violation of rights.
• Justification / defense of others: Where supported by the facts.
• Charge re-sizing: Pushing down from 53a-56 to § 53a-58 or other non-violent outcomes when the evidence doesn’t support recklessness.

For a violent Class C felony like § 53a-56, Accelerated Rehabilitation (AR) is generally not an option given the seriousness and victim-impact profile. The smart strategy is to (1) challenge the recklessness proof and causation, (2) litigate suppression and reconstruction issues, and (3) negotiate a reduction to a lesser, non-violent, or non-felony count when supported by the evidence—then pursue appropriate dispositional tools there.

• Guilty (recklessness): After multiple warnings about an unsafe stunt, a defendant fires a “warning” shot toward a crowd; a bystander is struck and dies. Prior texts and video show awareness of the risk.
• Guilty (recklessness): Driver chooses triple-digit speeds weaving through traffic; no braking before impact; onboard data confirms speed and throttle—court finds conscious disregard of a substantial risk.
• Guilty (aiding suicide): Defendant supplies means and detailed instructions, encourages completion, and remains in contact during the attempt.
• Reduced (to § 53a-58): Poorly lit road; unexpected obstruction; moderate speed; no intoxication; reconstruction supports that death followed a negligent lapse, not recklessness.
• Not guilty: Conflicting medical testimony on cause of death; no reliable proof of reckless conduct; surveillance undermines key State witnesses.

• § 53a-55 — Manslaughter in the First Degree
• § 53a-55a — Manslaughter 1st with a Firearm
• § 53a-56a — Manslaughter 2nd with a Firearm
• § 53a-56b — Manslaughter 2nd with a Motor Vehicle
• § 53a-58 — Criminally Negligent Homicide
• § 53a-54a — Murder

• Do not give statements or consent to any searches before speaking with counsel.
• Preserve phones, clothing, vehicles, videos, and witness info.
• Get experienced counsel working immediately on reconstruction, forensics, and bond/conditions.

Facing a § 53a-56 allegation—or worried you might be? Call (203) 357-5555 or reach out through the Contact Page for a confidential strategy session. We’ll pressure-test the State’s recklessness theory, protect your rights, and drive the case toward the most favorable outcome the facts allow.