Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-135 – Robbery in the Second Degree

Under § 53a-135, a person commits Robbery in the Second Degree if they commit a robbery (see § 53a-133) and any of the following apply:

1. They are aided by another person actually present, or
2. During the crime or immediate flight, they or another participant display or threaten the use of what they represent to be a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, or
3. While on the premises of a bank or credit union, they commit a larceny and intimidate an employee by intentionally engaging in conduct that causes reasonable fear for safety, to prevent resistance or compel delivery of property.

• Class C felony
• Sentencing range: 1 to 10 years in prison
• Fines: up to $10,000
• No statutory mandatory minimum sentence (unlike some First Degree Robbery provisions or carjacking enhancers)

Two people surround a victim; one grabs the phone while the other blocks the path. The “aided by another person actually present” element elevates it to 2nd degree.

During a shop robbery, the suspect keeps a hand in a pocket and says, “Don’t make me use it,” causing the clerk to believe there’s a gun. Representing an item as a deadly weapon satisfies the statute.

Inside a bank, a person demands cash and intentionally makes the teller fear for safety to force compliance—2nd degree under the bank/credit-union clause.

• § 53a-134 – Robbery in the First Degree (Class B felony; includes deadly weapon/serious injury)
• § 53a-136 – Robbery in the Third Degree (Class D felony, lowest robbery tier)
• § 53a-136a – Carjacking / Robbery Involving an Occupied Motor Vehicle (adds a consecutive 3-year mandatory minimum)

• Identity challenges – Eyewitness IDs are often unreliable.
• No “aided by another person” – The alleged accomplice wasn’t actually present.
• No reasonable representation of a weapon – Words or conduct didn’t amount to representing a deadly weapon.
• Bank clause not met – Not on bank premises or intimidation didn’t meet statutory threshold.
• Suppression motions – Evidence from unlawful searches or seizures can be excluded.
• Accelerated Rehabilitation (AR) consideration – In rare cases, defendants may apply for AR. Because robbery is a felony, you must show good cause to convince the judge that you deserve the chance. If granted, successful completion can result in dismissal of the charge.

Yes. It is a Class C felony in Connecticut.

No. Displaying or threatening what you represent to be a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument is enough—even if it isn’t real.

Up to 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

No. Robbery in the Second Degree does not carry a mandatory minimum sentence.

Another person is physically present and participating during the robbery—planning from afar isn’t enough.

If, while on bank or credit union premises, you commit a larceny and intimidate an employee to prevent resistance or compel delivery of property, it qualifies as Robbery in the Second Degree.

First Degree involves deadly weapons, dangerous instruments, or serious physical injury. Second Degree can be based on multiple participants, representation of a weapon, or bank intimidation.

Yes. If your words or conduct represent it as a deadly weapon, it meets the statute.

Yes, but it is not automatic. Because robbery is a felony, you must show good cause to the judge as to why you should be admitted into the program. If accepted and completed, AR can lead to dismissal of the charge.

Depending on the facts, charges may be reduced to 3rd Degree Robbery or Larceny if aggravating factors are weak or disputed.

A charge of Robbery in the Second Degree (C.G.S. § 53a-135) is serious—but it is also highly fact-specific. Early investigation into eyewitness credibility, video evidence, and weapon representation can make all the difference.

📞 Call Allan F. Friedman, Criminal Lawyer, at (203) 357-5555 or reach out through my contact page for a confidential consultation.