Hate Crimes
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-181j — rewritten by Public Act 26-77 from 1 October 2026, with minimum fines
Each of these is done with specific intent to intimidate or harass another person, motivated in whole or in substantial part by any protected social category of that person.
Who handles this in Connecticut: legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Connecticut directory.
| The act | Class | Fine of at least |
|---|---|---|
| The actIntentionally causing physical injury to the person or another | ClassClass C felony | Fine of at least$3,000 |
| The actIntentionally causing physical contact with the person | ClassClass D felony | Fine of at least$1,000 |
| The actDamaging, destroying or defacing the person's property | ClassClass D felony | Fine of at least$1,000 |
| The actDamaging, destroying or defacing a third person's property | ClassClass E felony | Fine of at least$1,000 |
- The minimum fine is not remitted or reduced unless the court states its reasons on the record.
- A person injured in person or property may sue the person who did it, and on prevailing is awarded treble damages, with equitable relief and a reasonable attorney's fee at the court's discretion.
- The civil action is brought within three years of the act.
Sources for this section (4)
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-181j — Intimidation based on bigotry or bias in the first degree: Class C felony
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-181k — Intimidation based on bigotry or bias in the second degree: Class D felony
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-181l — Intimidation based on bigotry or bias in the third degree: Class E felony
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-571c — Action for damages resulting from intimidation based on bigotry or bias
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Connecticut attorney.