Threatening in Connecticut (C.G.S. § 53a-61aa)

In Connecticut, Threatening in the First Degree is a serious criminal offense defined narrowly under C.G.S. § 53a-61aa. The statute does not cover all heated arguments or general statements of anger. Instead, it applies only to specific types of threats involving serious public safety risks, violence, weapons, or evacuation scenarios.

When Does a Threat Become First-Degree Threatening?

Under C.G.S. § 53a-61aa, a person may be charged with Threatening in the First Degree if they engage in one of the following types of conduct:

1. What are Threats Involving Hazardous Substances or Violent Crimes?

A person commits the offense if they:

Threaten to commit a crime involving a hazardous substance, or
Threaten to commit a crime of violence,

and do so:

With the intent to cause evacuation of a building, place of assembly, or public transportation facility, or
With intent to terrorize another person, or
In reckless disregard of the risk of causing evacuation or serious public inconvenience or terror.

2. Threatening Connected to Second-Degree Threatening with a Firearm

A person may also be charged if they:

Commit Threatening in the Second Degree (C.G.S. § 53a-62), and
During the offense, they:
- Use or are armed with a firearm, or
- Display or represent (by words or conduct) that they possess a firearm such as a pistol, revolver, shotgun, rifle, or machine gun.

3. What about Threats Targeting Sensitive Public Locations?

The statute also applies when a person violates the above provisions with intent to cause evacuation of certain protected locations, including:

Houses of religious worship
Religiously affiliated community centers
Public or private schools (including preschools and higher education institutions)
Day care centers during operational or program hours or related activities

What is a Hazardous Substance?

Under the statute, a hazardous substance includes any physical, chemical, biological, or radiological material that may:

Cause or significantly contribute to death or serious illness, or
Pose a substantial present or potential risk to human health due to its properties or concentration.

Which Common Situations May Lead to a Threatening Charge?

Threatening in the First Degree applies only in specific circumstances. In practice, allegations often arise from communications or conduct that are later interpreted in light of these statutory categories. For example, written or electronic messages exchanged during personal disputes—such as breakups or family disagreements—may become part of an investigation if they are alleged to reference violence, weapons, or conduct that could reasonably be viewed as triggering evacuation or public safety concerns under the statute.

Similarly, disputes in domestic, workplace, or school settings may lead to criminal complaints if statements are alleged to involve threats of violent conduct or other actions covered by the statute, particularly when they involve schools or other protected locations listed in the statutes. In these cases, investigators and prosecutors focus on whether the alleged statements meet the specific legal requirements set out in the statute, rather than the general context of an argument alone.

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Juvenile Charges for Threatening in the First Degree

When a person accused of Threatening in the First Degree is under the age of 18, the matter is generally handled in the Connecticut Juvenile Justice system rather than adult criminal court, depending on the child’s age and the circumstances of the case.

Juvenile cases often involve young people who are otherwise doing well in school, participating in activities, and showing strong potential, but who may be vulnerable to immaturity, poor judgment, peer pressure, or the desire to fit in. In some cases, juvenile threatening allegations arise from impulsive behavior or mental health concerns, rather than from a pattern of serious criminal conduct or intention to harm others.

However, the statutory conduct remains the same—meaning a juvenile can still be charged if they allegedly make threats involving hazardous substances, crimes of violence, firearm-related conduct, or threats intended to cause evacuation of schools, religious institutions, or similar protected locations.

Cases involving school-related threats may be treated with particular seriousness because the statute specifically includes threats directed at schools, preschools, and institutions of higher education.

While juvenile proceedings focus more on rehabilitation than punishment, a finding of delinquency for conduct that would constitute a Class C or Class D felony if committed by an adult can still result in significant court supervision, placement, or other court-ordered conditions. Our firm can offer Juvenile Delinquency Defense to help navigate these charges and obtain the best possible outcome.

Because early intervention can make a major difference, parents should speak with a lawyer experienced in Connecticut juvenile defense, juvenile criminal mischief charges, and juvenile court representation for minors as soon as possible. Prompt legal guidance may help protect your child’s record and future opportunities.

At Flannery Law, juvenile defense is one of our primary practice areas. We regularly represent families facing juvenile arrests, school-related allegations, threatening accusations, and delinquency matters throughout Connecticut, see our testimonials and results.

Contact our office for a consultation regarding a juvenile Threatening case in Connecticut.

How are Threatening Charges Classified?

Threatening in the First Degree is generally a Class D felony
However, violations involving protected locations described in subsection (a)(4) are classified as a Class C felony

What to Do If You’re Accused of Threatening in Connecticut?

Do not send additional messages.
Preserve the full conversation history.
Avoid discussing the case publicly.
Consult with a Connecticut criminal defense attorney promptly.

If you are facing a Threatening charge in Connecticut, you can contact our office to discuss your situation before your next court appearance.

Connecticut Courts Where We Handle Threatening Cases

Threatening charges are prosecuted in the Connecticut Superior Court.

We represent clients facing these charges in courts throughout Connecticut, including:

We represent clients with Juvenile charges in the following Courts throughout Connecticut, including:

Court practices may vary in how protective orders and diversion options are applied.

Legal Disclaimer

The information and articles on this website are provided for general informational purposes only and are not legal advice. Viewing this website does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and legal developments may change, and some content may not reflect the most recent updates. Case outcomes depend on the specific facts, prior record where applicable, relevant statutes, and court rulings.

Threatening in Connecticut (C.G.S. § 53a-61aa)