Most people think harassment is just being rude. It’s not. In Connecticut, harassment is a crime. And the penalties can follow you for life.
Whether you’ve experienced it or you’re worried about crossing a line yourself, knowing these laws matters. Let’s break it all down.
What Is Harassment in Connecticut?
Harassment means contacting or communicating with someone in a way that’s meant to frighten, alarm, or terrorize them. There’s no legitimate reason behind it. The goal is to cause distress.
This can happen through texts, emails, phone calls, social media messages, or even letters. It doesn’t have to involve physical contact. Words alone can be enough.
Connecticut has two levels of harassment under the law. One is a misdemeanor. The other is a felony. The difference is important, and we’ll cover both.
Harassment in the Second Degree
This is the more common charge. Harassment in the second degree is covered under Connecticut General Statutes Section 53a-183.
You can be charged with this if you contact someone with the intent to harass, terrorize, or alarm them. The contact must serve no legitimate purpose. And it must be likely to cause fear or distress.
Wondering what counts as contact? Pretty much everything. This includes texts, emails, phone calls, social media posts, direct messages, and even sharing photos or videos in online spaces. The law was updated in 2021 to cover digital meeting spaces and messaging apps specifically.
Confused about whether a single text counts? It might. It depends on the content and the intent behind it.
Harassment in the First Degree
Okay, this one is serious. Harassment in the first degree falls under Connecticut General Statutes Section 53a-182b.
This charge applies when someone threatens to kill or physically injure another person through a written or electronic communication. But there’s a catch. The person making the threat must also have a prior felony conviction on their record.
This is basically the law saying: you’ve already shown you can be dangerous. Now you’re threatening people. That’s a felony.
Penalties and Consequences
Here’s where things get real. The consequences are not light.
Harassment in the second degree is a Class C misdemeanor. You could face up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. Think of it like a serious traffic violation, but with the possibility of jail time.
Harassment in the first degree is a Class D felony. That means up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. That’s not a slap on the wrist. That’s a life-changing conviction.
A felony conviction can affect your ability to get a job, rent an apartment, or even vote in some situations. Most people don’t think about that part. They should.
Online Harassment and Cyberbullying
Here’s where things get interesting. Connecticut takes online harassment very seriously.
Sending threatening or alarming messages through social media, apps, or email counts the same as doing it in person. The law doesn’t care if you typed it instead of said it out loud.
For students, cyberbullying is also covered under school policy laws. Schools in Connecticut must have anti-bullying policies. These policies must address harassment that happens online, even outside of school hours, if it creates problems at school.
Hold on, this part is important. If a student is being harassed online and it’s affecting their school experience, the school must step in. This includes harassment through texts, social media, and email.
Protective Orders and Restraining Orders
Connecticut courts can issue protective orders to stop harassment before it gets worse. There are different types depending on your situation.
A civil restraining order applies when the harasser is a family member, someone you live with, or a past or current partner. This type of order can prohibit contact and require the harasser to stay away from your home or workplace. Courts can issue these orders without the other person being present. A full hearing is scheduled within 14 days after that.
For situations without a domestic relationship, a criminal protective order can be issued during a criminal case. These are separate from civil restraining orders.
Violating a protective order is its own crime. Breaking a protective order can result in a Class D felony charge for non-violent violations or even a Class C felony if violence or threats are involved. That’s actually more serious than the original harassment charge in many cases.
Workplace Harassment
Let’s talk about work for a second. Workplace harassment is a big deal in Connecticut.
The Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Act bans harassment and discrimination based on protected traits. This includes race, gender, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, and more. This law applies to employers with at least one employee. Yes, even small businesses have to follow it.
Sexual harassment is covered here too. Connecticut law considers it a civil violation. But it can become criminal if the behavior involves threats, assault, or stalking.
You’re not alone if this feels overwhelming. Most people don’t realize how broad these protections actually are.
Hate Crime Enhancements
This part can be tricky, honestly.
If harassment targets someone based on their race, gender, disability, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation, additional hate crime charges may apply. Connecticut General Statutes Sections 53a-181j through 53a-181l cover these enhanced penalties.
That means the original harassment charge gets stacked with a hate crime charge. The penalties go up. The consequences get more severe.
Personally, I think this makes sense. Targeting someone because of who they are is worse. The law reflects that.
Related Crimes: Stalking and Breach of Peace
Harassment doesn’t always stand alone. It often shows up alongside other charges.
Stalking is covered under CGS Section 53a-181d. This applies when someone repeatedly follows, surveils, or threatens another person in a way that causes fear. Second-degree stalking is a Class A misdemeanor with up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine. First-degree stalking is a Class D felony.
Breach of peace is another common companion charge. It applies when someone causes a public disturbance or alarm. These charges can be added on top of harassment charges, making the situation much more serious.
How to Report Harassment in Connecticut
So what do you actually do if you’re being harassed? Here’s what you need to know.
First, document everything. Save texts, screenshots, emails, and voicemails. Write down dates, times, and what happened. This evidence can make or break your case.
Second, report it to local police. They can start an investigation and potentially file criminal charges on your behalf.
Third, if you’re in a domestic or relationship situation, you can apply for a civil restraining order through your local Superior Court. The Connecticut Judicial Branch website at jud.ct.gov has forms and instructions.
For workplace harassment, you can file a complaint with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). In some cases, you must file with one of these agencies before you can sue.
Stay with me here. If you feel unsafe, don’t wait. Reach out to the Connecticut domestic abuse hotline or the Office of Victim Services for support and guidance.
Diversionary Programs
Wait, it gets a little better. Connecticut offers some alternatives to criminal conviction.
For first-time offenders, certain cases may qualify for diversionary programs. These include the accelerated rehabilitation program, the family violence education program, and the supervised diversionary program. Completing one of these programs may allow a charge to be dismissed without a guilty plea.
These programs are not guaranteed. A judge and prosecutor must approve them. But they exist, and they can make a big difference for someone who made a mistake and wants to move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be arrested for sending someone a mean text message?
Yes, if the text is threatening or intended to cause fear, it can qualify as second-degree harassment, which is a criminal offense in Connecticut.
Does harassment have to happen more than once?
No. In Connecticut, even a single communication can be enough if it meets the legal definition of harassment.
What if someone is harassing me online but I don’t know them?
You can still report it to police. Online harassment is treated the same as in-person harassment under Connecticut law, regardless of whether you know the person.
Can my employer get in trouble for harassment at work?
Yes. The Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Act holds employers responsible for workplace harassment, even if they didn’t personally commit it.
What happens if someone violates a restraining order?
Violating a protective or restraining order is a separate crime. It can result in felony charges that may be more serious than the original harassment charge.
Final Thoughts
Harassment laws in Connecticut cover a lot of ground. Phone calls, texts, emails, social media messages, and even in-person communication can all lead to criminal charges.
The penalties range from a $500 fine and 90 days in jail for a misdemeanor, all the way to five years in prison for a first-degree felony. And related charges like stalking or violating a protective order can stack on top.
If you’re experiencing harassment, document everything and reach out to police or the court system. If you’re unsure whether your own behavior crosses a line, the safest answer is to stop the contact entirely.
Now you know the law. Stay informed, protect yourself, and when in doubt, talk to a lawyer.
References
- Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-183, Harassment in the Second Degree (2024) – Justia
- Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-182b, Harassment in the First Degree (2024) – Justia
- Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO)
- Connecticut Judicial Branch – Restraining Orders and Protective Orders
- Connecticut Harassment Laws Overview – LegalClarity (2025)
