Teen crime is on the rise in New Britain and other communities in Connecticut. According to a local news report, New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart said that car theft incidents and burglaries carried out by teens were "definitely a growing problem." Like most states, a separate juvenile court deals with teens charged with crimes. Parents should be aware of the consequences they will face, from posting bail to potential jail time. 

Car Theft Laws in Connecticut

Car theft is larceny, which Connecticut law defines as the wrongful taking, obtaining, or withholding of someone else's property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property or to appropriate it to a third person. In response to the rise in teen car thefts, Connecticut passed a new law, Public Act 22-115, in April 2022. 

It makes some updates specifically directed at juvenile larceny of a motor vehicle. These changes address arrest timelines, detention, penalties, and other issues. 

How Juveniles Are Charged and Treated in Court

After the police arrest a juvenile for car theft, they typically release the young person into their parent's custody after posting bail. The teen is issued a summons for a court hearing. The police can ask a judge to order detention if they believe the juvenile is a public safety risk or may not show up to the hearing. 

Under Public Act 22-115, a youth who is arrested but not detained must be brought before the court within five business days. The police may now hold the teen up to eight hours (previously six) while locating a parent or guardian or awaiting a court ruling on a detention order. The court may order GPS monitoring for a youth charged with a second or subsequent motor vehicle offense.

Juvenile Car Theft Penalties

For most larceny convictions, Connecticut imposes penalties based on several factors, including the value and type of stolen property. In general, car theft penalties grow in severity depending on the vehicle's value. For instance, larceny of a motor vehicle worth over $10,000 is considered a class C felony, punishable by one to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

However, Public Act 22-115 established a new structure for penalizing juvenile car thefts. Punishment grows in severity for subsequent offenses rather than the vehicle's value. A first-time car theft offense is categorized as a misdemeanor, while a second offense is a felony. Further offenses raise the felony classification.

If your child has been arrested and charged with a serious crime, turn to 3-D Bail Bonds New Britain. Our agents are committed to helping you post bail and get your family reunited as quickly as possible. With our 24/7 bail bonds service and decades of experience working with law enforcement agencies across the area, we'll help ensure your teen doesn’t have to spend a moment longer in jail than necessary. Visit our website to learn more about posting bail after an arrest, and follow us on Facebook for more information and tips. To reach a local bondsman in New Britain, call (860) 229-2525.