The Connecticut State Senate has been working on enhancements and new laws to toughen penalties for violent crimes, as well as provide additional funding for law enforcement activities.

Under the propose legislation, multiple offense violent crime maximum penalties would automatically double for second offense convictions, and triple for third offense convictions.

A controversial proposed “three strikes” law was defeated, that would have mandated strict minimum penalties for anyone with three violent offenses. Most legislators felt a three strikes law is purely political, and takes away all discretion from judges. Governor Rell had been pushing for a new three strikes law.

Debate on the bill continues.

Please read our main site for more on Connecticut criminal offenses.