Updated: August 20, 2026
What is Accelerated Rehabilitation?
Connecticut General Statutes § 54-56e creates a pretrial accelerated rehabilitation program for certain eligible crimes and motor-vehicle violations that are not considered serious in the statutory sense. The court has discretion whether to grant an application.
Who may qualify?
Eligibility turns on several statutory requirements, including the nature of the charge, prior convictions, prior use of the program, and other exclusions written into § 54-56e. The statute also requires the court to believe the defendant probably will not offend in the future.
Common statutory exclusions
Accelerated Rehabilitation is not available in every case. Common statutory exclusions include class A felonies; most class B felonies (subject to limited statutory exceptions); OUI offenses under General Statutes §§ 14-227a and 14-227m; certain sexual offenses; and crimes or motor-vehicle violations that cause another person’s death. Prior convictions and prior use of diversionary programs can also affect eligibility.
What happens if AR is granted?
The court can place the person under conditions for a period set by the court. Conditions depend on the case and can include supervision or other requirements. The statute provides a path to dismissal after satisfactory completion.
What happens after successful completion?
Under § 54-56e, when the court finds the program was satisfactorily completed, the charges are dismissed and the statute provides for erasure of the records of those charges.
What does the court consider beyond technical eligibility?
Accelerated Rehabilitation is not automatic. Section 54-56e requires a discretionary court decision, and the application process gives the court a reason to look at both the charge and the person asking for the program. That makes preparation important: the defense should understand the allegations, the client's record, prior program history, the position of any identified victim, and the facts that bear on whether the court should exercise its discretion.
For a client, the practical question is therefore not only “Can I apply?” It is also “Should I apply, and what should the court know before deciding?” A defense lawyer should compare the program route with any factual or legal defenses before recommending that choice.
What should be reviewed before an AR application?
- The exact charges and whether any statutory exclusion applies.
- Prior convictions and prior use of Accelerated Rehabilitation or another diversionary program.
- Whether victim notice or an opportunity to be heard is required.
- Evidence that may support dismissal, suppression, reduction, or another disposition without using AR.
- Conditions the court may impose and whether the client can realistically complete them.
Because eligibility rules can turn on details of the charge and history, the current version of § 54-56e should be checked at the time an application is considered.
Common questions
Is AR guaranteed if I have no record?
No. The program is discretionary, and statutory eligibility involves more than simply having no prior record.
Can AR be used more than once?
Connecticut law limits repeat use and applies specific timing and eligibility rules. The answer depends on the prior program use and the current charge.
Does AR mean pleading guilty?
AR is a pretrial diversionary mechanism. Whether it is the right strategy depends on the evidence, available defenses, consequences, and objectives of the individual case.
Primary sources
This page provides general Connecticut legal information, not advice about any individual case. Eligibility, procedure, and legal consequences depend on the charge, record, facts, and court.
