Section 54-95c – Application to vacate prostitution conviction on basis of being a victim of trafficking in persons. Prosecutor’s response. Court order

May 11, 2021 | Connecticut, Criminal Procedure

At any time after a judgment of conviction is entered pursuant to section 53a-82, the defendant may apply to the Superior Court to vacate any judgment of conviction on the basis that his or her participation in the offense was a result of having been a victim of conduct of another person that constitutes (1) trafficking in persons under section 53a-192a, or (2) a criminal violation of 18 USC Chapter 77, as amended from time to time. Prior to rendering a decision on a defendant’s application to vacate any judgment of conviction, the court shall afford the prosecutor a reasonable opportunity to investigate the defendant’s claim and an opportunity to be heard to contest the defendant’s application. If the defendant proves that he or she was a victim of trafficking in persons under said section or a victim of a criminal violation of said chapter at the time of the offense, the court shall vacate any judgment of conviction and dismiss any charges related to the offense. The vacating of a judgment of conviction and dismissal of charges pursuant to this section shall not constitute grounds for an award of compensation for wrongful arrest, prosecution, conviction or incarceration pursuant to section 54-102uu or any other provision of the general statutes.

Conn. Gen. Stat. ยง 54-95c

( P.A. 13-166, S. 5; P.A. 16-71, S. 15.)

Amended by P.A. 16-0071, S. 15 of the Connecticut Acts of the 2016 Regular Session, eff. 10/1/2016.