Connecticut Strangulation Lawyer
Authorities in CT take violence against family or household members very seriously, and a conviction could lead to harsh penalties. If you were arrested for choking or strangling a family member, consider contacting a top assault attorney for help with your defense. A Connecticut strangulation lawyer could fight on your behalf for a positive resolution to your charges.
What Makes a Strangulation Case More Serious?
The basic actions prohibited by Connecticut’s three strangulation statutes are very similar. What makes the difference between an offense being treated as a misdemeanor versus a serious felony is the intent of the individual taking action. When one person acts against another intending to choke or strangle the other, the offense is a felony. Conversely, if this action occurs due to “reckless” movements, then the offense is a misdemeanor. The crime may be treated more severely if the individual taking action has a prior conviction for this offense, if a serious injury results, or if a dangerous instrument is used.
What are the Penalties for Strangulation in Connecticut?
Strangulation in the first degree is considered a class C felony. Connecticut statutes specify that this type of felony is punishable by a minimum of one year in prison and a maximum sentence of ten years. In addition, the court may impose a fine of up to $10,000.
Second-degree strangulation is treated as a class D felony. That means that those convicted may be sentenced to up to five years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000. Strangulation in the third degree is a class A misdemeanor, the most serious category of misdemeanors. This offense is punishable by up to one year of imprisonment and a fine as high as $2,000. A lawyer in Connecticut could help someone minimize the penalties for strangulation.
The Severity of Charges for Strangling
There are three different categories for crimes involving choking or strangling someone: first-degree , second-degree, and third-degree strangulation. Third-degree strangulation is the least serious of the three offenses, and is defined as recklessly restraining another person by the throat or neck in a way that interferes with that person’s ability to breathe or blood circulation.
Second-degree strangulation is defined as intentionally restraining another person by the throat or neck in a way that constricts the blood flow or interferes with the person’s ability to breathe and is the most commonly charged offense of this kind.
First-degree strangulation is the most serious of the three offenses and is defined as the act of restraining another person by the neck or throat that is committed with the use of a dangerous instrument or results in severe injury to the other person. A Connecticut attorney coud help someone prepare a defense depending on the severity of the strangulation charges they are facing.
Contact a Connecticut Strangulation Attorney Today
If you are charged with choking another person, it is essential that you contact an experienced Connecticut strangulation lawyer immediately. If you are facing these charges and want to give yourself the best chance of a successful outcome, contact a knowledgeable defense lawyer today.