Darien Strangulation Lawyer
Having assistance from a knowledgeable Darien strangulation lawyer can be vital to effectively pursuing a positive resolution to your case. Not only could they explain how state courts approach this type of charge, a seasoned defense attorney could also explain what your options may be for contesting the accusations against you in a proactive and productive way.
What are the Different Degrees of Strangulation Under State Law?
There are three degrees of strangulation offenses defined under state law, all of which involve someone physically restraining another person by the throat or neck such that they impede that person’s blood circulation and/or their ability to breathe.
When a Connecticut resident engages in this kind of behavior recklessly, but without conscious intent to restrict another’s breathing or circulation, they have committed strangulation in the third degree. Under Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §53a-64cc, Strangulation in the Third Degree is a class A misdemeanor punishable upon conviction by one year in jail, two years of probation, and up to $2,000 in fines.
Under C.G.S. §53a-64bb, Strangulation in the Second Degree involves someone intentionally restraining someone else by the neck or throat to the dangerous degree established above. This offense is considered a class D felony, which is punishable by five years in prison, five years of probation, and up to $5,000 in fines.
Finally, C.G.S. §53a-64aa defines Strangulation in the First Degree as an act of Second-Degree Strangulation that involves the attempted or actual use of a dangerous instrument, results in serious physical injury to the targeted person, or is committed by someone with one or more prior convictions for Second-Degree Strangulation on their record. This offense is a class C felony and, as a Darien strangulation attorney could further explain, possible criminal penalties could include up to ten years’ imprisonment, three years of probation, and up to $10,000 in fines.
Strangulation as a Domestic Violence Offense
Contesting criminal strangulation charges can be an especially complicated endeavor if law enforcement classifies the offense in question as domestic violence. If an alleged act of strangulation directly targets and/or harms a household or family member, the ensuing domestic violence designation would not allow for enhanced criminal penalties in the event of a conviction in criminal court, but it would spur action in family court that could have serious consequences regardless of how a related criminal case ultimately concludes.
Before a person accused of domestic violence strangulation has their day in criminal court, a family court may impose a protective order against them that may substantially restrict their rights. Assistance from a knowledgeable Darien lawyer can be crucial to mitigating the severity of a protective order issued based on a strangulation charge, and can argue that this temporary order should not be extended into a permanent order during their trial. .
Consider Retaining a Darien Strangulation Attorney
Strangulation is a unique criminal offense that can often proceed in unique ways. Without a qualified legal professional on your side, you may have slim odds of successfully protecting your best interests before, during, and even after your case.
If you have been accused of strangling someone under any circumstances, you should prioritize scheduling a meeting with a seasoned Darien strangulation lawyer. Click here to read our over 300+ certified client reviews on Avvo.com, and call us today to schedule your confidential consultation.