Stamford Strangulation Lawyer 

Strangulation is a serious criminal offense, and definitely one you do not want to have on your record. If you are arrested, contact an experienced Stamford strangulation lawyer who understands the most effective defense strategies, and who can help you by collecting and preserving valuable evidence and advocating on your behalf at all stages of criminal proceedings. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney could also provide advice on how to avoid making statements or taking actions that could jeopardize your chances of a positive result.

Strangulation Charges in Stamford

Generally, Connecticut penal code contains three separate strangulation offenses with differing degrees of severity and ranges of penalties. Not surprisingly, where the circumstances are more serious or cause greater harm, the severity of the crime and the corresponding penalties also increase.  Of the three versions of strangulation arrests, two are felony offenses. A lawyer in Stamford could determine how to best handle a strangulation case based on the severity of the charge.

What is Strangulation in the Third Degree?

Strangulation in the third degree, defined in Connecticut General Statutes §53a-64cc, is a class A misdemeanor. This means that the maximum penalties for those convicted include a fine of up to $2,000 and incarceration for up to one year. This crime occurs when someone “recklessly restrains” someone else by the neck or throat and, as a result, constricts blood flow in the body or impedes the ability to breathe. An attorney in Stamford could help someone accused of third-degree strangulation.

Is Strangulation Second Degree a Felony Arrest?

Yes, it is a Class D Felony in Connecticut.  CGS §53a-64bb defines second-degree strangulation as the act of holding another person around the throat or neck, while specifically intending to either block the other person’s breath or inhibit their blood circulation.  Because offense is a class D felony, it is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine as high as $5,000.

What is Strangulation in the First Degree in Stamford?

If someone commits second-degree strangulation but uses or attempts to use a dangerous instrument, the offense is aggravated to the first degree, a class C felony punishable by up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. A second-degree strangulation scenario also escalates to a first-degree offense if it causes a serious physical injury or if the person accused has a prior conviction for this offense.

Talk to a Stamford Strangulation Attorney Today

No one wants a felony on their record, especially not a violent felony such as strangulation. To protect your rights and your future, talk to a Stamford strangulation lawyer if you are facing these charges. Together, you could begin to work toward the best possible resolution of your case.

Live Chat