Stamford Strangulation Lawyer
If you were accused of strangling another person, speaking with a Stamford strangulation lawyer about your legal options should be your top priority. Without support from a defense attorney who knows how to handle cases dealing with this unique criminal charge, you may have a very difficult time achieving a positive resolution to your case.
Defining Strangulation as a Criminal Offense
Depending on the circumstances, the criminal offense of strangulation may fall into one of three “degrees” of severity, each defined under a separate section of the Connecticut Penal Code. The least severe variant is Strangulation in the Third Degree, defined under Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §53a-64cc as the act of recklessly restraining someone else by the throat or neck or obstructing their nose or mouth in any way such that it impedes the person’s blood circulation and/or ability to breathe.
If a person strangles or suffocates someone by the means described above but does so with the express intent of restricting their circulation or breathing, they have committed Second-Degree Strangulation as defined by C.G.S. §53a-64bb. Because the harm done to the target of the defendant’s actions is intentional, this degree of strangulation offense considered to be a felony rather than a misdemeanor.
Finally, First-Degree Strangulation—codified in C.G.S. §53a-64aa—is also considered a felony. This offense involves either someone committing Second-Degree Strangulation while using or attempting to use a “dangerous instrument” or weapon in a way that causes serious physical injury to the targeted individual, or someone who has already been convicted of either First-Degree or Second-Degree Strangulation in the past. A Stamford attorney could discuss in further detail how state law and state courts differentiate between these strangulation charges in practice.
Potential Penalties for a Strangulation Conviction
A conviction for Third-Degree Strangulation in Connecticut, a class A misdemeanor, may result in maximum criminal sanctions of one year in jail and/or a $2,000 fine. Second- and First-Degree Strangulation are class D and class C felonies, respectively, meaning convictions could result in five years of imprisonment plus a $5,000 fine or between one and ten years’ imprisonment plus a $10,000 fine.
If someone strangles or suffocates a family member or other member of their household, their criminal offense would be considered “domestic violence,” which opens them up to family court proceedings and investigation by the Department of Children and Families. As a strangulation attorney in Stamford could explain, these proceedings would go on separately from any criminal case and could produce life-changing sanctions—up to and including losing your custody rights you’re your children—even without a criminal conviction for the offense in question.
Consider Working with a Stamford Strangulation Attorney
Strangulation charges can be tricky to contest effectively. If you are dealing with allegations of this nature, seeking support from a legal professional who has experience handling this unique type of case could be vital to preserving your future prospects.
A knowledgeable Stamford strangulation lawyer could discuss your options and rights in as much detail as necessary during a confidential consultation at Mark Sherman Law. Click here to read our over 300 certified client reviews on Avvo.com, and schedule yours by calling today.