Strangulation Lawyer Colonial Heights — Defending Against Serious Assault Charges
A strangulation charge in Colonial Heights is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-51.6, carrying up to 5 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for these complex cases. Our strangulation lawyer Colonial Heights understands the severe penalties and works to protect your rights and future. Contact us 24/7 for a consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Colonial Heights General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Strangulation is a specific, severe form of assault defined by Virginia law. It involves impeding another person’s blood circulation or breathing by applying pressure to the neck or throat. This charge is distinct from simple assault and is treated with greater severity by prosecutors and courts in Colonial Heights.
If you are charged, the case begins at the Colonial Heights General District Court for a preliminary hearing before potentially moving to Circuit Court for trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Colonial Heights prosecutes these cases aggressively, given the potential for serious injury.
Virginia Strangulation Law and Penalties
Strangulation is prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-51.6. It is classified as a Class 6 felony, which carries a penalty of 1 to 5 years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A conviction results in a permanent felony record.
When the act is committed against a family or household member, it becomes a specific domestic violence offense, often called domestic strangulation. This can trigger additional protective orders and impact child custody proceedings.
You can read the official Virginia statute on the Virginia General Assembly website. For court procedures, visit the Colonial Heights General District Court website.
- Secure representation immediately after arrest or receiving a summons.
- Your attorney will review the arrest report, witness statements, and any medical evidence.
- A preliminary hearing is held in Colonial Heights General District Court to determine if there is probable cause for a felony trial.
- If the case proceeds, it is indicted by a grand jury and transferred to Colonial Heights Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Your defense lawyer will file pre-trial motions and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- The case may proceed to trial or be resolved through a plea agreement based on the strength of the evidence.
Potential Penalties for a Strangulation Conviction
In Colonial Heights, a strangulation conviction as a Class 6 felony carries 1 to 5 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strangulation (§ 18.2-51.6) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, protective orders, impact on custody/immigration. |
| Domestic Strangulation | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Mandatory completion of a batterers’ intervention program, extended protective orders. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Colonial Heights Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have a documented record of 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. In Colonial Heights, we have secured positive results for clients facing serious charges. Our approach is direct and focused on the specific details of your case.
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Our team includes experienced attorneys like Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with multi-state practice experience. We work together to examine every angle of a strangulation charge defense.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes in criminal cases. While every case is unique, our strategies are built on thorough case analysis and aggressive advocacy. We have successfully defended clients against charges ranging from traffic offenses to serious felonies.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Strangulation Defense Lawyer Near Colonial Heights, VA
Our Richmond location serves clients in Colonial Heights and the surrounding communities. We are accessible from I-95 and Route 1. If you need a strangulation charge defense lawyer Colonial Heights, our team is ready to help.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Strangulation Charges in Colonial Heights
Is strangulation a felony in Virginia?
Yes. Strangulation is a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-51.6, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
What is the difference between assault and strangulation?
Strangulation is a specific felony charge for impeding breath or blood circulation by neck pressure. Simple assault is typically a misdemeanor. A domestic strangulation lawyer Colonial Heights can explain how the specific facts of your case determine the charge.
Can a strangulation charge be dropped?
It depends. The Commonwealth’s Attorney may drop charges if evidence is weak or a victim recants, but they often proceed without victim cooperation in domestic cases. A strong defense can lead to dismissal, reduction, or acquittal.
What should I do if I am charged with strangulation?
Do not speak to police without an attorney. Contact a strangulation lawyer Colonial Heights immediately. Preserve any evidence (texts, emails, witness info) and strictly follow any bond conditions or protective orders.
What are the long-term consequences of a strangulation conviction?
A felony conviction creates a permanent record, affecting employment, housing, firearm rights, and professional licenses. If classified as domestic violence, it can impact child custody, divorce proceedings, and immigration status.
For more information on related charges, see our pages on DUI defense in Colonial Heights and family law matters. To understand our broader practice, visit our Virginia criminal defense hub or read about similar cases in Chesterfield County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.