Strangulation Lawyer New Kent County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A strangulation charge in New Kent County is a serious Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-51.6, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison. As a strangulation lawyer New Kent County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. defends clients at the New Kent County General District Court. Our firm has documented results in the locality. Contact us 24/7 for a case review.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Strangulation Law & Penalties
Strangulation is defined under Virginia law as impeding the blood circulation or respiration of another person by applying pressure to the neck, resulting in wounding or bodily injury. This is a specific domestic violence offense codified at Va. Code § 18.2-51.6. The statute requires proof of injury, which distinguishes it from simple assault. Charges are often filed in domestic disputes and are aggressively prosecuted by the New Kent County Commonwealth’s Attorney.
In New Kent County, a strangulation charge is a Class 6 felony carrying 1 to 5 years in prison, a fine up to $2,500, and a mandatory protective order.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strangulation (§ 18.2-51.6) | Class 6 Felony | 1 – 5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Mandatory protective order, permanent criminal record, loss of firearm rights, potential immigration consequences. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Court Process for a Strangulation Charge
New Kent County General District Court at 12001 Courthouse Circle handles all initial hearings for strangulation charges. Prosecutors here treat these cases with high priority due to their domestic violence nature. An emergency protective order is typically issued immediately upon arrest.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a magistrate for a bond hearing. A secured bond is common.
- Protective Order Hearing: A preliminary protective order is issued; a full hearing is set within 15 days.
- Preliminary Hearing: In General District Court, the Commonwealth must show probable cause for the felony charge.
- Circuit Court Indictment: If probable cause is found, the case is sent to New Kent County Circuit Court for a grand jury.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: A jury trial occurs in Circuit Court, or your attorney negotiates with the prosecutor for a reduction.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia’s discretionary sentencing guidelines.
Our Defense Approach for Strangulation Charges
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. We approach strangulation defense by meticulously examining the evidence for the required “wounding or bodily injury.” We challenge witness credibility, investigate the context of the allegation, and explore alternatives like self-defense. Our goal is to seek a dismissal or reduction to a misdemeanor assault charge where possible.
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
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in criminal defense. In New Kent County, we have achieved results including dismissals and charge reductions for clients. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Our secondary attorney on complex cases, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor and firm founder who brings strategic oversight, particularly for cases with complicating factors.
Strangulation Defense Lawyer Near New Kent County
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges at the New Kent County courts. We are accessible via I-64 and Route 33.
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.
We serve the communities of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
Strangulation Charge Defense FAQs
Is strangulation always a felony in Virginia?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 18.2-51.6, strangulation resulting in wounding or bodily injury is a Class 6 felony. There is no misdemeanor strangulation charge in Virginia.
What is the difference between assault and strangulation?
Strangulation is a specific felony requiring proof of pressure applied to the neck that impedes blood flow or breathing AND causes a wounding or bodily injury. Simple assault or assault and battery are generally misdemeanors and do not require proof of this specific act or the resulting injury.
Can a strangulation charge be reduced?
It depends. A skilled strangulation charge defense lawyer New Kent County can negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor assault if the evidence of “wounding” is weak or if mitigating circumstances exist, such as a lack of criminal history.
What should I do if I am charged with strangulation?
Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney. Contact a domestic strangulation lawyer New Kent County immediately. Comply with any protective order terms. Your attorney will guide you through the bond process and begin building your defense.
What are the long-term consequences of a strangulation conviction?
A felony conviction results in a permanent criminal record, loss of voting rights, difficulty finding employment and housing, loss of firearm rights, and potential deportation for non-citizens. This underscores the need for an aggressive defense.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing a strangulation charge, you may also need information on: Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer, Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer, or New Kent County DUI Lawyer.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.