Strangulation Attorneys in Pittsburgh
A person commits the offense of strangulation if the person knowingly or intentionally impedes the breathing or circulation of the blood of another person by applying pressure to the throat or neck, or blocking the nose and mouth of the person.
The victim does not have to prove there was a physical injury, and likewise, lack of physical injury to the victim is not a defense to strangulation.
However, the alleged victim’s consent is a defense to a charge of strangulation.
Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law and criminal defense with a special focus on child custody and domestic abuse.
Typical domestic violence crimes include: simple assault, aggravated assault, harassment, stalking, strangulation, child endangerment, child abuse, and reckless endangerment.
Typical plea agreements for defendants charged with domestic violence crimes include a reduction of charges upon completion of anger management or batterers’ intervention sessions.
To speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Strangulation and PFA Defense Lawyers
Penalties for strangulation depend on the grading of the offense. Strangulation is generally charged as a second-degree misdemeanor, though the Pennsylvania legislature passed a new law that makes it a felony under circumstances involving domestic violence:
- Strangulation is graded as a second-degree felony when the victim is a family or household member, or an intimate partner.
- Strangulation is graded as a first-degree felony when the defendant was subject to a Protection from Abuse or Protection from Sexual Violence Order at the time of the offense, uses a weapon while committing strangulation, or has ever been convicted of strangulation in the past.
A second-degree misdemeanor carries a punishment of up to two years and jail and a $5,000.00 fine. A second-degree felony carries a punishment of up to 10 years in jail and a $25,000.00 fine. A first-degree felony carries a punishment of up to 20 years in jail and a $25,000.00 fine.
Spivak Law Firm handles all criminal defense cases with a special focus on domestic violence. To speak with an experienced Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Contact Our Pittsburgh Law Firm Today
Call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390. Our Pittsburgh office is open during normal business hours, as well as evenings and weekends by appointment.
Spivak Law Firm represents clients in Pittsburgh and all surrounding counties, including: Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Washington County and Westmoreland County. We accept cases in Armstrong County, Clarion County, Crawford County, Fayette County, Greene County, Indiana County, Lawrence County, Mercer County, Somerset County and Venango County.