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. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for these charges at the New Kent County General District and Circuit Courts.
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 or throat, resulting in wounding or bodily injury. This is a specific, serious offense distinct from simple assault.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
The primary statute is Va. Code § 18.2-51.6. This charge is often filed in domestic situations but can apply in any altercation. The prosecution must prove you intentionally applied pressure to cause injury.
Court Process & Local Insight
In New Kent County, a strangulation charge begins with an arrest and bond hearing. The case proceeds in New Kent County General District Court for preliminary hearings. Felony strangulation charges are certified to New Kent County Circuit Court for trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases aggressively.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a magistrate for a bond hearing after arrest.
- General District Court Hearing: A preliminary hearing is held to determine if there is probable cause to certify the felony charge to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If certified, you will be formally arraigned on the felony indictment in New Kent County Circuit Court.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney will review all evidence, police reports, and medical records, and may file pre-trial motions to challenge the evidence.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case will proceed to a jury trial or may be resolved through negotiated plea agreements based on the strength of the defense.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing occurs in Circuit Court, where the judge considers state guidelines and arguments from both sides.
Potential Penalties for Strangulation in Virginia
In New Kent County, a strangulation conviction under § 18.2-51.6 is a Class 6 felony carrying 1 to 5 years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strangulation (§ 18.2-51.6) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years in prison (or up to 12 months in jail at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, protective orders, impact on employment, housing, and child custody. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex criminal cases like strangulation. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the high stakes of a felony charge in New Kent County.
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 former prosecutor Kristen Fisher, whose experience on the other side of the courtroom provides invaluable perspective on how the Commonwealth builds its cases. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, provides strategic oversight on complex felony matters.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
In New Kent County, our attorneys have secured favorable outcomes in criminal cases. We approach each strangulation charge by meticulously examining the evidence, witness statements, and circumstances. Every case is unique, and we build a defense strategy case-specific to the specific facts and legal challenges presented.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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, Route 33, and Route 249.
Strangulation lawyer near New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
Available 24/7: Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
Meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359
Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Strangulation Charge FAQs for New Kent County
What is the penalty for a strangulation charge in New Kent County, Virginia?
Strangulation is a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-51.6, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. It creates a permanent felony record.
Is strangulation always a felony in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia law classifies strangulation resulting in wounding or bodily injury as a Class 6 felony. There is no misdemeanor strangulation charge; it is a specific felony offense.
Can a domestic strangulation lawyer New Kent County help if the alleged victim recants?
It depends. While a recantation can be powerful evidence, the Commonwealth’s Attorney may still proceed with the case using other evidence like 911 calls, police observations, photographs, or witness statements. A skilled domestic strangulation lawyer New Kent County can use the recantation to challenge the prosecution’s case and seek dismissal.
What defenses are available against a strangulation charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent, self-defense, defense of others, mistaken identity, or challenging the evidence of “wounding or bodily injury.” An experienced strangulation charge defense lawyer New Kent County will investigate all angles, including medical records and witness credibility.
How does a strangulation charge affect child custody cases?
A conviction can severely impact custody and visitation determinations in family court, as it may be viewed as evidence of domestic violence and a potential threat to the child’s safety. It is crucial to address the criminal charge aggressively with a qualified strangulation lawyer New Kent County.
If you are facing a strangulation charge, do not wait. The strategies used in the early stages of your case can significantly impact the final outcome. Contact our strangulation lawyer New Kent County team for a confidential case review.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.