Manassas Strangulation Charge

December 13, 2020 by Jean Humbrecht

A Manassas strangulation charge under Va. Code §18.2-51.6 is a serious offense.  Strangulation in Manassas under Va. Code §18.2-51.6 is knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully stopping the blood circulation or respiration of another person by applying pressure to someone’s neck, causing a wounding or bodily injury.

Proof of Manassas Strangulation Charge
Manassas strangulation charge

A Manassas Strangulation Charge is Punished with up to 5 Years in Prison

To convict an offender of a Manassas strangulation charge under Va. Code §18.2-51.6, the Commonwealth must prove that an offender:

  • knowingly, intentionally and without consent
  • stops blood circulation or respiration
  • by applying pressure to someone’s neck
  • causing wounding or bodily injury

Knowingly and Intentionally: The Commonwealth must prove that the offender knowingly and intentionally applied pressure to the neck of the victim and that pressure stopped blood circulation or respiration.

Without Consent: The Commonwealth must also prove that the application of pressure to the neck was not consensual to convict an offender of a Manassas strangulation charge under Va. Code §18.2-51.6.

Stopping Blood Circulation or Respiration: There must be proof that the offender stopped blood circulation or respiration of the victim by applying pressure to the victim’s neck to convict an offender of a Manassas strangulation charge.

Applying Pressure to Someone’s Neck: The Commonwealth must also prove that the offender actually applied pressure to someone’s neck and that pressure caused a wounding or bodily injury.

Causing Wounding or Bodily Injury: There must be physical injury to the victim to convict an offender of a Manassas strangulation charge under Va. Code §18.2-51.6.  However, the injury does not need to be significant or permanent to convict an offender of a Manassas strangulation charge.

Penalty for Manassas Strangulation Charge

A Manassas strangulation charge is a Class 6 felony.  It is punished with up to 5 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500.

Virginia Strangulation Statute §18.2-51.6

§18.2-51.6. Strangulation of another; penalty.

Any person who, without consent, impedes the blood circulation or respiration of another person by knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully applying pressure to the neck of such person resulting in the wounding or bodily injury of such person is guilty of strangulation, a Class 6 felony.

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