According to the Minnesota Statute 609.2247, ‘strangulation’ is defined as “intentionally impeding normal breathing or circulation of the blood by applying pressure on the throat or neck or by blocking the nose or mouth of another person.”  This can include strangulation by ones hands, a pillow or any other method of blocking the airways. Strangulation is a felony offense and comes with a three year prison sentence if found guilty. If you have been accused or arrested for strangulation, you will need legal counsel sooner rather than later.

Arrested for Felony Strangulation? A Minnesota criminal lawyer can help you out of this legal nightmare.

Felony Strangulation is often considered a domestic assault case. If a person assaults a family member by strangulation, they could be looking at a domestic assault conviction as well as an Order for Protection case. What this means is that you could lose the right to contact or see the alleged victim. You could also lose the right to go to your home or see your children. This can be a very difficult situation to deal with. It is important that you remain as calm as possible when dealing with this type of case, regardless of how unjust the situation may seem.

A Minnesota Strangulation Lawyer Can Help

If you are facing a felony strangulation conviction, you could be looking at three years in prison and a $5,000 fine. You may also face anger management counseling, community service and restitution to the victim. A strangulation conviction will remain on your criminal record, negatively impacting your ability to find decent employment or housing. This is because your criminal record can be checked by potential landlords, employers, schools and financial institutes. You could also lose your right to possess firearms. An experienced Minnesota strangulation lawyer will be able to help ensure that best outcome possible.

A felony strangulation accusation is not a guilty sentence.

Often strangulation cases are considered weak. There may not be a lot of evidence against you. The credibility of the alleged victim may be questionable, especially if the case was filed out of anger, revenge, spite or as an attempt to gain child custody in the case of an ex spouse. Furthermore, often the evidence boils down to symptoms of strangulation, such as lightheadedness or shortness of breath, which can be hard to prove in court.

If you have been accused of strangulation or any other instances of domestic assault, then your best defense is an experienced Minneapolis domestic assault lawyer.  Minnesota is one of only six states that consider strangulation a felony offense (rather than a misdemeanor) which means it is in your best interest to act fast against this serious allegation.

Don’t Risk it – Contact Judith Samson, Minneapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer Right Away!

An experienced Minnesota harassment lawyer will be able to assess your case and determine your best legal defense. You do not want to risk your criminal record and your reputation on a strangulation conviction.  For sound legal advice and a free initial consultation, contact Judith Samson, Minnesota Criminal Lawyer at 612-333-8001.