In Augusta County, strangulation under Va. Code § 18.2-51.6 is a Class 6 felony carrying 1-5 years in prison. A Strangulation Lawyer Augusta County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can build a defense against these serious charges. Our firm has 13 documented case results in Augusta County with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Last verified: April 2026 | Augusta County General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-51.6 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia Code § 18.2-51.6 defines strangulation as intentionally impeding the breathing or circulation of another person by applying pressure to the neck or blocking the nose or mouth. This offense is classified as a Class 6 felony, which carries a penalty of 1 to 5 years in prison. Unlike simple assault, strangulation charges require proof that the defendant knowingly restricted the victim’s ability to breathe. The statute was enacted to address the high risk of escalation in domestic violence situations. A Strangulation Lawyer Augusta County understands the specific elements the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who brings insider knowledge of how the Commonwealth’s Attorney builds strangulation cases. This experience allows the firm to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, such as inconsistent witness statements or lack of medical documentation of injury.
For the official strangulation statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-51.6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, visit the Augusta County General District Court website.
- Step 1: Contact a Strangulation Lawyer Augusta County immediately after arrest. Do not speak to police without counsel present.
- Step 2: The magistrate sets bond at the Augusta County jail. Your lawyer can argue for personal recognizance or reduced bond.
- Step 3: Your first court appearance is at Augusta County General District Court (6 East Johnson Street, 2nd Floor, Staunton, VA 24401) for arraignment.
- Step 4: Discovery begins. Your attorney reviews police reports, medical records, and witness statements for inconsistencies.
- Step 5: Pre-trial motions may challenge evidence admissibility, including statements made without Miranda warnings.
- Step 6: Trial or plea negotiation. If evidence is weak, your lawyer pushes for dismissal or reduction to a misdemeanor.
In Augusta County, strangulation under Va. Code § 18.2-51.6 carries a penalty of 1 to 5 years in prison as a Class 6 felony.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strangulation (§ 18.2-51.6) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None specific | Permanent criminal record; loss of firearm rights; potential protective order; immigration consequences for non-citizens |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Our favorable outcome rate exceeds 93%. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating the firm’s ability to influence Virginia law at the highest level.
Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the Augusta County Commonwealth’s Attorney builds strangulation cases. This insider perspective allows us to identify procedural errors, challenge witness credibility, and negotiate effectively for reduced charges or dismissal.
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
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, also oversees strangulation cases in Augusta County. He is a former prosecutor admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 13 total documented case results across all practice areas in Augusta County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at Augusta County courts (6 East Johnson Street, 2nd Floor, Staunton, VA 24401). We are accessible via I-81, I-64, Route 11, Route 250, and Route 340.
If you are searching for a strangulation charge defense lawyer Augusta County or a domestic strangulation lawyer Augusta County, we are here to help. We serve Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Verona, and Churchville.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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Can strangulation charges be reduced to a misdemeanor in Augusta County?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 18.2-51.6, strangulation is a Class 6 felony. However, prosecutors may agree to reduce the charge to assault and battery (Class 1 misdemeanor) if evidence of breathing impairment is weak or if the defendant has no prior record. Your lawyer can negotiate this reduction during plea discussions.
What is the difference between strangulation and domestic assault in Augusta County?
Strangulation under Va. Code § 18.2-51.6 requires proof that the defendant impeded the victim’s breathing or circulation. Domestic assault under § 18.2-57.2 involves any unwanted touching of a family member. Strangulation is a felony; domestic assault is typically a Class 1 misdemeanor unless there are prior convictions.
How long does a strangulation case take in Augusta County?
A strangulation case in Augusta County General District Court typically takes 4-8 weeks from arraignment for a preliminary hearing. If the case goes to Circuit Court for a felony trial, it can take 3-9 months. Virginia’s speedy trial rights require trial within 9 months if you are incarcerated.
Do I need a lawyer for a first-time strangulation charge in Augusta County?
Yes. A first-time strangulation charge is still a Class 6 felony carrying 1-5 years in prison. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record, affects employment, housing, and firearm rights. A Strangulation Lawyer Augusta County can negotiate for a first-offender program or reduction to a misdemeanor.
Can strangulation charges be expunged in Augusta County?
Yes, if the case ends in acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi. Under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2, you can petition Augusta County Circuit Court for expungement. If you complete a first-offender program under § 19.2-303.2, the charge may also be eligible for expungement after dismissal.