In Roanoke County, strangulation is a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-51.6, carrying 1-5 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 3 documented results in Roanoke County. A Strangulation Lawyer Roanoke County from our firm can build your defense.
Virginia Strangulation Law: Va. Code § 18.2-51.6
Virginia Code § 18.2-51.6 makes it a felony to willfully and intentionally impede the breathing or circulation of another person by applying pressure to the neck or blocking the nose or mouth. This charge is classified as a Class 6 felony, which carries a penalty of 1 to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. A Strangulation Lawyer Roanoke County understands the serious nature of this charge and the need for a strong defense.
Last verified: April 2026 | Roanoke County General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-51.6 (official Virginia General Assembly)
External Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-51.6 (official Virginia General Assembly)
- Roanoke County General District Court (official court website)
Insider Procedural Edge: Roanoke County General District Court
Roanoke County General District Court handles the preliminary hearing for strangulation charges. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases aggressively due to domestic violence implications.
- Step 1: Arrest and initial appearance before the magistrate at the Roanoke County jail.
- Step 2: Bond hearing in Roanoke County General District Court (305 East Main Street, Salem, VA 24153).
- Step 3: Preliminary hearing in General District Court to determine probable cause.
- Step 4: If bound over, the case proceeds to Roanoke County Circuit Court for trial.
- Step 5: Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Step 6: Trial by jury or bench trial in Circuit Court.
In Roanoke County, strangulation under Va. Code § 18.2-51.6 is a Class 6 felony carrying 1-5 years in prison and a $2,500 fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strangulation | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None specific | Protective order, loss of firearm rights, permanent criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Strangulation Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Our firm has handled 4,739+ cases with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep knowledge of Virginia law. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the Commonwealth builds its case.
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
Case Results in Roanoke County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 3 documented results in Roanoke County: 1 dismissed/not guilty (33% favorable outcome rate). Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ cases with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Location Serving Roanoke County
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at Roanoke County courts (305 East Main Street). We are accessible via I-81, I-581, Route 11, Route 419, and Route 220.
Looking for a strangulation charge defense lawyer Roanoke County or a domestic strangulation lawyer Roanoke County? We serve Salem, Vinton, Cave Spring, Hollins, and Catawba.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Strangulation Charges in Roanoke County
Is strangulation a felony in Roanoke County, Virginia?
Yes. Strangulation under Va. Code § 18.2-51.6 is a Class 6 felony in Virginia, carrying 1-5 years in prison and a $2,500 fine.
Can a strangulation charge be reduced in Roanoke County?
It depends. The Commonwealth’s Attorney may consider reducing the charge to assault and battery (Class 1 misdemeanor) if evidence is weak or mitigating factors exist.
How long does a strangulation case take in Roanoke County?
A strangulation case typically takes 3-9 months from arrest to trial in Roanoke County Circuit Court, depending on court scheduling and case complexity.
Do I need a lawyer for a strangulation charge in Roanoke County?
Yes. A strangulation charge is a felony with serious consequences including prison time and a permanent criminal record. Legal representation is critical.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court for strangulation in Roanoke County?
Roanoke County General District Court handles the preliminary hearing. If probable cause is found, the case moves to Roanoke County Circuit Court for trial.
Related Resources
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Shenandoah County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Frederick County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer in Roanoke County
- Family Law Lawyer in Roanoke County
- Bryan Block Attorney Profile
- Shenandoah Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.