Strangulation Lawyer Prince William County — Defending Against Serious Domestic Assault Charges
Strangulation is a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-51.6, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison. In Prince William County, these charges are prosecuted aggressively at the Prince William County General District Court. A strangulation lawyer Prince William County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense against these life-altering allegations.
Virginia Strangulation Law and Penalties
Virginia law defines strangulation as impeding another person’s blood circulation or breathing by applying pressure to the neck or throat, or blocking the nose and mouth, resulting in wounding or bodily injury. This is a specific, serious charge under Va. Code § 18.2-51.6, distinct from simple assault.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm understands the high stakes of felony domestic assault cases. The charge carries severe consequences beyond incarceration, including a permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, and potential immigration consequences.
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-51.6 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information is available at the Prince William County General District Court website.
Prince William County Court Process for Strangulation Charges
In Prince William County, a strangulation charge begins with an arrest and bond hearing before a magistrate. The case is then set for a preliminary hearing in the Prince William County General District Court at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas. At this hearing, the Commonwealth’s Attorney must show probable cause for the felony charge. Given the serious nature of the charge, securing representation from a domestic strangulation lawyer Prince William County immediately is critical.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a magistrate for a bond hearing. Do not discuss the case.
- Secure Counsel: Contact a strangulation charge defense lawyer Prince William County immediately to begin building your defense.
- Preliminary Hearing: Your attorney will challenge the prosecution’s evidence at the General District Court hearing.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If the case is certified, it moves to Prince William County Circuit Court for formal arraignment.
- Discovery & Motions: Your lawyer will obtain all evidence, file motions to suppress, and negotiate with prosecutors.
- Trial or Resolution: The case proceeds to a jury trial or reaches a negotiated plea agreement.
Potential Penalties for Strangulation in Virginia
In Prince William County, a strangulation conviction under § 18.2-51.6 is a Class 6 felony carrying 1 to 5 years in prison, though a jury can reduce the penalty to up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strangulation (§ 18.2-51.6) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, protective order, possible deportation. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team includes former prosecutors and attorneys with deep experience in Virginia’s courtrooms. We approach each strangulation case with an understanding that the evidence is often nuanced—relying on witness statements, medical records, and circumstantial proof. We meticulously challenge the prosecution’s case, from the initial probable cause hearing through trial.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
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 and Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented record of defending clients in Prince William County. In one case, we successfully argued for the reduction of a felony strangulation charge to a misdemeanor assault based on a lack of corroborating medical evidence, avoiding a felony conviction for our client. In another, a motion to suppress statements made before Miranda warnings were given led to a dismissal.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases. His background in accounting and information systems offers an advantage in cases involving digital or financial evidence.
Contact Our Prince William County Strangulation Defense Lawyers
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Prince William County courts in Manassas. We provide representation for residents in Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan. 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Strangulation Defense FAQs in Prince William County
Is strangulation a felony in Virginia?
Yes. Strangulation resulting in wounding or bodily injury is a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-51.6, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison.
What is the difference between assault and strangulation?
Strangulation is a specific felony charge requiring proof of impeding blood circulation or breathing, causing injury. Simple assault is a broader misdemeanor charge. The evidence threshold and penalties are much higher for strangulation.
Can a strangulation charge be dropped in Prince William County?
It depends. The Commonwealth’s Attorney can drop charges (nolle prosequi), but this is rare in domestic violence cases without a strong defense challenging the evidence. An experienced strangulation charge defense lawyer Prince William County can negotiate based on evidence weaknesses or advocate for alternative resolutions.
What should I do if I am charged with strangulation?
Do not speak to police or investigators without an attorney. Immediately contact a strangulation lawyer Prince William County. Preserve any evidence (texts, emails, witness info) and comply with any protective orders while your lawyer works on your case.
What are the defenses to a strangulation charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent, self-defense, defense of others, false accusation, lack of bodily injury, and challenging the credibility of witnesses. Each case is unique and requires a detailed investigation by your domestic strangulation lawyer Prince William County.
Related Pages: For other legal issues, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub, or read about Criminal Defense in Fairfax County. In Prince William County, we also assist with DUI Defense and Family Law matters.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.