Caught in the Squeeze: The High Stakes of Strangulation cases

Strangulation — What You Need to Know if You Were Arrested

If you were arrested for strangulation in Connecticut, you’re probably scared, confused, and worried about what this means for your record, your freedom, and your family.

I frequently observe this in my practice. A heated argument gets out of control, the police are called, and suddenly one person is facing a serious family-violence strangulation charge based on what happened in a few chaotic seconds.

This article explains, in plain English:

The three levels of strangulation charges in Connecticut
How police and prosecutors look at these cases
What happens in court after a domestic-violence strangulation arrest
How the Family Violence Education Program (FVEP) can help in some cases
Why it’s critical to talk to a lawyer before you talk to anyone else

The Three Levels of Strangulation in Connecticut

Connecticut has three different strangulation statutes, each with increasing seriousness depending on the force used, injury, and prior history.

1) Strangulation in the Third Degree — C.G.S. § 53a-64cc
This is the lowest-level strangulation offense, but it is still a misdemeanor family-violence crime and can have serious consequences.
Common scenarios include situations where someone recklessly or with criminal negligence restricts another person’s breathing or blood circulation. There may be little or no visible injury, but the complaining witness reports being choked, grabbed by the neck, or having their airway restricted. It’s often charged in domestic arguments where there is grabbing or pressure to the neck area, but no substantial injury.
Penalty: Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail), fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record if convicted.

2) Strangulation in the Second Degree — C.G.S. § 53a-64bb
This is treated as a serious felony in Connecticut.
Prosecutors look to this charge where there is intentional restriction of breathing or blood flow; more significant force or longer duration; visible marks on the neck, petechiae, pain when swallowing, dizziness, or loss of consciousness; or an allegation of hands around the neck with “squeezing,” holding, or choking.
Penalty: Class D felony (up to 5 years in prison), substantial fines, and long-term probation; a felony record affects employment, housing, and immigration.

3) Strangulation in the First Degree — C.G.S. § 53a-64aa
This is the most serious level and is reserved for the worst situations.
Typical factors include serious physical injury, use or threat of a dangerous instrument, strangulation during another serious felony, or certain repeat-offender scenarios.
Penalty: Class C felony (up to 10 years in prison) and very serious long-term consequences. (Not FVEP program eligable)

Why Strangulation Allegations Are Taken So Seriously

In Connecticut, police and prosecutors are trained to treat strangulation allegations as major red flags for potential lethal domestic violence—even if:

You never meant to hurt anyone
The incident lasted only a few seconds
There are no visible marks

They may still file the highest-level charge they believe they can justify, especially if there’s any report of difficulty breathing, neck pain, dizziness, blacking out, or a history of prior incidents/911 calls. Do not try to “explain it away” to the police—your words can be used against you.

What Happens After a Strangulation Arrest (Domestic Case)

In almost all domestic strangulation arrests in Connecticut, you will:

Be taken into custody
Receive a next-business-day arraignment date in the local GA court
Have a Family Relations interview on the first court date
See a criminal protective order put in place (often immediately at arraignment)

That protective order can:

Force you out of your own home
Restrict contact with the alleged victim
Affect your ability to see your children

Violating a protective order is a separate felony on top of the underlying charge.

How the State Tries to Prove a Strangulation Case

Typical evidence includes:

The complaining witness’s statement to the police
Bodycam footage from the scene
Photos of marks, redness, or bruising
Medical records (if treatment occurred)
Texts, social media messages, or call logs before/after the incident

Sometimes physical evidence is weak—no bruises, no medical treatment, inconsistent stories—but cases still move forward. Other times, allegations are exaggerated or not true, especially during breakups, divorces, or custody disputes. My job is to obtain the full police report and bodycam footage, compare statements, and identify where the State’s case is vulnerable.

Defenses We Examine in Strangulation Cases

Self-defense/defense of others: Were you trying to stop the other person from hitting you or someone else?
Exaggerated or false allegations: Do statements change over time? Does the physical evidence match the story?
Lack of intent / wrong charge level: Was this an intentional choking or a brief, chaotic struggle? Does the statute level fit the facts?
No visible injury / minimal contact: Is any neck contact being labeled “strangulation” without meeting the statutory definition?

The goal is to push a high-level felony down to a lower charge or position the case for dismissal or a program.

The Family Violence Education Program (FVEP)

In many first-time domestic cases—including some Strangulation 3rd situations—FVEP can be a lifesaver. If granted and successfully completed, FVEP can lead to a dismissal of your charges.

Who may be eligible?
Eligibility depends on your record, the specific charge, and the facts. In some borderline cases, it’s possible to negotiate a reduction and seek FVEP (judge’s approval required). Courts will consider the conduct, any injury, the alleged victim’s position, and recommendations from Family Relations and the prosecutor.

What does FVEP involve?

Group educational sessions on domestic violence
Staying arrest-free during the program
Obeying any protective order
Completion can result in a dismissal, leaving you without a conviction.

FAQs — Strangulation in Connecticut (10 Quick Answers)

1) Will I go to jail on a first-time strangulation arrest?
Jail is possible but often avoidable—especially on Strangulation 3rd—if the case is handled early and well. We focus on reducing charges, negotiating non-jail outcomes, or seeking FVEP where appropriate.

2) Can the alleged victim “drop the charges”?
No. The prosecutor controls the case. The complaining witness’s wishes matter, but they don’t decide the outcome. We use mitigation, context, and defense evidence to move the needle.

3) There were no marks—can they still charge me?
Yes. Connecticut can proceed on statements and circumstantial evidence. Lack of visible injury can help the defense, but it doesn’t end the case. We press hard on credibility, inconsistencies, and medical proof.

4) What should I say to the police or Family Relations?
Use your rights. Give basic ID information only and say, “I invoke my right to remain silent and I want a lawyer.” For Family Relations, it’s best to have counsel guide what is (and isn’t) discussed.

5) What happens at the first court date?
Arraignment, a Family Relations interview, and a likely criminal protective order. The order determines where you can live and with whom you can interact. We argue for the least restrictive terms and set a strategy for the next steps.

6) Can I contact my partner if they say it’s okay?
No. The court’s order controls—not private consent. Even a friendly call or text can be a new felony. We can request a modification from the court if appropriate.

7) Am I eligible for the Family Violence Education Program (FVEP)?
Maybe. Eligibility depends on your record, charge level, and facts. Strangulation 3rd is sometimes eligible; higher levels are harder but charge reductions can open the door. We build a strong packet and argue public-safety and rehabilitation.

8) Do I have to surrender firearms or permits?
A criminal protective order can require the immediate surrender of firearms and permits. We’ll walk you through compliance and work toward the least restrictive order consistent with safety.

9) Will this hurt my job, license, or immigration status?
Potentially, yes—especially on felony or domestic-violence-coded cases. Our priority is dismissal or a non-conviction outcome. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, please notify us immediately so we can coordinate with immigration counsel.

10) Can this be erased from my record?
If your case is dismissed (including after a successful FVEP), it’s typically erased under Connecticut’s erasure laws. Convictions are different: erasure generally requires a pardon later, and “Clean Slate” does not wipe most domestic-violence-coded felonies.

Take Action Now

If you or a loved one has been arrested for strangulation in Connecticut, act quickly. Early decisions about statements, protective orders, and court strategy can make a huge difference.

I have over 30 years of experience defending domestic violence and strangulation cases statewide in Connecticut. I’ll listen to your side, explain options in plain English, and build a plan to protect your freedom, record, and family relationships.

📞 Call Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer at (203) 357-5555
Or visit my contact page and my Connecticut criminal defense main practice page to learn more about how I can help.