Manassas VA Strangulation Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
Strangulation is a serious felony assault charge in Manassas, Virginia, prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-51.6. A conviction can result in up to five years in prison and a permanent felony record. As a Manassas VA strangulation lawyer, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense against these violent crime allegations. Our firm has documented results in Manassas courts.
Virginia Strangulation Law and Penalties
In Virginia, strangulation is defined as impeding the blood circulation or respiration of another person by applying pressure to the neck, resulting in wounding or bodily injury. This is a distinct charge from simple assault and is codified under Va. Code § 18.2-51.6. The law treats this as a form of felony assault due to the significant risk of serious harm or death.
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex criminal cases like strangulation. A Manassas VA strangulation lawyer from our team understands that these charges often arise in highly charged domestic situations where the full context is critical to your defense.
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-51.6 (Strangulation) – Official statute from the Virginia General Assembly.
- Manassas General District Court – Official court website for case information and procedures.
Local Court Process for Strangulation Charges in Manassas
Strangulation charges in Manassas are serious felonies typically initiated in the Manassas General District Court for a preliminary hearing. The key local procedural fact is that while the initial hearing is at 9311 Lee Avenue, a felony strangulation case will ultimately be tried before a jury in the Manassas Circuit Court if the Commonwealth’s Attorney proceeds. As a violent crime attorney, we know prosecutors in this jurisdiction often seek aggressive penalties in domestic assault cases, making early and skilled intervention essential.
- Arrest and Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a magistrate for a bond hearing. Secured bond is common for felony strangulation.
- Preliminary Hearing: Your case starts in Manassas General District Court, where the Commonwealth must show probable cause for the felony charge.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If the case is certified, it moves to Manassas Circuit Court for formal arraignment on the felony indictment.
- Discovery and Motions: Your felony assault defense lawyer will obtain all evidence, including 911 calls, medical reports, and witness statements, and file pre-trial motions to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: We will engage in negotiations with the prosecutor, aiming for a reduction or dismissal. If no fair offer is made, we are prepared to take your case to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing (if applicable): If a conviction occurs, we advocate vigorously at sentencing, presenting mitigating evidence to argue for alternatives to incarceration.
Potential Penalties for Strangulation in Virginia
In Manassas, a strangulation conviction under § 18.2-51.6 is a Class 6 felony, carrying 1 to 5 years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strangulation (§ 18.2-51.6) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years in prison (or up to 12 months in jail) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, protective order, immigration consequences, difficulty finding employment/housing. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a track record of documented case results, our firm is built to handle serious felony charges. Our founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who brings that insider perspective to every defense strategy. For strangulation cases, which often involve complex medical evidence and intense emotional dynamics, having a wounding defense lawyer with deep resources and experience is critical.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific locality results are proprietary, our firm-wide practice has yielded over 4,739 documented case results with a high rate of favorable outcomes. In complex assault cases, favorable results often involve negotiating reductions from felony to misdemeanor charges, securing dismissals where evidence is weak, or obtaining alternative sentencing that avoids incarceration. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, provides strategic oversight on serious felony matters, ensuring every client benefits from our collective experience.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Manassas Strangulation Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Fairfax location serves clients facing charges at the Manassas courts. We are accessible via I-66 and Route 28. We provide legal representation to individuals throughout the Manassas community. For a 24/7 phone consultation, call us at Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417. All meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 or up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
What is the difference between assault and strangulation charges?
Strangulation is a specific felony assault charge that requires proof of impeding blood flow or breathing by pressure to the neck, resulting in injury. Simple assault or assault and battery are generally misdemeanors. A felony assault defense lawyer can challenge whether the alleged actions and injuries meet the strict legal definition of strangulation.
Can strangulation charges be dropped?
It depends. Charges may be dropped if the alleged victim recants, if the evidence of injury is insufficient, or if a self-defense claim is valid. An assault charges lawyer can investigate the case, interview witnesses, and file motions to suppress evidence, which can lead the prosecutor to reduce or dismiss the charge.
What should I do if I am arrested for strangulation?
Remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not discuss the incident with police or jail staff. Contact a Manassas VA strangulation lawyer as soon as possible to begin building your defense. Your attorney will handle all communication and work to secure your release on bond.
Do I need a lawyer for a strangulation charge?
Yes. Given the severe felony penalties and complex evidence involved, having a skilled violent crime attorney is essential. A lawyer protects your rights, negotiates with prosecutors, and fights for the best possible outcome, whether through dismissal, reduction, or defense at trial.
If you are facing strangulation allegations in Manassas, contact a Manassas VA strangulation lawyer from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. today. We offer 24/7 consultations to discuss your case and defense options.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.