Ohio’s New Felony Strangulation Charge: What You Need to Know
In 2023, Ohio created a standalone felony offense for strangulation under Ohio Revised Code § 2903.18 — and prosecutors are using it aggressively.
This law significantly changed how domestic violence cases are charged throughout Northeast Ohio.
What Counts as Strangulation?
Under Ohio law, a person can be charged if they knowingly:
- Cause or create a substantial risk of physical harm
- By strangling or suffocating another person
Strangulation can include:
- Pressure to the neck or throat
- Blocking the nose or mouth
- Any act restricting breathing or blood circulation
There do not have to be visible marks.
No bruising. No medical treatment. No loss of consciousness.
An allegation alone can lead to a felony arrest.
This Is Now a Felony
Before this statute, many of these cases were filed as misdemeanor domestic violence. Now:
- Strangulation is generally a fifth-degree felony
- It can be enhanced to a third-degree felony
- It carries potential prison time
- It can trigger immediate protection orders
- It creates a permanent felony record
Prosecutors in Medina, Summit, Wayne, Cuyahoga, and Stark Counties are filing these charges aggressively — even when there are:
- No injuries
- No medical confirmation
- Conflicting statements
- Highly emotional domestic disputes
Why These Cases Are Dangerous
Strangulation cases often turn into:
- One person’s word against another’s
- Heated breakups
- Custody battles
- Divorce leverage
- Alcohol-fueled arguments
Law enforcement is trained to treat any allegation of strangulation as high-risk. Officers are often instructed to arrest first and sort it out later.
That means you could be charged with a felony based solely on an accusation.
The Consequences Are Severe
A conviction can result in:
- Prison
- Mandatory no-contact orders
- Loss of firearm rights
- Immigration consequences
- Damage to custody rights
- Permanent criminal record
In counties like Cuyahoga and Stark — where domestic violence dockets are heavy — prosecutors are not quick to dismiss these charges.
You Need an Aggressive Defense
Strangulation cases require strategic defense:
- Challenging medical evidence
- Examining body camera footage
- Analyzing 911 calls
- Exposing inconsistent statements
- Filing suppression motions when necessary
- Preparing for trial when required
These cases can often be defended — but only if handled early and aggressively.
No case is too big or too small. Whether it’s a felony strangulation charge in Cuyahoga County or a heated domestic dispute in Medina, Summit, Wayne, or Stark County, your future deserves serious courtroom advocacy.
If you are facing a strangulation charge, act immediately. The earlier the defense begins, the stronger your position. The attorneys at Gigiano Law are ready to take your case on and give it the attention it deserves.
