Virginia legal term
Neck restraint in Virginia Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Virginia legislative session
In Virginia criminal law, “Neck restraint” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Virginia criminal code.
What does “Neck restraint” mean in Virginia criminal law?
"Neck restraint" means the use of any body part or object to attempt to control or disable a person by applying pressure against the neck, including the trachea or carotid artery, with the purpose, intent, or effect of controlling or restricting the person's movement or restricting the person's blood flow or breathing, including chokeholds, carotid restraints, and lateral vascular neck restraints. (Va. Code Ann. § 19.2-83.3)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.