Virginia statute
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-51.6 — Strangulation or suffocation of another; penalty
Current through 2026 Regular Session
Part of Article 4: Assaults and Bodily Woundings, Code of Virginia.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-51.6
Statutory text current through the 2026 Regular Session. This publication reproduces the text of the Code of Virginia from the official Virginia Law Portal API published by the Virginia General Assembly's Division of Legislative Automated Systems; it is not the official Code of Virginia.
A. Any person who, without consent, impedes the blood circulation or respiration of another person by knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully applying pressure to the neck of such person resulting in the wounding or bodily injury of such person is guilty of strangulation, a Class 6 felony.
B. Any person who, without consent, impedes the blood circulation or respiration of another person by knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully blocking or obstructing the airway of such person resulting in the wounding or bodily injury of such person is guilty of suffocation, a Class 6 felony.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
Questions this section answers
Is strangulation or suffocation of another a felony or a misdemeanor in Virginia?
Strangulation or suffocation of another is a class 6 felony in Virginia under Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-51.6.
Which Virginia statute covers strangulation or suffocation of another?
Strangulation or suffocation of another is governed by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-51.6 (Strangulation or suffocation of another; penalty).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.