When there is an accusation of domestic violence strangulation, the likely charge will be Second Degree Assault as an act of Domestic Violence in Fort Collins and Larimer County. A professional football player is facing these charges after an altercation with his girlfriend. According to the report, law enforcement responded to a call and after discussing the issue with his girlfriend determined that they had probable cause for an arrest. His girlfriend claimed that she was strangled to the point that she lost consciousness. In Colorado, an allegation of this nature would lead to an Assault charge.
Fort Collins Assault in the Second Degree Lawyer: Definition of Domestic Violence Strangulation
The Fort Collins and Larimer County, Colorado law definition of Assault in the Second Degree (as it relates to strangulation) – C.R.S. 18-3-203(1)(i) – is:
(i) With the intent to cause bodily injury, he or she applies sufficient pressure to impede or restrict the breathing or circulation of the blood of another person by applying such pressure to the neck or by blocking the nose or mouth of the other person and thereby causes bodily injury.
While the woman above claims that she passed out from lack of oxygen, it doesn’t even have to get that far to be charged with this crime. Putting hands on someone’s neck and applying pressure, even for just a second, can result in this charge.
Sentence for Domestic Violence Strangulation in Loveland and Estes Park
In Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park, a charge for Domestic Violence Strangulation is a class 4 felony. This level felony is punishable by 2 to 6 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections. The Domestic Violence sentence enhancer would require that the person also complete treatment.