Cumberland County law enforcement has been cracking down on domestic cases — and one charge we’re seeing more and more is strangulation. But what shocks most of our clients is that you can be arrested even if no one was physically harmed.
That’s because 18 Pa.C.S. § 2718 allows prosecutors to file strangulation charges without needing to prove injury. All it takes is an accusation that you blocked someone’s breathing — by touching their neck or covering their mouth — even for a second. Police in Carlisle, Mechanicsburg, and Hampden Township are trained to treat these cases seriously, which meansyou could be facing felony charges based only on someone’s word.
In most domestic situations, the charge is bumped up to a second-degree felony , and if you have a PFA against you , a weapon is alleged, or you’ve been convicted before — you could be staring down a first-degree felony with 10 to 20 years in state prison.
At The McShane Firm, we know the Cumberland County courts, the DA’s office, and how to take apart weak or unproven allegations. We understand that sometimes the full story doesn’t come out until trial — and we’re prepared to take it there if that’s what it takes.
If you’ve been arrested or are being investigated for strangulation, call us now. Don’t gamble with your freedom.
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- Our clients have the right to expect, we will be proactive in communication. You will hear it from us first. We will return all phone calls, texts and emails promptly.
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This is our promise to you. Call today to get us on your side: (717) 657-3900.
