Strangulation is rapidly becoming one of the most aggressively charged offenses in Pennsylvania — especially in the context of domestic disputes. What used to be a detail in an argument is now a standalone criminal charge that can carry felony penalties. The danger? Many people have no idea how easy it is to be charged, even when no harm was intended and no injury occurred.
Under 18 Pa.C.S. § 2718, a person commits the crime of strangulation if they knowingly or intentionally impede the breathing or circulation of another person by applying pressure to the throat or neck, or by blocking the nose and mouth. Critically, the law does not require physical injury. That means even if there are no bruises, no marks, and no medical findings — the charge can still stick.
This creates a very dangerous legal landscape. In domestic situations, tensions are often high, and emotions can spiral. A simple misunderstanding or even an accidental touch to the neck can be interpreted by police as evidence of strangulation. Officers are trained to err on the side of caution, which means more arrests and more people caught in the system for something they may not have done.
It gets worse: if the alleged victim is a household member, the charge is automatically bumped to a felony of the second degree. If there’s an active PFA order or other aggravating factors, you could be facing a felony of the first degree — with serious prison time on the line.
At The McShane Firm, we’ve seen how these cases unfold. We know how to challenge shaky accusations, expose exaggerations, and fight for your side of the story. This isn’t a time to wait and see what happens. If you’ve been accused of strangulation, call us now. Your freedom and your future are at stake.
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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.
