How Do I Fight a Domestic Assault by Strangulation Charge in St. Paul and Ramsey County?
Domestic assault charges are always serious. But when the accusation involves strangulation, everything escalates. These cases can carry intense stigma and serious consequences—both legal and personal. In St. Paul, Ramsey County, and throughout Minnesota, the charge of Domestic Assault by Strangulation is a felony and demands an aggressive and informed legal defense.
As a former prosecutor and Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist, Jack Rice has handled these cases from both sides of the courtroom. If you're facing this charge in St. Paul or Ramsey County, it’s critical that you understand what the state must prove—and what your defense might look like, especially when evidence is weak or missing. If you are facing these charges, reach out to Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.
Understanding Domestic Assault by Strangulation in Minnesota
Under Minnesota law, Domestic Assault by Strangulation involves:
An act of domestic assault
Against a family or household member
Where the assault specifically involves strangulation
What Counts as Strangulation?
Minnesota defines strangulation as:
"Intentionally impeding normal breathing or circulation of the blood by applying pressure on the throat or neck or by blocking the nose or mouth of another person."
That definition is broader than many realize. Examples include:
Pressing on someone’s throat even lightly
Causing dizziness or shortness of breath
Covering the mouth or nose, preventing yelling or breathing
Using a hand, knee, arm, or object to apply pressure to the neck, mouth, or nose
This broad interpretation often allows prosecutors to elevate a misdemeanor domestic assault to a felony, even on a first offense, based solely on the method of force used.
Penalties for a Strangulation Conviction in Ramsey County
If convicted of Domestic Assault by Strangulation in Minnesota, you could face:
A felony on your record
Up to 3 years in prison
Fines up to $5,000
But the consequences go far beyond the courtroom. A felony conviction can impact everything—from housing and employment to child custody and gun rights.
What Must the State Prove in St. Paul Court?
To convict you, prosecutors in Ramsey County must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the assault occurred, and that it involved strangulation as defined by Minnesota law.
But here's where things get important: if the physical signs and symptoms of strangulation are missing, your attorney may be able to cast serious doubt on the state’s case.
What Are the Signs of Strangulation?
When St. Paul or Ramsey County police investigate domestic assault, they’ll often ask:
“Did the person put their hands on your neck?”
“Were you able to breathe?”
If the answer is "yes" to both, a felony strangulation charge may follow. But police rarely pause to ask why the allegation is being made—or whether physical evidence supports it.
Key signs and symptoms of strangulation include:
Neurological:
Headaches
Dizziness, fainting
Loss of memory or consciousness
Difficulty swallowing
Physical:
Petechiae (tiny red spots) on face, eyes, or neck
Bruises or abrasions
Bleeding from ears or mouth
Swollen lips or tongue
Throat and Voice:
Sore throat
Hoarseness
Trouble swallowing or speaking
Drooling or coughing
Breathing:
Difficulty breathing
Chest pain
Respiratory distress
If these symptoms don’t exist, it’s a strong point for the defense.
Building Your Defense: What Can We Challenge?
In many strangulation cases, the strongest defense is highlighting the lack of evidence. At Jack Rice Defense, we know how to cross-examine police reports, challenge medical evidence, and question inconsistent witness statements.
Key questions we ask:
Were photos taken? Do they show injuries?
Did the alleged victim seek medical care?
Did the story change over time?
Are there inconsistencies in witness statements?
Did officers document any physical evidence?
We’ve defended clients in St. Paul and across Ramsey County using these very strategies. When the state can’t prove its case, you shouldn’t be convicted.
Why You Need an Experienced Ramsey County Defense Attorney
The consequences of a felony are too severe to leave to chance. If you're charged with Domestic Assault by Strangulation in Ramsey County, you need someone who:
Knows the local courts in St. Paul
Has experience as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney
Understands the medical, legal, and procedural angles to fight the charge
Call Jack Rice Defense for a Free Confidential Consultation
Jack Rice is a nationally recognized criminal defense attorney, based right here in St. Paul, MN. He’s a former prosecutor, a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, and has over two decades of experience defending Minnesotans accused of violent crimes—including strangulation charges.
Call Jack today at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339
Or visit jackricelaw.com for a free, confidential consultation.