Domestic Violence by Strangulation: How Is It Different in Fort Myers?

Domestic violence can occur in many different ways. As a result, there are different types of domestic violence charges in Florida, and defendants who face these charges should become familiar with the details of their specific alleged offenses. One example is “domestic violence by strangulation,” which is one of the most serious types of domestic violence in Fort Myers.

SWAT Team Surrounds Man Charged With Domestic Violence in Florida 

In October of 2024, it was reported that a man in the Fort Myers area had been swarmed by a SWAT team. This individual had been accused of numerous felony domestic battery charges – including domestic violence by strangulation. This highlights how seriously law enforcement takes domestic violence in Florida – and their response can be overwhelming.

Officers arrived at the scene but were unable to contact the defendant. It later became clear that he had barricaded himself in the attic, but the SWAT team reportedly gained access to the attic without much of an issue and arrested him. Along with domestic violence battery, the defendant was also charged with “resisting without violence.” It seems that the man went without a fight, which was probably a good idea with the amount of firepower assembled against him.

What Is Domestic Violence by Strangulation? 

Domestic violence by strangulation is a specific type of battery that involves the impediment of breathing or circulation. According to the Florida Courts, a defendant can only face this charge if they intentionally impeded the breathing or blood flow of a family member.

Although the name of this offense is “domestic violence by strangulation,” a defendant does not necessarily need to strangle an alleged victim to be convicted. Anything that impedes breathing could meet this requirement – including smothering someone with a pillow.

Florida courts take these allegations extremely seriously for various reasons. First, various medical sources have established that strangulation leads to brain damage. For every second that the brain is deprived of blood flow, millions of brain cells die. In addition, domestic violence victims who have been strangled at least once are statistically more likely to be murdered by their abusers in the future.

Domestic violence by strangulation is a third-degree felony in Florida with a maximum prison sentence of five years. Five years of probation and a $5,000 fine are additional penalties. If the strangulation leads to murder, Florida criminal courts often sentence defendants to death.

Can a Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer in Fort Myers Help Me? 

A criminal defense lawyer in Fort Myers may be able to help you pursue positive outcomes. Even if you face a serious allegation like domestic violence by strangulation, it may be possible to mitigate or even eliminate potential consequences. To learn more about your legal options, consider a consultation with The Foley & Wilson Law Firm. Contact us today to get started with a defense strategy.

Sources: 

fox4now.com/cape-coral/swat-team-responds-to-southwest-cape-coral-home

flcourts.gov/content/download/681711/file/Strangulation%20Bench%20Card%20Florida%202%20pg%20v10.12.2020.pdf