Not all domestic violence cases involve only a husband and a wife. Occasionally, a non-family member gets drawn into a domestic confrontation. An incident of this type occurred in Elizabethtown when a local man was arrested for attempting to strangle another local man.
The incident
The two men began their conflict with a verbal argument that soon escalated into physical violence. According to the police report, the alleged assailant lured the victim into his house. The altercation continued, and the suspect once again seized the victim by the throat and continued his efforts to strangle him. According to the police report, officers observed multiple marks on the victim’s neck and shoulder areas. The citation alleges that the defendant “intentionally impeded the breathing and blood circulation of the victim.”
The charges
The charges in this case are especially severe. First-degree Strangulation is a Class C Felony punishable by five to 10 years in prison if convicted. The defendant was also charged with fourth degree assault. The suspect was incarcerated in the Hardin County Detention Center after he was arrested, and he will appear before a Hardin County district judge next week for a video arraignment.
What next?
Like all defendants, the defendant in this case is entitled to be presumed innocent unless and until he is convicted by evidence that proves his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Anyone who is facing similar charges may wish to seek the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney. A knowledgeable lawyer can evaluate the evidence, suggest possible defense strategies, and, if appropriate, assist in negotiating an acceptable plea agreement.
