Strangulation Defense Attorney in Gillette, WY

Wyoming Strangulation Is a Felony, Even Without Visible Injury

Many people are shocked to learn how little the state needs to file a charge. Wyoming treats strangulation as a separate offense from ordinary assault and battery.

What W.S. 6-2-509 Actually Says

To convict you, the State must prove that you:

• Acted intentionally and knowingly, or recklessly
• Caused or attempted to cause bodily injury
• To a household member
• By pressing on the throat or neck, or by blocking the nose and mouth

“Household member” generally refers to current and former spouses, people who live together, parents of a child in common, and certain dating partners.

Why “No Marks” Does Not Mean “No Charge”

Medical research shows that many strangulation survivors have no visible neck injury. Prosecutors know this, so they do not wait for bruising. Instead, they look for petechiae (tiny red spots in the eyes or face), a hoarse voice, or a sore throat. Bruising can also appear a day or two later, which is why photos taken after arrest can become evidence.

How a Strangulation Charge Starts in Campbell County

From a 911 Call to a Felony Arrest

Most of these cases begin with a 911 call. Officers respond, separate everyone, take statements, and often make an arrest on the same night. Wyoming law allows officers to make arrests without a warrant if they have probable cause, and W.S. 7-20-102 sets additional rules for domestic violence calls.

What Evidence Prosecutors Use When There Are No Marks

Without visible injuries, the state usually relies on:

• 911 recordings, which are often admitted as excited utterances.
• Body camera footage from responding officers.
• Medical records noting throat tenderness or voice changes.
• Photos taken hours or days after the incident.
• Text messages and witness statements.
• Recorded jail calls.

What Happens After the Arrest in Campbell County

Felony cases follow a set path outlined on the county’s felony process page. Campbell County is part of Wyoming’s Sixth Judicial District.

Initial Appearance and Bond Conditions

Your first hearing usually happens within 48 to 72 hours at the Campbell County Circuit Court. The judge reads the charge, addresses your right to a lawyer, and sets bond. Felony strangulation often brings a higher bond than a misdemeanor domestic violence charge, and the judge will likely order no contact with the alleged victim.

Preliminary Hearing in Circuit Court

At this hearing, the judge decides whether there is probable cause to send the case to the District Court. Your attorney can cross-examine witnesses under oath and record their testimony. If the case is weak, it can end here.

District Court Arraignment and Beyond

If the case is “bound over,” you enter a plea in the Sixth Judicial District Court. A not-guilty plea protects your right to file pre-trial motions. From there, the case moves through motions, negotiations, and possibly a jury or bench trial. Contested felonies often take 6 to 18 months, while plea resolutions can take 3 to 9 months.

No-Contact Orders and What They Mean for You

A no-contact order is a court-ordered condition of your release. It is not issued by the alleged victim, and they are not able to cancel it. This means that:

• You should not reply if the alleged victim contacts you first.
• You may not be able to enter your own home, even if you own or rent it.
• Jail phone calls are recorded and prosecutors listen to them.
• Attempting to pass messages through friends may result in accusations of witness tampering.

Violating the release conditions can lead to bond revocation and additional charges. A separate order for domestic violence protection has its own penalties under W.S. 6-4-404, which include up to six months in jail and a $750 fine.