Strangulation 1 (F) is defined as which combination?

Strangulation 1 (F) is defined as which combination?

• A. Criminal obstruction of breathing plus SPI.
• B. Criminal obstruction of breathing plus PI/unconsciousness.
• C. Unintentional obstruction of breathing during a robbery.
• D. Assault with a deadly weapon.

Answer: (A)

Strangulation 1 (F) rests on two elements: criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, and serious physical injury. The offense is a felony when the act of obstructing someone’s breathing or circulation is intentional and results in serious physical injury (SPI). That combination—obstruction plus SPI—is exactly what defines this charge, making it more serious than obstruction with only simple physical injury or unconsciousness. Other scenarios, such as unintentional obstruction or obstruction paired only with PI, do not meet the SPI requirement and so do not qualify as Strangulation 1 (F). And assault with a deadly weapon involves a different set of elements tied to the use of a weapon.

Strangulation 1 (F) rests on two elements: criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, and serious physical injury. The offense is a felony when the act of obstructing someone’s breathing or circulation is intentional and results in serious physical injury (SPI). That combination—obstruction plus SPI—is exactly what defines this charge, making it more serious than obstruction with only simple physical injury or unconsciousness. Other scenarios, such as unintentional obstruction or obstruction paired only with PI, do not meet the SPI requirement and so do not qualify as Strangulation 1 (F). And assault with a deadly weapon involves a different set of elements tied to the use of a weapon.