Source: https://www.benglasslaw.com/library/learn-about-virginia-s-strangulation-code-.cfm
Timestamp: 2019-04-19 07:37:30+00:00

Document:
Often times, an individual charged with a domestic assault will also be charged with strangulation if there’s an allegation that the accused chocked the complainant. Because the statute is relatively new, there’s not a significant body of law that has been developed that further defines this section.
However, when reviewing the statute, one case that must be understood well is Ricks v. Commonwealth, 290 Va. 470 (2015).
This case is actually a combination of two separate cases that were considered by the Virginia Supreme Court at once.
Defendant Chilton: This was the second case considered in which the complainant alleged that the defendant “may have grabbed me around by throat briefly.” While the complainant stated that “I saw black,” on cross-examination, she conceded that she couldn’t recall the defendant actually putting his hands around her neck.
We find persuasive authority both from the Court of Appeals and other jurisdictions. The Court of Appeals has given “the phrase ‘bodily injury’ its ‘everyday, ordinary meaning,’ which needs no technical, anatomical definition.” English, 58 Va.App. at 718, 715 S.E.2d at 395 (quoting Luck, 32 Va.App. at 832, 531 S.E.2d at 43). “To prove a bodily injury, the victim need not experience any observable wounds, cuts, or breaking of the skin. Nor must she offer proof of ‘broken bones or bruises.’ ” Id. at 719, 715 S.E.2d at 395 (quoting Luck, 32 Va.App. at 831–32, 531 S.E.2d at 43). “[I]nternal injuries—no less than external injuries—fall within the scope of Code § 18.2–51.” Id.
The United States Code defines “bodily injury” as “a cut, abrasion, bruise, burn, or disfigurement; physical pain; illness; impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty; or any other injury to the body, no matter how temporary.” 18 U.S.C. § 1515(a)(5)(A–E). Other states have broadly defined “bodily injury.” Neb.Rev.Stat. § 28–109 (2015) (“physical pain, illness, or any impairment of physical condition”); Tenn.Code Ann. § 39–11–106(a)(2) (“a cut, abrasion, bruise, burn or disfigurement, and physical pain or temporary illness or impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty”); Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 6–1–104(a)(i) (“ ‘Bodily injury’ means: (A) A cut, abrasion, burn or temporary disfigurement; (B) Physical pain; or (C) Impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ or mental faculty.”).
Finding the foregoing authorities persuasive, and in light of our broad definition of bodily injury when applying Code § 18.2–51, today we hold that “bodily injury” within the scope of Code § 18.2–51.6 is any bodily injury whatsoever and includes an act of damage or harm or hurt that relates to the body; is an impairment of a function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty; or is an act of impairment of a physical condition.
With respect to the Chilton appeal, the Supreme Court found there wasn’t enough for a conviction. Specifically because the complainant never “testified that Chilton actually applied pressure to her neck.” The Supreme Court also found that “seeing black” is not bodily injury as the complainant never totally lost consciousness.
1. Strangulation doesn’t require significant injury. The Virginia Supreme Court set a relatively broad definition of bodily injury. Just because there wasn’t permanent injury, blood, broken bones, etc. that doesn’t mean it doesn’t violate this Code Section.
2. Statements Matter. In Ricks, the defendant outright denied chocking the complainant. However, the trial court still convicted him. Simply because criminal law requires the Government to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt doesn’t mean a “he said-she said” case means an acquittal is a foregone conclusion. Credibility and circumstances will still play a huge role in the case.
3. Confessions Matter. While not considered in the Ricks case, statements made to the police will be used against an accused. And often times those statements cannot be undone. In many cases, particularly this type of charge, statements to the police could indeed make or break the case.
If you have any additional questions about this statute feel free to give BenGlassLaw a call at (703)584-7277.

References: v. 
 § 18
 § 1515
 § 28
 § 39
 § 6
 § 18
 § 18