Senate Bill 717 would increase the criminal penalties for assault by strangulation under North Carolina law. The bill amends G.S. 14-32.4 to raise the offense level for assault inflicting serious bodily injury from a Class F felony to a Class E felony, and to raise the offense level for assault inflicting physical injury by strangulation from a Class H felony to a Class G felony. The existing offense of assault by strangulation, when no physical injury is specifically alleged, remains a Class H felony.
The bill also keeps the current statutory definition of strangulation, which includes impeding normal breathing or blood circulation by applying pressure to the throat or neck or by obstructing the nose and mouth. If enacted, the changes would apply only to offenses committed on or after June 1, 2025.
Impact
S717 would amend North Carolina’s assault statute, G.S. 14-32.4, by increasing felony classifications for strangulation-related assaults and thereby exposing offenders to higher sentencing ranges under the state’s structured sentencing system. The bill would affect prosecutors, defendants, courts, and victims in assault and domestic violence cases where strangulation is charged, while leaving the underlying offense definitions largely unchanged. Its effective date is June 1, 2025, and it applies prospectively only.
Sentiment
The bill’s title and sponsor lineup suggest a public-safety and victim-protection focus, particularly in domestic violence cases involving strangulation. No committee transcript or vote record is available, so there is no recorded debate or formal vote history to indicate broader legislative sentiment. Based on the text alone, the measure appears to be framed as a penalty enhancement rather than a substantive change to the elements of the offense.
Contention
The main policy issue is whether increasing felony classifications for strangulation assaults is the appropriate response to the conduct. Supporters would likely argue that strangulation is a high-risk form of violence that warrants stronger punishment, especially in domestic violence contexts, while opponents could question whether harsher penalties will improve deterrence or sentencing proportionality. Because there are no transcripts or votes provided, no specific legislator or stakeholder positions are documented in the available record.