New Felony Strangulation Law Championed by Washington County Prosecutor
On April 3, 2018, Governor Kate Brown signed SB 1562, expanding the circumstances under which the crime of Strangulation is a felony offense. Beginning January 1, 2019, committing strangulation against a family or household member (an act of domestic violence) is a Class C Felony punishable by up to five (5) years in prison.
Washington County Senior Deputy District Attorney Gina Skinner has been advocating to classify Strangulation as a felony since the Oregon Legislature first made it a crime in 2003. This bill was the culmination of years of effort by Sr. DDA Skinner and others working with community partners and lawmakers in both parties to protect victims of domestic violence. Sr. DDA Skinner, who also manages an active caseload and supervisory responsibilities here in the DA’s Office, will continue to be a tireless voice in Salem for laws that hold dangerous offenders accountable and keep victims safe.
Governor Brown signs SB 1562 into law. Sr. DDA Skinner fourth from left.
