S 121.11 Criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation. A person is guilty of criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation when, with intent to impede the normal breathing or circulation of the blood of another person, he or she: a. applies pressure on the throat or neck of such person; or b. blocks the nose or mouth of such person. Criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation is a class A misdemeanor. S 121.12 Strangulation in the second degree. *Hate Crime Specified Offense A person is guilty of strangulation in the second degree when he or she commits the crime of criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, as defined in section 121.11 of this article, and thereby causes stupor, loss of consciousness for any period of time, or any other physical injury or impairment. Strangulation in the second degree is a class D felony. *Class D Violent Felony S 121.13 Strangulation in the first degree. *Hate Crime Specified Offense A person is guilty of strangulation in the first degree when he or she commits the crime of criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, as defined in section 121.11 of this article, and thereby causes serious physical injury to such other person. Strangulation in the first degree is a class C felony. *Class C Violent Felony S 121.14 Medical or dental purpose. For purposes of sections 121.11, 121.12 and 121.13 of this article, it shall be an affirmative defense that the defendant performed such conduct for a valid medical or dental purpose. Top of Page
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