If a family member strangles someone during a domestic incident resulting in serious harm, what charge applies?

The situation involves a serious act of violence where one family member strangles another, leading to significant harm. In this context, Aggravated Domestic Battery is the appropriate charge because it encompasses instances where a family or household member causes bodily harm, particularly with an enhanced level of severity or potential to cause great bodily harm or disfigurement. Strangulation is recognized as a particularly dangerous act and typically indicates a higher level of intent to inflict serious injury, moving beyond the standard definition of domestic battery.

Domestic Battery generally concerns unlawful physical contact or bodily harm that does not escalate to the level seen in aggravated instances. Assault refers to the threat or attempt to cause harm, and Simple Battery involves minor or less serious physical interactions. Therefore, due to the nature of the act—strangulation resulting in serious harm—the charge of Aggravated Domestic Battery correctly reflects the severity of the crime and acknowledges the enhanced danger posed by such actions within a domestic context.