Assault of Family or Household Member and Impeding Breathing or Circulation

Assault — Family/Household Member Impeding Breath or Circulation is a Third-Degree Felony under Texas Penal Code § 22.01(b)(2)(B), carrying 2–10 years in a Texas Department of Criminal Justice facility and a fine up to $10,000. This charge applies when the defendant intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly impedes the normal breathing or blood circulation of a family or household member by applying pressure to the throat or neck, or by blocking the nose or mouth. Texas elevated this offense to a felony because strangulation is a significant predictor of future lethal domestic violence. A prior family violence conviction escalates the charge to a Second-Degree Felony (2–20 years). Conviction also results in a permanent prohibition on firearm possession under federal law.