S. 6987-A Summary

• Creates three new offenses in Penal Law Article 121: criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation (Class A misdemeanor), strangulation in the second degree (Class D felony), and strangulation in the first degree (Class C felony), with an affirmative defense for valid medical or dental purposes.

• Classifies strangulation offenses as violent felonies for purposes of criminal procedure and sentencing, making them subject to mandatory minimum sentences and affecting parole eligibility.

• Includes strangulation offenses in the definition of "spousal abuse" under domestic relations law, social services law, and family court jurisdiction provisions for family offense proceedings.

• Applies strangulation offenses to various criminal procedure provisions including grand jury witness support, bail determinations, crime victim compensation, and protective order eligibility.

• Adds strangulation convictions to vehicle and traffic law disqualification provisions resulting in five-year driver's license suspension.