SC S0455

Creates the criminal offense of strangulation, defined as restricting airflow or blood circulation by applying pressure to the throat/neck, blocking nose/mouth, or applying weight to torso/abdomen/shoulders to restrict breathing

Strangulation offense carries a mandatory prison sentence of 3-10 years upon conviction

Establishes aggravated strangulation (10-20 years imprisonment) when the offender violates a protection/restraining order, uses a deadly weapon or ligature, or has a prior strangulation conviction

Physical injury is not required for prosecution; lack of visible injury is not a valid defense due to the potential for non-visible internal injuries

Provides affirmative defenses for necessary medical procedures, lawful law enforcement actions, and situations where the victim consented to the defendant's actions