Reviewed on: April 30,2026
Sentencing Questions

How Much Time Does Attempted Strangulation Carry in Idaho?

Someone I know got arrested in Idaho at valley co jail...his charges are attempted strangulation, assault and battery, and breaking a cell phone... what kind of time is he facing...I know nothing about idaho

The combination of charges here is serious and the exposure is significant.
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Answered by a former federal inmate · 14+ years advising families
✓ Verified answer December 12,2017 · Sentencing Questions
1

The combination of charges here is serious and the exposure is significant. Idaho treats these matters similarly to other states but the specific sentencing ranges reflect how seriously the law views violent offenses, particularly strangulation.

Attempted strangulation is the charge that carries the most weight. In Idaho and across most of the country, strangulation has been elevated in recent years from a misdemeanor assault to a felony in its own right, specifically because research has established it as one of the strongest predictors of escalating domestic violence and potential homicide. Idaho Code treats strangulation as a felony carrying substantial prison time, potentially up to life imprisonment in the most serious circumstances depending on how the charge is filed and what the prosecution can prove.

Assault and battery charges stack on top of that. The broken cell phone adds a destruction of property or evidence charge that is relatively minor on its own but contributes to the overall picture the prosecution presents.

The critical variables are his prior criminal history and the specific circumstances of the incident. A prior history of violence, particularly domestic violence, changes the calculus dramatically and prosecutors in Idaho pursue repeat offenders aggressively. The relationship between him and the victim, whether children were present, and whether any injuries required medical treatment all factor into how the charges get filed and how hard the prosecution pushes.

He needs a criminal defense attorney in Valley County immediately. The early stages of this process, before charges are formally filed and before any statements are made, are where the outcome gets shaped. Do not wait on that.

Accepted Answer Date Created: December 12,2017
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About this answer: This response was prepared by InmateAid’s editorial team in consultation with former inmates who have direct experience with the federal correctional system. InmateAid has served families of the incarcerated since 2012. This is general information only — not legal advice. Last reviewed April 2026.