West Virginia Code § 61-2-9d

Strangulation; suffocation and asphyxiation; definitions; penalties
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(a) As used in this section:
"Bodily injury" means substantial physical pain, illness or any impairment of physical
condition;
"Strangle" means knowingly and willfully restricting another person's air intake or blood
flow by the application of pressure on the neck or throat;
"Suffocate" means knowingly and willfully restricting the normal breathing or circulation of
blood by blocking the nose or mouth of another; and
"Asphyxiate" means knowingly and willfully restricting the normal breathing or circulation of
blood by the application of pressure on the chest or toarso.
(b) Any person who strangles, suffocates or asphyxiates another without that person's
consent and thereby causes the other person bodily injury or loss of consciousness is guilty
of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $2,500 or imprisoned
in a state correctional facility not less than one year or more than five years, or both fined
and imprisoned.

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