What Does ASLT FAM/HOUSE MEM IMPED BRTH Mean?
People see “ASLT FAM/HOUSE MEM IMPED BRTH/CIRC” on a court document or jail record and want to know what it means.
- ASLT = Assault
- FAM/HOUSE MEM = Family or Household Member
- IMPED = Impeding
- BRTH/CIRC = Breathing or Circulation
The charge is assault of a family or household member by impeding breathing or circulation — strangulation or choking. This offense is sometimes called “choking family violence.”
The statute and the punishment
The offense is defined in section 22.01(b)(2)(B) of the Texas Penal Code. The punishment is a third-degree felony: 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. This is a felony on the first offense — no prior conviction is required.
Defending the case
If you or someone you know is facing this charge, talk to a family-violence defense lawyer about the facts of the case.