Strangulation to become Felony

TYLER - Hard to believe, but not all strangulation cases in Texas used to be felony offenses.

The victim had to pass out before they could actually be considered a misdemeanor.

A new law takes effect this month that changes that.

Now all strangulation cases will be bumped up to felonies.

Victims' advocates say this could be huge in cases of domestic violence.

"It'll increase sentencing times and you know, actual tangible accountability for these crimes," says Becky Henderson from the East Texas Crisis Center.

Victims' advocates say strangulation is often reported as a common occurrence in family violence situations.