Ohio Code § 2903.18
Ohio Code § 2903.18. Reproduced from the official Ohio Revised Code, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.
§ 2903.18.
(A) As used in this section: (1) “ Strangulation or suffocation ” means any act that impedes the normal breathing or circulation of the blood by applying
pressure to the throat or neck, or by covering the nose and mouth. (2) “Dating relationship” has the same meaning as in section 3113.31 of the Revised Code . (3) “Family or household member” has the same meaning as in section 2919.25 of the Revised Code . (4) “ Person with whom the offender is or was in a dating relationship ” means a person who at the time of the conduct in question is in a dating relationship
with the defendant or who, within the twelve months preceding the conduct in question,
has had a dating relationship with the defendant. (B) No person shall knowingly do any of the following: (1) Cause serious physical harm to another by means of strangulation or suffocation; (2) Create a substantial risk of serious physical harm to another by means of strangulation
or suffocation; (3) Cause or create a substantial risk of physical harm to another by means of strangulation
or suffocation. (C) Whoever violates this section is guilty of strangulation. (1) A violation of division (B)(1) of this section is a felony of the second degree. (2) A violation of division (B)(2) of this section is a felony of the third degree. (3) A violation of division (B)(3) of this section is a felony of the fifth degree. If the victim of the violation of division (B)(3) of this section is a family or
household member, or is a person with whom the offender is or was in a dating relationship,
a violation of division (B)(3) of this section is a felony of the fourth degree. If the victim of the offense is a family or household member, or is a person with
whom the offender is or was in a dating relationship, and the offender previously
has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a felony offense of violence, or if the
offender knew that the victim of the violation was pregnant at the time of the violation,
a violation of division (B)(3) of this section is a felony of the third degree. (D) It is an affirmative defense to a charge under division (B) of this section that
the act was done as part of a medical or other procedure undertaken to aid or benefit
the victim.
Source: official Ohio text · Last verified 2026-08-27
At a glance
- Citation: Ohio Revised Code § 2903.18
- Jurisdiction: Ohio
- Code: Ohio Revised Code
- Text: transcribed from the official source (verify below)
Verify the text
Statute text is transcribed from the official Ohio Revised Code. Confirm it against the primary source before relying on it:
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed Ohio attorney.
Common questions
What is the source of Ohio Revised Code § 2903.18?
The text above is transcribed from the Ohio Revised Code, the codified statutes of Ohio. The official publisher link appears under "Verify the text" on this page.
What subject does Ohio Revised Code § 2903.18 address?
It addresses the rule set out in the section text. Read the section together with the surrounding provisions listed under "Nearby provisions" for the full picture.
Is Ohio Revised Code § 2903.18 still in force?
Statutes are amended, repealed, and renumbered every session. Confirm the current version at the official Ohio source before relying on this text.
Can this page be used as legal advice?
No. This is a reference transcription for research. Applying Ohio law to your facts requires a licensed Ohio attorney who can review the specifics.