Which of the following does NOT need to be present to charge someone with assault by strangulation?

To charge someone with assault by strangulation, it is crucial to understand the specific elements that must be present to establish the offense. One of the foundational aspects of this crime is the intent to cause harm. Properly charging someone relies on demonstrating that the accused had a conscious objective to inflict injury or harm upon another person.

While visible external injuries and physical evidence of injury can certainly bolster a case and provide proof of the assault, they are not strictly required for charges to be brought forward. This means that even in the absence of direct physical evidence or visible signs of injury, if the intent to harm can be established through other means, such as witness testimony or the circumstances surrounding the assault, a charge could still be made. Therefore, intent to harm remains a critical factor that must be present in order to successfully pursue a charge of assault by strangulation.

In summary, the absence of visible external injuries, while potentially impactful, does not negate the capacity to charge someone with assault by strangulation as long as there is intent to harm established within the case.