Man gets probation after rider for attempted strangulation

COEUR d’ALENE — A man who was convicted of choking his former girlfriend received a sentence of 15 years of probation after completing a prison treatment program, according to the Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Following a three-day jury trial last September, Christopher W. Weede, 38, of Coeur d’Alene, was convicted of attempted strangulation, a felony. 

First District Judge Lansing Haynes sentenced Weede in December to 15 years in prison, the maximum possible penalty, with parole eligibility after eight years. 

Haynes opted to retain jurisdiction over Weede. That meant Weede would spend up to a year in a prison treatment program, also called a rider, after which the court would decide whether to place him on probation for the remainder of his sentence or send him back to prison. 

In late April, Weede went before First District Judge Casey Simmons for a rider review hearing. Simmons placed Weede on probation for a period of 15 years, according to prosecutors. 

The charge stemmed from February 2024, when prosecutors said Weede pushed and slapped the woman he was dating, then choked her “while telling her he was going to kill her.” 

After his arrest, prosecutors said Weede violated a no-contact order that forbade him from contacting the woman. He later pleaded guilty to battery and violating a no-contact order, both misdemeanors. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual abuse, reach Safe Passage 24/7 by calling 208-664-9303 or texting 208-449-7228.