Assault Laws in Nashville

Being charged with an assault is a serious offense. It is imperative that you hire a lawyer to represent you immediately after arrest. We understand the disruption that an arrest has on someone, and we strive to use our knowledge and experience to make this unpleasant process less traumatic.

Assault in Tennessee

An assault is illegal pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated Section 39-13-101 (Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-102). An assault is defined as either:

• intentionally , knowingly or recklessly causing bodily injury to another;
• intentionally or knowingly causing another to reasonably fear imminent bodily injury; or
• intentionally or knowingly causing physical contact with another and a reasonable person would regard the contact as extremely offensive or provocative.

An assault can be either a Class A Misdemeanor, carrying up to 11 months 29 days in jail and a fine up to $2,500.00 or a Class B Misdemeanor, carrying up to 6 months in jail and a fine up to $500.00. The latter definition of an assault is above is a class B misdemeanor.

Aggravated Assault Charges

An aggravated assault is illegal pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated Section 39-13-102. Aggravated Assault is defined as follows:

Intentionally or knowingly commits an assault and that assault:

• Causes serious bodily injury to another; or
• Uses or displays a deadly weapon; or
• Recklessly commits an assault by causing bodily injury to another; and
• Causes serious bodily injury to another; or
• Uses or displays a deadly weapon.

Aggravated assault can be either a Class C Felony, carrying from 3 to 15 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.00, or a Class D Felony, carrying from 2 to 12 years in prison and a fine up to $5,000.00. The latter definition of an aggravated assault above is a class D felony.

Hire an Experienced TN Assault Attorney

As you can clearly see, the consequences of being arrested for an assault are severe. A competent criminal lawyer can help you in the following ways:

• Effectively defend the charges and have your case dismissed
• Plea bargain for no jail time, no fine, and the eventual expungement from your permanent criminal record
• Plea bargain to a reduced charge
• Secure a Not Guilty verdict after a jury trial

Call us today for a free, no obligation consultation!

(615) 259-2660