Assault Charges In Tennessee
Many disagreements can escalate into an incident that may result in an assault charge. For example, if you get into an argument in a restaurant with a server and threaten them verbally, this could be charged as assault, even if you never touch them.
If you are convicted of assault in Tennessee, you could receive a sentence of jail time and fines. Plus, you’ll have a permanent criminal record. You want to avoid a conviction whenever possible.
Avoid these severe consequences by speaking to a Tennessee assault defense attorney at Raybin & Weissman, P.C.
What Are Tennessee Assault Laws?
If you offensively touch someone else or intimidate them into thinking they could be harmed, this is assault under Tennessee law. In this state, assault is either simple or aggravated, depending on the case’s specifics.
Simple assault involves physical or verbal threats or causing minor wounds if the assault leads to contact. Simple assault does not involve a weapon. On the other hand, aggravated assault involves a deadly weapon or causes serious injuries.
In Tennessee, simple assault might apply in these situations:
- You injured someone els
- You caused someone to fear for their safety because they feared an imminent bodily injury
- You caused an offensive or aggressive physical contact with someone
Assault charges and convictions are fact-specific, and law enforcement officers can often misconstrue what occurred to justify an arrest and charges. You need a lawyer to protect your rights.
How Assault Is Charged In Tennessee
Simple assault can be charged as a Class A misdemeanor if you cause physical harm or the fear of immediate harm. Other threats or offensive contact (without harm) will be charged as a Class B misdemeanor.
Aggravated assault often involves a weapon and will be charged as a felony. Depending on your situation, you might face up to 12 or 15 years in prison as a maximum sentence.
Examples Of Simple And Aggravated Assault
What are the differences between simple and aggravated assault? Here are some examples:
Simple Assault
- Causing or threatening to cause minor injuries or using aggressive touching and threatening words
- Pushing someone during an argument
- Threatening someone verbally with violence
- Raising your fist and moving toward them in a threatening way
Aggravated Assault
- Causing or threatening to cause serious injuries or using a weapon during the incident
- Waving a knife and threatening to stab the other person
- Using a bottle to hit the other person on the head
- Shooting someone or making threats with a gun
- Committing assault with the intent to commit another crime, such as rape or robbery
You always want to have an aggressive defense against any type of assault charge.
Speak To A Nashville Assault Criminal Defense Attorney Today
If you were charged with assault in Nashville, you could be sent to jail and fined. You also will have a permanent criminal record that could mar your employment and personal life forever.
The criminal defense attorneys at Raybin & Weissman, P.C. can help with your assault charge by offering the most vigorous defense to these serious charges. Contact our attorneys today for a complimentary consultation.