In the State of Tennessee, the both of the terms “assault” and “battery” are included under the title of “Assault.” Assaults can carry harsh penalties and are taken seriously in Tennessee.

Tennessee Assault Laws

  • Assault (Simple Assault): Assault is defined as either intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another; or, intentionally or knowingly causing another to reasonably fear imminent bodily harm. It is charged as a misdemeanor.
  • Assault (Offensive Touch): In Tennessee, it is considered assault to intentionally or knowingly cause offensive contact with another that a reasonable person would regard as extremely offensive or provocative.
  • Aggravated Assault: Aggravated assault is an assault that causes seriously bodily injury to another; or, with the use or display of a deadly weapon. It is charged as a felony.

Violent crimes such as assault, domestic assault, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, rape, kidnapping, and murder are taken very seriously under Tennessee criminal law. The attorneys at The Cave Law Firm, PLLC have extensive experience handling assault cases in the East Tennessee area.

The charge for an assault violent crime in Tennessee can be prosecuted as either a felony or a misdemeanor. If convicted, you could face have to pay full restitution to the victim, counseling, probation, a criminal record, and time in the county jail or state prison.

Tennessee has some of the tough laws and punishments for a conviction of an assault violent crime. A conviction of a violent crime can result from a charge by the prosecutor of either a misdemeanor or a felony. A conviction can result in jail or prison time, fines, full restitution to the victim, probation or parole, counseling, and a permanent entry on your criminal record. Other consequences include potentially losing your rights to own a firearm, loss of your job or employment opportunities and/or loss of your driver’s license. These charges are extremely serious and can be used to enhance future punishment in the future.

If you have been arrested and charged with an assault crime in East Tennessee, do not take it lightly. It is in your best interest to hire a qualified Tennessee criminal defense attorney.

East Tennessee Assault Defense Attorneys

Through our offices in Greeneville and Kingsport, the attorneys at The Cave Law Firm, PLLC have also been able to obtain extensive knowledge of the law and the legal system in Johnson City, Morristown, and Newport areas.

Assault related charges can be defended in Tennessee through the affirmative defense of effective consent or the inability of the prosecution to prove each element of the alleged crime. If you have been charged with an assault crime in the Kingsport, Greeneville, Morristown, or Jonesborough area, it is important to contact an experience attorney for your defense.

The attorneys at the Cave Law Firm, PLLC, understand the severity of these charges and how to obtain the best result for your case.

For more information about the various defenses for your assault case, and to schedule your free consultation, please do not hesitate to call The Cave Law Firm toll-free at (855) 228-3529 for a FREE CONSULTATION. If you prefer, you may submit an inquiry with us on our Contact Us page.