Having an experienced lawyer on your side can help prove your innocence
The consequences of being found guilty of domestic assault are serious, including fines and jail time. Also concerning is having a criminal record that will follow you for the rest of your life, which can have a negative impact on current and future job opportunities. When you are facing domestic violence accusations or charges, contact Pate & Knott, a criminal defense law firm in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Our Tennessee criminal defense lawyers are experienced and highly skilled in defending your rights and your future in domestic violence cases.
Your argument became heated. Was it a crime?
Unfortunately, arguments can become intense and physical. Shoving, pushing, blocking someone's way, or verbal abuse might ensue. Not all, if any, of these behaviors, however, constitute a criminal offense. In Tennessee, domestic violence is assaultive behavior with a member of the family or household (T.C.A. 39-13-111). Under Tennessee law, assault is defined as (T.C.A. 39-13-101):
- Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing bodily injury to another.
- Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes another to reasonably fear imminent bodily injury.
- Intentionally or knowingly causes physical contact and a reasonable person would regard the contact as extremely offensive or provocative.
A heated family argument is not necessarily a crime, yet one of the parties can be charged, and even convicted of a crime as a result of a highly charged family dispute. Among other questions, we will examine:
- Did the accused have criminal intent?
- Did the victim “reasonably” fear injury?
- Was the injury a result of the accused's actions?
Our domestic violence defense lawyers analyze the facts of your case and strive to prove that in your case a crime did not occur.
People often make false accusations in retaliation for perceived wrongs, or to affect an ongoing legal dispute such as divorce. You need our Murfreesboro criminal defense attorneys to ensure that the court understands the true facts of your case.
What are the punishments if found guilty of domestic assault?
In Tennessee, being found guilty of domestic assault means you are either guilty of simple assault towards a family or household member or an individual whom you are dated or with whom you have a child. Aggravated assault, among other things, is assault which results in death or serious injury, or involves the display of a weapon.
The State of Tennessee's sentencing guidelines specify sentences for crimes according to how the crimes are categorized:
- Simple assault, depending on the circumstances, is normally a Class A misdemeanor, and is punishable by fines ranging from $500 to $2,500.
- Aggravated assault is a felony. The punishments for this offense can result in imprisonment for a two to four year jail or penitentiary term.
If you are charged with domestic assault, contact a Murfreesboro criminal defense attorney today for a confidential consultation.
Domestic assault charges are serious and can impact your life and your livelihood forever. If you are facing charges, do not admit to anything without contacting us first. The Murfreesboro domestic assault defense attorneys at Pate & Knott are dedicated to protecting you. Call us today at 615-848-1221 or contact us online. Evening and weekend appointments available. Our office is located at 104 North Church Street in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
We serve clients in Rutherford, Cannon, Bedford, DeKalb, Wilson, Smith, Lincoln, Warren, and Williamson counties.