Aggravated Assault Attorneys in Murfreesboro, Tennessee

According to statistics from the Crime in Tennessee annual report by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, 37,795 aggravated assault offenses were reported to law enforcement statewide in 2020. From bar fights, domestic disputes, road rage incidents, or confrontations at sporting events, assault charges in the state of Tennessee can carry serious penalties.

There are a number of legal defenses skilled Tennessee criminal defense attorneys can potentially utilize. As your legal counsel, we are determined to protect your rights and provide the best available defense for your unique case.

At McCarter | East PLLC, our team serves clients throughout Murfreesboro and Berry Hill, Tennessee. Reach out to us today to start building your legal defense.

Aggravated Assault in Tennessee

In the state of Tennessee, aggravated assault is a more serious offense than simple assault. Aggravated assault is a felony (not misdemeanor) offense. Felonies and misdemeanors differ in significant ways:

• Prison vs. Jail — In general, felonies carry a potential sentence to state prison while misdemeanors involve possible incarceration in a county or local jail.

• Length of Incarceration — In most states, misdemeanor sentences are not longer than one year, whereas felony sentences are a year or more, or even up to life.

• Post-Conviction Consequences — Individuals with felony convictions lose their rights to vote, serve on a jury, or own firearms. Convicted felons may find it difficult to obtain jobs, housing, or lines of credit.

Definition of Assault

Assault is legally defined as an unlawful attack by one person upon another for the purpose of inflicting severe or aggravated bodily injury. This type of assault is usually accompanied by the use of a weapon. The weapon does not need to be used and can be merely shown or displayed.

Weapon Categories & Scenarios

Firearms

Examples — Handguns, shotguns, rifles

Possible Scenario — A man has an argument with his girlfriend. The man hits the woman with his fist and points a gun at her. The woman calls the police and the man is arrested and charged with aggravated assault.

Knives & Cutting Instruments

Examples — Razorblade, knife, scissors, glass, broken bottles

Possible Scenario — During a dice game, a heated argument erupts and one man stabs another with a hypodermic needle. The victim recovers but the attacker is arrested and charged with aggravated assault.

Other Dangerous Objects

Examples — Mace, pepper spray, clubs, bricks, jack handles, tire irons

Possible Scenario — During an argument, a man picks up a baseball bat and hits his neighbors. The male victim suffers a minor bruise, but his wife has a concussion from a blow to the head. The police arrest the attacker and charge him with aggravated assault.

Hands, Fists, Feet, Etc.

Examples — Hands, arms, feet, fists, teeth

Possible Scenario — During an argument over a parking space, one man pushes another man to the ground. The man on the ground suffers abrasions and a broken wrist. The individual who pushed him is arrested and charged with aggravated assault.

Possible Consequences & Penalties

The potential penalties for a felony aggravated assault conviction in Tennessee depend on the severity of the allegations, the number of prior convictions, and other surrounding circumstances. This is a Class C or D felony, the penalties for which are.

• Class C Felony: Punishable by three to 15 years in state prison and a maximum fine of $10,000

• Class D Felony: Punishable by two to 12 years in state prison and a maximum fine of $5,000

Possible Defenses

When facing aggravated assault allegations, your attorney may seek to fight the charges using any of the following defenses:

• Self-defense

• False accusations

• Lack of knowledge

• Defense of others

• Defense of property

• Errors during the investigation

• Consent for mutual combat

• Lack of intent

• Inconsistencies in the evidence

• The victim’s behavior caused the violence

There are many options to establish a convincing aggravated assault defense. Your defense could mean the difference between imprisonment and freedom. This is why it is imperative to hire the right law firm to review the details of your case and fight for the justice you deserve.