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Aggravated Assault | Domestic Assault Attorney Hamilton County

Have you or a loved one been arrested in the greater Chattanooga area for assault, battery, domestic violence, or another violent offense? These grave accusations jeopardize futures overnight — but skilled legal advocacy makes every difference in avoiding harsh outcomes.

As Chattanooga assault and battery lawyers attorneys, we’ve helped many clients through this crisis. We know exactly how to test the claims and surface every contradiction and credibility concern around witnesses and evidence. All while reminding prosecutors that sloppy cases still destroy innocent lives.

Don’t go through this fight alone. Contact us today to begin building your defense.

Assault and Aggravated Assault Defined

Tennessee Code Annotated §39-13-101. Assault.

State law provides that a person who commits assault must have done one of the following:

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

Tennessee Code Annotated §39-13-102. Aggravated Assault.

Aggravated assault requires the use of a deadly weapon or serious bodily injury to have occurred.

Tennessee law provides that a person commits an aggravated assault who intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly commits an assault as defined above and:

  • Causes serious bodily injury to another
  • Uses or displays a deadly weapon
  • Involved strangulation or attempted strangulation

Every assault case is different. Regardless of the charges you’re facing, the penalties are severe. At the Law Office of Sam Byrd, our criminal defense attorneys can help get your charges dismissed or reduced by building a strong defense on your behalf.

Penalties for Assault and Battery Charges in Chattanooga, TN

Sentencing guidelines can vary widely based on factors from criminal history to use of weapons and injuries sustained by victims. This chart provides an at-a-glance overview of potential penalties so you understand exactly what is at risk:

Simple Assault (Misdemeanor)

  • Up to 11 months in jail and $2,500 fines (Class A)
  • Up to 6 months in jail and $500 fines (Class B)

Aggravated Assault (Felony or Misdemeanor)

  • 3-15 years in prison and $10,000 fines (Class C Felony)
  • 2-12 years in prison and $5,000 fines (Class D Felony)
  • Up to 11 months in jail and $2,500 fines (Class A Misdemeanor)

The penalties depend on whether the assault charge is a misdemeanor or felony, and for felonies, what classification it falls under. Generally, simple assault has shorter jail times and lower fines, while aggravated assault can potentially lead to years in prison and higher fines. The most severe penalties are for Class C and D felony aggravated charges.

We’ll Provide a Thorough Defense on Your Behalf

At the Law Office of Sam Byrd, we understand the intense emotions surrounding these serious criminal charges. Here’s how we’ll help you:

We’ll prepare you. We’ll inform you about all aspects of your case and involve you in your defense. By investigating self-defense, witness credibility issues, and employing powerful defense tactics, our aggressive representation will protect your rights if you have been charged in Tennessee.

We’ll go above and beyond. When you’re facing serious penalties, you need a Chattanooga assault lawyer who will spend as much time as necessary to investigate, prepare, and try your case to a judge or jury to ensure you’re receiving the quality representation you deserve.

If you or someone close to you has been charged with a violent crime, you should consult with skilled and experienced criminal defense lawyers in Chattanooga. Your future and the futures of those you love depend on it.

Charged with Assault in Chattanooga? Know Your Rights

If you are accused of a violent crime—including murder, rape, reckless endangerment, aggravated assault, or assault—in Chattanooga and surrounding areas such as Red Bank, Soddy Daisy, East Ridge, Cleveland, Collegedale, Graysville, or Sequatchie, Marion, or Rhea County area:

  1. Do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney.
  2. If you do not have an attorney, obtain one immediately.

Sam Byrd can help you through the complex process of defending a violent crime or assault charge. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with a criminal defense lawyer.

Meet with a Proven Chattanooga Assault and Battery Attorney

We understand that it can be frightening to be charged with committing a violent crime. But one thing is certain—you don’t have to do this alone.

As an experienced criminal defense team, the Law Office of Sam Byrd will act with a steadfast commitment to secure a favorable result on your behalf. Whether a dismissal, prevailing at trial, or negotiating a deal for you, the team always strives to be one step ahead of the game.

Our law firm provides tough, proactive criminal defense services for people who have been charged with violent crimes that include:

  • Assault and battery
  • Aggravated assault
  • Assault with a deadly weapon
  • Bar fights
  • Domestic assault

Charged in Chattanooga, TN? Talk to the legal team at the Law Office of Sam Byrd today about your case.

 

Live With Less Fear Now, Knowing You Are Being Served Fearlessly!

Our primary goal is to get you to a better life as quickly and painlessly as possible. We are skilled in the art of navigating the legal system to do just that. We know the recipe for success and will guide you toward it with communication and aggressive representation.

01.
Free Case Evaluation

Our Intake Team Will Review The General Factors In Your Case So We Know How To Serve You Best

02.
Goal Setting Session

We Will Review Options and Set Goals Together To Step You Through This Difficult Time Into A Better Life

03.
Enjoy Peace Of Mind

We Have Your Back And Will Negotiate, Advocate, And Litigate If We Must!

04.
Get On With Life

And Know We Are Here In Your Corner If And When You Ever Need Us. Your Peace Of Mind Is Our Passion!

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Law Office of Sam Byrd was build on the back of aggressive, proactive legal guidance for clients who are looking for a creative and innovative attorney to get them through some of the hardest times of their lives. Often riddled with fear, anxiety, and pain, Sam and his team have been able to deliver results for people and families in desperate need of something different – instant relief through aggressive and appropriate representation.

Because you are seen as a HUMAN, not a line item on an accounting report or a case number on a court docket. We believe you deserve to be served with diligence and integrity – giving you our best through your worst times to provide the best possible experience from the beginning.

FAQ

Is assault and battery a felony in Tennessee?

Assault and battery charges, whether intentional or reckless, may be either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the situation and severity of injury inflicted. A misdemeanor assault may be classified as a “simple assault” or “domestic assault,” the difference being that domestic has additional collateral consequences if it’s between family, lovers, or roommates, and are both punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, plus fines, court costs, anger management classes, and a no-contact order with the alleged victim.

A no-contact order can cause problems with your child’s other parent and can interfere with your parenting rights and child access and access to your home. Felony assaults occur when there is an increased risk of escalation of behavior involving the use of a weapon or significant bodily injury, which may be punishable by up to 15 years in prison, depending on the charge.

How long does a simple assault charge stay on your record in Tennessee?

Assault charges, simple or aggravated, are not eligible for expungement in Tennessee, meaning a conviction will stay on your criminal record indefinitely. However, Tennessee does provide a one-time “out” provision for people who qualify through a program of diversion, otherwise known as the “first offender program.”

An experienced lawyer will be able to help determine if you qualify for eligibility and make an application and argument for inclusion. If your lawyer can get you accepted into this program, then many people who have never been in trouble with the law before may be able to keep their record clean, even if they did the bad act for which they were arrested!

We can help if you need a criminal defense attorney or DUI defense lawyer

Over the years it has been gut-wrenching to see how better representation would have changed the lives of those charged with criminal offenses in Chattanooga. I have been in courtrooms where someone felt they had done nothing wrong so they did not get representation because they thought the facts would be enough to maintain their freedom. Although the Tennessee criminal justice process might seem straightforward, it rarely is. The law is complicated and has many small nuances that can create big impacts. Knowing how to navigate the legal system and having an experienced and aggressives criminal defense attorney on your side, and in your corner, is the difference that changes the dynamic in your criminal defense case.

Both criminal charges and drunk driving charges can sometimes be resolved by one of the following:

  • An outright dismissal of the criminal charges against you
  • Passing the case for a period of time for it to be dismissed upon your good behavior
  • Guilty plea diversion, which allows first offenders to have the charge removed from their record if they satisfactorily complete all probation requirements
  • Alternative sentencing such as probation to prevent or reduce jail time
  • Reducing serious charges to lesser charges, which reduces possible jail and probation time
  • Minimizing the jail time and other consequences of conviction

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