Menu
Call
Contact
Blog

Chattanooga Domestic Violence Lawyer

Have you or a loved one in Chattanooga been accused of domestic violence? These allegations can turn your life upside down in an instant. Your reputation, freedom, and future are all at stake.

What you need is knowledgeable and strategic legal counsel to protect your interests and develop the strongest possible case in your defense.

At the Law Office of Sam Byrd, we provide dedicated and skilled domestic violence defense in Chattanooga. With decades of experience, our Chattanooga domestic violence lawyer has the resources to examine the charges closely and create a comprehensive solution.

Whether just arrested or wrongly convicted, our confidential consultations craft custom defense plans aligning evidence, witness testimony, and emotional narratives toward justice.
There are always options and hope with the right partner. Contact us today.

 

Consequences of Domestic Violence in Chattanooga

Domestic violence is usually charged as domestic assault in Tennessee. Domestic assault is when someone knowingly causes physical harm to another person. Additionally, causing someone extreme and reasonable fear that you’ll hurt them can constitute domestic assault.

To be considered domestic abuse, these acts must occur between close relatives or household members, such as:

  • Current or former spouses
  • Current or former roommates
  • People related by blood or adoption
  • Parents and children
  • Dating or sexual partners

The consequences of domestic assault conviction depend on the classification of the charge.

A harsher sentence typically results in a worse punishment. Here are the penalties for domestic assault in Tennessee:

  • Class A Misdemeanor: Up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a fine of up to $15,000
  • Class B Misdemeanor: Up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $500
  • Class C Felony: 3 – 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
  • Class D Felony: 2 – 12 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000

If the defendant is a repeat offender or received additional domestic assault charges along with domestic violence, they’ll likely receive further penalties. Also, people convicted of domestic violence usually face other punishments, such as losing the right to possess firearms.

 

Aggravating and Mitigating Factors for Domestic Violence

Most defendants have aggravating and mitigating factors that can affect the outcome of their domestic violence case. Aggravating factors are elements a judge will look at that might make them increase your sentence.

Some examples of this include:

  • Having previous domestic violence convictions
  • Using a deadly weapon to commit the crime
  • Causing serious harm to the victim
  • Harming a vulnerable person

On the other hand, mitigating factors are reasons related to the defendant’s case that might make the judge decide to reduce their sentence.

Examples of mitigating factors can include the following:

  • Having a clean criminal record
  • Acting out of self-defense
  • Feeling genuine remorse for the crime
  • Dealing with addiction or mental illness

Your domestic violence attorney can use mitigating factors in their legal defense strategy to reduce your charges or penalties.

 

Contact a Chattanooga Domestic Violence Attorney

After you’ve been charged or arrested for domestic violence, you’re probably feeling lost and hopeless. In a time like this, you need an advocate on your side to protect your rights. Our team will stand by your side if you’ve been wrongfully accused of domestic violence or made a grave mistake.

If you need a Chattanooga, TN domestic violence attorney, contact us to schedule a consultation. Call now so we can discuss your legal options.

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!

Here’s What Our Clients Think About Working With Us

120+
Reviews

You May Have More Options Than You Think

How to Separate from Your Spouse While Living Together in Chattanooga

Separating from your spouse is never easy, but when you’re stuck under the same roof,...

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

What is a protective order?

A victim of domestic violence can request a protective order against the defendant. A protective order prohibits the defendant from contacting or being near the victim. It also bans them from harassing or threatening the person who requests the order. Failure to abide by a protective order can result in additional criminal charges.

What should I do if I'm wrongfully accused of domestic violence?

If you’re wrongfully accused of domestic violence, contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. In the meantime, don’t admit guilt and avoid talking to the police about the accusation. Once you hire a lawyer, they’ll advise you on what to do and fight endlessly to prove your innocence.

Should I speak to the police after I'm arrested?

Try to avoid speaking to the police after you’re arrested. If they ask you for personal information, such as your full name and address, you can provide them with those details. Remember that anything you say or do can be used against you in court, which is why it’s best to limit what you say to the police officer.

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

Serving Hamilton County and Beyond

with Our Chattanooga Divorce and Criminal Defense Law Firm