Facing Assault Charges in Tennessee? Let Us Help You.
Assault cases in Tennessee can get complicated fast. We know there are two sides to the story — and our job is to make sure your side is heard. At Michael & Associates, our top priority is simple: fight for a dismissal or the best possible outcome.
The stakes are high in any assault case. Even a misdemeanor assault conviction can follow you for life, affecting your career, relationships, and reputation. And if the charge involves family violence, the potential penalties and stigma only get worse.
When tempers flare, misunderstandings can happen. And one person’s version of events isn’t always the whole truth.
And when police get called to a fight — especially one involving family members or accusations of domestic violence — someone is probably going to jail. But that doesn’t mean a conviction is a foregone conclusion.
This is where we step in. Our team knows how to dissect every detail of your case to protect your freedom and your future.
Common Assault Charges in Tennessee
Unfortunately, it's all too easy to end up facing assault charges in Tennessee.
Whether a parent attacks a teacher, people get into a brawl at a bar, a dispute between neighbors escalates, or an altercation outside of Bridgestone Arena, assault can occur in many different forms, with many other charges and penalties.
Simple Assault
Under Tennessee Code §39-13-101, you can be charged with simple assault if you:
- Hurt someone on purpose, knowing it could happen, or by acting recklessly
- Make someone reasonably fear they’re about to be hurt
- Touch someone in a way a reasonable person would find offensive or provocative
Most of the time, simple assault is a misdemeanor — but don’t let the word “simple” fool you. The penalties can still be serious:
- A Class A misdemeanor can lead to a maximum of 11 months and 29 days in jail, and fines up to $2,500
- A class B misdemeanor could mean up to 6 months in jail and fines up to $500
- Special cases, such as assaulting a first responder or nurse, will carry a mandatory 30 days in jail and a $5,000 fine
At Michael & Associates, we know how quickly these charges can turn your life upside down — and how to fight back. Our team has helped countless clients get charges reduced, dismissed, or beaten in court.
Aggravated Assault
Aggravated assault is a felony and usually involves:
- Serious bodily injury
- The use or display of a deadly weapon
- Attempted strangulation
- Death of the victim
If you’re facing aggravated assault charges in Tennessee, the penalties are no joke:
- Class C Felony: 3 to 15 years in prison and fines up to $10,000
- Class D Felony: 2 to 12 years in prison and fines up to $5,000
Domestic Assault
When the case involves a spouse, dating partner, or even a roommate, it can be charged as domestic assault — also called family violence. That can mean:
- Class A Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail and $2,500 in fines
- Class B Misdemeanor: Up to 6 months in jail and $500 in fines
- If it’s considered aggravated, you’re looking at felony prison time and fines up to $10,000
And that’s just the start. A domestic assault conviction can also mean losing your gun rights for life under both Tennessee and federal law, mandatory counseling, losing custody of your kids, and immigration problems.
At Michael & Associates, we know these cases are personal — and the consequences can be life-changing. That’s why we dig into every detail, challenge weak evidence, and fight to protect your freedom and your future.
How Michael & Associates Builds Your Defense
When you hire us, you’re not just getting one lawyer — you’re getting the full force of our legal team. We’ll dig into:
- What happened in the moments leading up to your arrest?
- Did the police follow proper arrest and booking procedures?
- Are witness statements contradictory?
- Are there flaws in the physical evidence?
- Were your constitutional rights violated?
From there, our team will develop a defense strategy tailored to your case, which could include:
- Arguing that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others
- Raising the question of whether you were defending someone else's property
- Challenging the credibility of witnesses or evidence
- Negotiating a favorable plea deal if it’s in your best interest
- Taking your case to trial if that’s the best path forward
Your Future Is on the Line — Don’t Face This Alone
An assault conviction can haunt you for life. At Michael & Associates, we’ve helped countless Tennesseans fight these charges and move forward. We know the courts, we know the prosecutors, and we know how to win.
