Don't let an assault or domestic violence arrest in Nashville derail your life. Let us craft a customized defense and help you get your life back.
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Ben Michael
Award Winning Defense Attorney
Ben Michael
Award Winning Defense Attorney
Assault cases in Tennessee can escalate quickly, and the stakes are high. At Michael & Associates, our top priority is clear: fight for a dismissal or the best possible outcome while protecting your freedom, career, and reputation.
An assault conviction can follow you long after the case is over, making it harder to find work and putting stress on your relationships—especially in family or domestic violence cases.
The government tried to ruin their lives. We stopped that from happening.
Charge
Domestic Assault - Bodily Injury (Class A Misdemeanor)
Location
Nashville, TN
Allegations
After a domestic argument, our client was arrested for domestic assault based on a brief on-scene statement. He acknowledged some water was spit during the dispute, denied any neck grabbing, and there was no weapon or prior history. We moved quickly to modify the no-contact bond condition so the family could communicate while we investigated. We obtained the affidavit, officer video, and home security footage showing a third party escalating the situation and that our client called 911, then contrasted that with inconsistent accounts and the complainant's reluctance to proceed. With that record and proof of voluntary counseling, we pressed the prosecution, and the case was dismissed.
Result
Case Dismissed
Charge
Aggravated Assault - Strangulation
Location
Nashville, TN
Allegations
Police were called to a domestic dispute at a residence and, relying on the initial statement, arrested our client for felony strangulation. The client reported being scratched in the eye and obtained hospital records documenting a corneal abrasion shortly after the incident. We compiled those medical records with extensive text messages that undercut the allegation and highlighted that the complainant later sought to relax no-contact restrictions. Confronted with credibility issues and little corroboration, the state dismissed the case.
Result
Case Dismissed
Charge
Domestic Assault
Location
Nashville, TN
Allegations
Police responded to a shared housing dispute where a verbal argument got loud. The client was accused of making threats and charged with domestic assault, despite no report of weapons, injury, or physical contact. We obtained the warrant, reports, and body cam, and set the matter for a hearing to require live testimony. The complainant’s accounts shifted between the initial report and follow up, and other credibility problems surfaced. Leveraging those weaknesses, we secured an agreement for dismissal upon completion of a brief class. The client complied, and the state dismissed the case.
Result
Case Dismissed
Charge
Domestic Assault - Bodily Injury (Class A Misdemeanor)
Location
Nashville, TN
Allegations
Police arrested our client after an argument at a rental where alcohol was involved. Officers relied on a verbal-threat allegation, there was no report of physical injury and no weapon. We obtained the reports, identified credibility and proof issues, and noted that key witnesses were out of state and unwilling to participate. While contesting the case, we negotiated a path requiring 90 AA meetings in 90 days with documentation. After we submitted proof and pressed the evidentiary problems, the prosecution dismissed the case.
Result
Case Dismissed
Charge
Assault - Domestic Bodily Injury
Location
Nashville, TN
Allegations
Police were called to a hotel after a loud argument between our client and a partner. The partner alleged a slap and showed a facial mark, while our client denied striking and described pushing away during the dispute. There were no independent witnesses, and both initially told officers it was a verbal argument. We obtained the reports, documented the conflicting accounts, and confirmed the complaining witness did not wish to pursue the case and lived out of state. We presented those issues to the prosecutor, kept the pressure on, and the state dismissed the charge.
Result
Case Dismissed
Charge
Aggravated Assault - Strangulation
Location
Nashville, TN
Allegations
Police arrested our client after a domestic argument at a home escalated and the other party reported strangulation. He was contacted at work later and, according to him, was told he had to provide a written statement without Miranda warnings. We obtained the officer reports and body cam, compared them to the complainant's later statements, and documented key inconsistencies. The complainant then asked the court to allow peaceful contact. We presented the credibility problems and mitigation, and the prosecution dismissed the case.
Result
Case Dismissed
Ethan is a seasoned Tennessee criminal defense attorney with 10+ years of experience, known for strategic advocacy, strong courtroom skills, and a deep commitment to protecting his clients’ rights.
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Danny J. Baxter is a Nashville criminal defense attorney with 40+ years of law enforcement and legal experience, including service as a violent crimes investigator, narcotics officer, and crisis negotiator.
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Thomas is a seasoned criminal defense attorney licensed in Texas and Tennessee. He’s known for aggressive defense in felony cases, including death row, DUI, drug offenses, and homicide.
View Full Profile →
Ethan is a seasoned Tennessee criminal defense attorney with 10+ years of experience, known for strategic advocacy, strong courtroom skills, and a deep commitment to protecting his clients’ rights.
View Full Profile →
Danny J. Baxter is a Nashville criminal defense attorney with 40+ years of law enforcement and legal experience, including service as a violent crimes investigator, narcotics officer, and crisis negotiator.
View Full Profile →
Thomas is a seasoned criminal defense attorney licensed in Texas and Tennessee. He’s known for aggressive defense in felony cases, including death row, DUI, drug offenses, and homicide.
View Full Profile →You should seek legal help for any Nashville assault charge, but penalties for aggravated assaults are particularly severe and can include years in prison.
Under Tennessee Code §39-13-101, simple assault can occur in several ways. You may be charged if you intentionally or recklessly cause harm to someone, threaten them with imminent harm, or engage in physical contact that any reasonable person would find provocative or offensive. While the term “simple” might make it sound minor, the penalties can still be significant.
The penalties depend on the type of assault. Assault involving bodily injury or intentionally or knowingly causing someone to reasonably fear imminent bodily injury is generally a Class A misdemeanor. Bodily-injury assault can carry a fine of up to $15,000. Assault involving offensive or provocative physical contact is generally a Class B misdemeanor.
Certain victims can trigger more serious penalties. As of July 1, 2026, assault against a first responder performing official duties is a Class E felony carrying a mandatory $10,000 fine and at least 60 days in jail. Separate enhanced penalties can apply to assaults against nurses and other protected victims.
Aggravated assault will usually involve more serious circumstances. For example, if you use or show a deadly weapon, cause serious bodily injury, attempt strangulation, or if the victim dies. All aggravated assaults are felonies, but the severity of the incident will determine the classification and penalties.
For example, a Class C felony can carry three to 15 years in prison, while a Class D felony can carry two to 12 years. Tennessee law also allows a fine of up to $15,000 for aggravated assault.
Additionally, felonies have longer-term consequences, including the loss of gun rights.
Assault involving a spouse, dating partner, or other household member is treated especially seriously under Tennessee law, and the personal ramifications are sweeping, jeopardizing marriages, domestic partnerships, and even child custody. They can involve additional factors, including protective orders. We’ve had clients who were legally prohibited from accessing their own homes.
Domestic assault penalties depend on the conduct involved and whether you have prior domestic assault convictions. A first conviction is generally punished according to the underlying type of assault, but repeat bodily-injury domestic assault convictions carry enhanced penalties. A third or subsequent bodily-injury domestic assault can become a Class E felony with mandatory jail time.
When the allegations rise to aggravated assault, the offense can become a felony carrying years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. A domestic violence conviction can also have longer-term consequences involving firearm rights, counseling requirements, protective orders, and potential effects on child custody.
At Michael & Associates Criminal Defense Attorneys, our clients are our top priority. We limit the number of cases we accept so that we know we have the time to give your case the attention it deserves. We will customize a strategy based on your circumstances after we:
Potential strategies include:
If we can’t find a way to get the charges against you dismissed, we will aggressively negotiate the best possible plea agreement, and we’re never afraid to take your case to trial when necessary.
Last updated in September 2026 to reflect changes in Tennessee law.
Don’t let an assault charge derail your life. You don’t have to face this alone.. At Michael & Associates, we provide smart, aggressive, client-forward, white-glove representation for individuals accused of assault throughout Music City and across Middle Tennessee.
Call us now for a free, confidential consultation. We’re available 24/7.
Every moment matters when facing criminal charges. Schedule a free case review now.
Free consultation • Available 24/7 • Our #1 Goal is a Dismissal