ASSAULT ATTORNEY SERVING KNOXVILLE & FARRAGUT, TENNESSEE

Are you currently facing charges for assault? If you are convicted, you may be sentenced to time in prison, stiff fines, or other penalties. An assault conviction can affect your family, your job, and your future. You may need an assault lawyer in Knoxville, Tennessee to help you with your case.

At the Law Office of Joshua S. Reed, we defend those who have been arrested and charged with assault. We can investigate your case to uncover the facts and discuss your legal options. To learn more about how to get started with your case, call our law office for a free case evaluation from an assault lawyer.

WHAT IS ASSAULT UNDER TENNESSEE LAW?

According to Tennessee Law, a person commits assault who:

1. Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another

2. Intentionally or knowingly causes another to reasonably fear imminent bodily injury

3. Intentionally or knowingly causes physical contact with another and a reasonable person would regard the contact as extremely offensive or provocative

Surprisingly, if you touch someone in an offensive manner or you intimidate them, the prosecution may bring you up on charges of assault or battery. If the victim had a reasonable fear of imminent bodily injury, they may have the right to press charges even if you did not make actual contact.

TWO TYPES OF ASSAULT CHARGES

Tennessee law addresses two types of assault:

1. GENERAL ASSAULT

Assault is an attempt to injure someone or threaten to commit harmful behavior against another person. The offender tried to injure someone using violence or force. Although contact is not necessary for a charge, a conviction typically requires an act and not just a threat.

For instance, if a person hit another person, knocked them to the ground, and caused the victim to break a leg, the offender could be charged with assault. In this case, the person would face penalties such as:

• Charged with a misdemeanor

• Up to 1 year in prison

• Fine between $2500 and $15,000

2. AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

Aggravated assault differs from general assault in that the assailant disregarded the life of the victim. Meaning, they likely used a weapon or extreme force with the intent to kill the other person. The weapon used, the status of the victim, intent of the assailant, and the severity of the injury determines if a charge is elevated from general assault to aggravated assault.

An example of aggravated assault would be a person who shoots a person or threatens to shoot a person while pointing a gun at them. In this case, a person may face penalties such as:

• Charged with a felony

• Up to 15 years in prison

• Possible fines or parole

HOW AN ASSAULT ATTORNEY IN KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE CAN HELP

For you to be convicted of assault in Tennessee, a prosecuting attorney must prove that you are guilty of the charges against you. We can help you with your case by providing a strategic defense with the goal of reducing your sentence or dismissing your case. Where you acted in self-defense or the inflicted injury was accidental and not intentional, we will fight to protect your rights

Other possible defenses that we will investigate include:

• The victim’s criminal record and history of violence

• An existing bias between you and the victim

• Whether the police and/or prosecution handled your case improperly

Being convicted of assault, even where it is classified as a misdemeanor, can have far-reaching effects such as your job, relationships, and renting qualifications. Don’t risk your future by fighting your charges alone. An experienced attorney can assess whether you have any grounds for dismissal, explore plea options, or represent you at trial.