Facing aggravated assault charges in Nashville can be a stressful and frightening experience. You need a skilled and experienced legal advocate on your side. At the Law Offices of Amanda Gentry, we understand the complexities of Tennessee's aggravated assault laws and are committed to providing aggressive and compassionate defense for our clients.
What is Aggravated Assault in Tennessee?
While simple assault involves causing physical harm or making threats, aggravated assault is a more severe crime characterized by:
- Intentional infliction of serious bodily injury: This includes injuries that could lead to death, permanent disfigurement, or prolonged medical treatment.
- Threatening serious bodily harm with a deadly weapon: Any object capable of inflicting serious injury or death can qualify as a deadly weapon.
- Threatening to commit a violent felony: This encompasses felonies involving violence or the threat of violence.
Key Differences Between Simple Assault and Aggravated Assault:
| Factors | Simple Assault | Aggravated Assault |
|---|---|---|
| Intention | Intentionally causing physical harm or threatening to do so | Intentionally causing serious bodily injury, threatening with a deadly weapon, or threatening a violent felony |
| Severity of Harm | Minor injury or no injury | Serious bodily injury or threat of serious bodily injury |
| Weapon Used | No weapon or non-deadly weapon | Deadly weapon |
| Potential Penalty | Misdemeanor | Class C or Class D Felony |
What Are Examples of Aggravated Assault?
Here are some common examples of aggravated assault in Tennessee:
- Assaulting someone with a knife, gun, or other weapon
- Strangulation
- Choking
- Threatening someone with a weapon during a robbery
- Firing a gun in the direction of another person
This list is not exhaustive, and other situations may qualify as aggravated assault depending on the specific circumstances.
Aggravated Assault Charges & Penalties in Tennessee
Aggravated assault is a Class C or Class D felony in Tennessee, depending on the severity of the offense. The potential penalties include:
- Class C Felony: Punishable by 3-6 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
- Class D Felony: Punishable by 2-4 years in prison and fines up to $5,000.
In addition to prison time and fines, a conviction for aggravated assault can have a significant impact on your life. You could lose your job, face difficulty finding housing, and have trouble obtaining professional licenses.
How to Beat an Aggravated Assault Charge in Tennessee
There are several defenses available for aggravated assault charges in Tennessee. Some potential defenses include:
- Self-defense: You were acting in self-defense or defense of another person.
- Defense of property: You were using reasonable force to protect your property.
- Accidental injury: The injury was accidental and you did not intend to cause harm.
- False accusations: The charges against you are false or fabricated.
An experienced Nashville aggravated assault lawyer can evaluate your case and develop a strong defense strategy based on the specific facts and circumstances.
Don't Face Aggravated Assault Charges Alone
If you've been charged with aggravated assault in Nashville, contact the Law Offices of Amanda Gentry today. We understand the seriousness of these charges and will fight aggressively to protect your rights.
Amanda Gentry is a skilled and experienced Nashville criminal defense lawyer with a proven track record of success. She will work tirelessly to get the best possible outcome in your case.
Call us today at (615) 604-6263 or contact us online for a free consultation.
