Collierville Firm Experienced in Defense of Assault and Battery Cases 

Shelby County attorneys fight to protect your rights

Assault and battery is the generally used term for a crime of violence. Charges can arise in a multitude of situations, often where the accused person and alleged victim are known to each other. Depending on the circumstances, the victim and the amount of force involved, the crime can be a felony and the penalties imposed for a conviction can be severe. At Collierville Law Firm in Tennessee, our Shelby County defense lawyer will investigate the facts and evidence in your case and work to prove your innocence or to get you the most beneficial result possible. 

Understanding assault & battery 

Some states define assault and battery as two distinct offenses, with assault being the intent or threat of physically harming someone and battery being actually doing so. Tennessee law uses the word assault to encompass both actions. 

The general types of assault offenses in Tennessee are as follows:

• Assault — This occurs when a person causes another to fear imminent injury or intentionally causes bodily injury. Most often, an assault charge is brought when force is actually used.
• Aggravated assault — This means intentionally or recklessly causes serious injury or death to another. 
• Domestic assault — Also known as domestic violence, this occurs when a person assaults a current or former spouse or romantic partner or a minor in the household. 

Assault is typically a misdemeanor, aggravated assault is a felony and domestic assault may be in either category depending on all the factors of the case. Whatever your charge and the facts involved, our criminal defense lawyer will seek the best possible outcome. 

Types of battery

While battery generally falls under the definition of assault, there are specific battery laws in Tennessee. Sexual battery is sexual contact using force, coercion or fraud. Aggravated sexual battery is charged when there are additional factors, such as injury, use of a weapon in the crime, a victim under 13 years of age or more than one person being involved in committing the crime. 

What are special victims

If assault offenses involving special victims, penalties may be enhanced. Special victims include:

• Firefighters, EMT’s and other first responders reacting to emergencies
• Law enforcement officers
• Medical professionals who are performing their duties 
• Utility workers
• Adult and child victims of sex trafficking
• Current or former spouses, romantic partners, cohabitants and family members of offenders 

We will make a deep dive into the details of your case to challenge potential penalty enhancements. 

Understanding the possible penalties

Penalties for assault depend on whether you are convicted of a misdemeanor or felony. Misdemeanors can carry up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Felonies can carry years and even decades in prison and very hefty fines, potentially in the tens of thousands of dollars. Penalties are especially severe when a weapon is involved in the crime. We will advise you about potential punishment for your alleged offense and work to obtain an acquittal, a dismissal or a reduction in charge or sentence.

Contact our Collierville attorney for diligent representation in your case

Our defense attorney at Collierville Law Firm provides effective counsel for individuals accused of assault and battery crimes in Tennessee. Call 901-614-0318 or contact us online to set up a time to speak with lawyer.