Franklin Assault Defense Attorney

What Is Assault Under Tennessee Law?

Tennessee Code 39-13-101 defines simple assault three ways. A person commits assault by intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another; by intentionally or knowingly causing another person to reasonably fear imminent bodily injury; or by intentionally or knowingly causing physical contact that a reasonable person would regard as extremely offensive or provocative. That second definition matters: no physical contact is required for a charge. Causing someone to reasonably fear imminent harm is enough.

The definition under which a charge is filed directly determines whether it’s prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony, and that distinction carries real weight at sentencing.

Assault Cases We Handle in Franklin & Williamson County

We handle all types of assault and assault-related crimes in Franklin, Nashville, and Williamson County, including:

Penalties for Assault Charges in Tennessee

Tennessee draws a clear line between simple and aggravated assault, and the penalty range between the two is significant. The degree of the charge depends on the extent of harm caused, intent, whether a deadly weapon was involved, and whether aggravating factors apply. A conviction can also carry consequences that follow a person long after any sentence is served.

Simple Assault Penalties

Under Tennessee Code 39-13-101, simple assault involving bodily injury or causing another person to reasonably fear imminent harm is a Class A misdemeanor, carrying up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a fine up to $2,500. Simple assault involving offensive or provocative contact without injury is a Class B misdemeanor, carrying up to 6 months in jail and a fine up to $500.

Aggravated Assault Penalties

Reckless aggravated assault is a Class D felony under Tennessee Code 39-13-102, punishable by 2 to 12 years in prison. Intentional aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury or involving a deadly weapon is a Class C felony, punishable by 3 to 15 years in prison.

Aggravating factors that can elevate a charge include:

• Use or display of a deadly weapon
• Causing serious bodily injury
• Strangulation or attempted strangulation
• Assaulting a law enforcement officer, first responder, or healthcare provider

Consequences Beyond the Sentence

A felony assault conviction can strip the right to own or possess a firearm, disqualify a person from certain professions and professional licenses, and create a permanent public criminal record that affects employment and housing eligibility. Assault is also considered a crime of moral turpitude in Tennessee, which can trigger professional license revocation and loss of security clearances.

Defenses Available in Tennessee Assault Cases

Assault allegations are frequently fact-specific and emotionally charged. Witness accounts often conflict, and investigators may have heard only one side of the story before making an arrest. Surveillance footage or additional witnesses can substantially alter the picture, which is why early intervention by a Franklin assault lawyer matters.

Potential defenses in Tennessee assault cases include:

• Self-defense: Tennessee is a stand-your-ground state. Generally, a person who isn’t engaged in unlawful activity and is in a place where they have a right to be isn’t required to retreat before using force to defend themselves against an imminent threat.
• Defense of another person: Force used to protect a third party from imminent harm can serve as a valid defense.
• Lack of intent or knowledge: The charge filed determines what the prosecution must prove about mental state, and gaps in that proof matter.
• False or exaggerated allegations: Disputed accounts, inconsistent statements, and motive to fabricate are legitimate areas of challenge.
• Insufficient or conflicting evidence: The state bears the burden of proof, and weak or contradictory evidence can undermine a charge significantly.
• Constitutional violations: Evidence obtained through an unlawful search or arrest, or statements taken without proper advisement, may be suppressible.

Preserving evidence and interviewing witnesses before their accounts are shaped by the prosecution can significantly affect the outcome. The sooner we’re involved, the more options may be available.

Why Eric Larsen’s Background Matters for Assault Defense

Most criminal defense attorneys understand the justice system from the outside looking in. Eric Larsen spent 12 years working inside it as a probation and parole officer with the Michigan Department of Corrections, with substantial time in court watching how cases were prosecuted and sentenced before he became an attorney. That career shapes how we approach every assault case: we know how investigators build their files, what prosecutors weigh when evaluating a charge, and how the system applies pressure on defendants at every stage.

We’ve earned the trust of clients, local judges, and the district attorney through consistent defense work inside and outside Williamson County courtrooms. The firm holds a 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating, an AV Preeminent® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, and a Rising Stars listing. Every client’s circumstances are examined individually to build a defense strategy tailored to the facts of their case.

Speak with a Franklin Assault Lawyer Today

Assault charges carry serious consequences in Tennessee, and the window to build a strong defense narrows quickly. If you’ve been charged or are under investigation, contact us as early as possible to discuss your situation, your rights, and your options.

Contact Larsen Law PLLC today to schedule a FREE consultation with our Franklin assault lawyer. Call us at (615) 933-2454.