Aggravated Assault Attorney in Franklin, TN
A Former Corrections Officer Now Defending Franklin Clients Against Felony Assault Charges
An aggravated assault charge in Tennessee is a felony from the moment it’s filed. That distinction matters. Unlike a misdemeanor, a felony follows you through employment background checks, housing applications, and professional licensing decisions long after any sentence is served. At Larsen Law PLLC, we defend clients facing these charges in Franklin and across Williamson County, and we start building that defense from the first call.
Attorney Eric Larsen spent 12 years inside the Michigan Department of Corrections working in prison, probation, and parole before becoming a defense attorney. That background gave him a direct view of how investigators and prosecutors build violent felony cases. He brings that perspective to every client he defends. The Williamson County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes violent offenses aggressively, and having experienced defense counsel involved early gives you more room to act.
An aggravated assault charge won’t wait. Call Larsen Law PLLC at (615) 933-2454 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your defense options.
What Tennessee Law Defines as Aggravated Assault
Aggravated assault under Tennessee law is distinct from simple assault. The charge applies when an assault results in serious bodily injury or death, involves the use or display of a deadly weapon, or involves strangulation. Reckless aggravated assault covers situations where a reckless act, rather than an intentional one, causes serious bodily injury or death or involves a weapon.
Tennessee courts have interpreted “serious bodily injury” to require more than minor harm. Broken bones and injuries requiring surgery or hospitalization have qualified; not every injury does. The definition of “deadly weapon” is broad and can extend to objects not traditionally considered weapons, depending on how they were used. Additional circumstances that can elevate an assault to aggravated assault include violations of an order of protection and assaults committed against public employees or transit workers in the course of their duties.
The prosecution must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. Understanding exactly how the state intends to frame those elements is the starting point for a defense.
What a Conviction Actually Costs You
The felony tier assigned to your charge determines the sentencing range the court works within. Intentional aggravated assault is a Class C felony in Tennessee, carrying 3 to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Reckless aggravated assault is a Class D felony, punishable by 2 to 12 years.
Beyond the sentence, a violent felony conviction permanently strips the right to possess any firearm. It becomes a permanent part of your criminal record, affecting employment, housing, and any professional license that requires a background review. These consequences don’t expire with the sentence.
How We Build a Defense Against Aggravated Assault Charges
Eric’s years inside the corrections system taught him how investigators evaluate violent felony cases and what prosecutors look for when building a charge. That institutional knowledge shapes how we approach each case. We also have a retired police detective on staff who reviews cases and identifies weaknesses in the state’s investigation before we set foot in court.
Defense strategies vary based on the facts, but common avenues include:
- Challenging the injury threshold: Contesting whether the alleged injury meets the legal definition of “serious bodily injury” under Tennessee law
- Contesting the weapon classification: Arguing that the object used doesn’t qualify as a deadly weapon under the circumstances
- Self-defense claims: Presenting evidence that the conduct was legally justified under Tennessee’s self-defense statutes
- Suppression of evidence: Filing a motion to suppress evidence obtained in violation of your constitutional rights, which can limit what the prosecution is allowed to use
- Judicial diversion: For eligible first-time defendants, judicial diversion may result in dismissal upon successful completion, after which Tennessee law allows you to apply to have all related records expunged
- Charge reduction: Negotiating a reduction from a felony to a misdemeanor where the facts and circumstances support it
Our case results include felony charge reductions to misdemeanors and judicial diversions for assault and felony charges. When trial is in a client’s best interest, Eric is prepared to take the case there.
Why Franklin Clients Choose Larsen Law PLLC
Eric Larsen holds a 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating and an AV Preeminent® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, both reflecting peer recognition for professional standing and legal ability. He also carries a Rising Stars™ ranking. Eric works directly with every client. No hand-offs to associates. He examines the facts of each case personally, explains options honestly, and builds a defense around what the client actually needs. With nearly a decade of defense experience and thousands of criminal cases handled, he understands what it takes to protect a client’s future.
Facing an Aggravated Assault Charge in Franklin? Talk to Us First.
A free consultation gives you a direct conversation with Eric Larsen about the charges you’re facing and the options available to you. We serve clients in Franklin and throughout Williamson County. The sooner you have defense counsel involved, the more we may be able to do.
Call (615) 933-2454 or contact us through our online form to schedule your free consultation today.
