Domestic assault is a serious matter and should be treated as such. In Tennessee, domestic assault is a crime against a victim who is a family or household member including any of the following:
- A current or former spouse of the offender
- Someone with whom the offender lives with or previously lived with
- Someone who the offender is dating or previously dated or someone with whom the offender has or previously had a sexual relationship
- A person with whom the offender is related by blood or adoption
- Someone with whom the offender is or was related by marriage
- An adult or minor child of the offender or a family or household member
Our Chattanooga defense attorney is routinely asked, “What are the penalties for domestic assault?” Here’s what you should expect:
- Class A misdemeanor – Punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail or a fine up to $2,500, or both
- Class B misdemeanor – Punishable by up to six months in jail or a fine up to $500, or both
- Class C felony – Punishable by three to 15 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine
- Class D felony – Punishable by two to 12 years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine
WHY HIRE A DEFENSE ATTORNEY?
Having an experienced defense lawyer is essential if you’re facing a domestic assault charge. Keep in mind that a criminal law attorney can investigate the case and determine whether you were charged fairly. There may also be other grounds on which the case could be dismissed before trial. Depending on your case, a federal criminal lawyer may also be able to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecutor. If you believe you have been wrongly accused, then expect your counsel to prepare a defense strategy. It’s important to know that a seasoned criminal defense lawyer should be able to work with the prosecution in agreeing to a lighter sentence in exchange for a guilty plea.
Here’s the deal: A conviction for domestic assault becomes part of your permanent criminal record. The last thing you want is for one mistake to define the rest of your life. What do we mean exactly by this? Well, a convicted felon loses the right to vote and may even be stripped of certain professional licenses. Plus, those convicted for domestic assault tend to have difficulty looking for a job or even applying to rent a house or apartment.
The law firm of Cavett, Abbott & Weiss takes domestic assault cases very seriously. Our law office is dedicated to providing effective, efficient, and reliable trial counsel for Chattanooga residents. We understand that your mind is probably racing during this stressful time and that you’re uncertain about the next step. You can feel comfortable knowing that our defense attorneys have more than 60 years of combined experience with cases ranging from domestic assault to civil litigation.
You can’t afford to go to court without us®. Let us help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Schedule a consultation now.