Domestic Violence Attorney Nashville, TN

Domestic Violence Charges in TN

Domestic violence is not a criminal charge, but rather a category of crime that makes other criminal charges more serious. It involves violence or threats of violence between spouses, family members, persons in current or former romantic relationships, or persons who live together.

At May McKinney, we defend people accused of spousal abuse or charged with any domestic violence-related offenses in Nashville or throughout the surrounding areas, including Mount Juliet, Franklin, and Brentwood.

What are Domestic Violence Charges?

Our Nashville domestic violence attorneys take on cases involving:

• Domestic assault and domestic aggravated assault
• Harassment
• Stalking
• Child endangerment
• Kidnapping
• Weapons crimes
• Violation of an order of protection

Tennessee Domestic Violence Laws

Title 39 of the Tennessee Code covers the various types of criminal offenses in Tennessee and Chapter 13 addresses offenses committed against persons, including domestic violence. Physical domestic violence is called domestic assault and penalties for conviction thereof could include jail time, fines, and losing your Second Amendment right to possess a firearm.

Domestic Assault Defined

Section 39.13.102 of the Tennessee Code defines domestic assault as the intentional or reckless injury to one of the following classifications of persons:

• A current or former spouse
• A blood or adoptive relative
• A current or former relative by marriage
• A current cohabitant
• A current dating and/or sexual partner
• A minor or adult child of any of the above people

Domestic assault also includes putting the person in fear of bodily injury or offensive physical contact. In addition, if you are charged with domestic assault, you also can be charged with any additional relevant crime you allegedly committed against the same person, such as rape, kidnap, false imprisonment or child abuse, neglect, or endangerment.

To learn more, call (615) 265-6383 or contact us online to speak with our Nashville domestic violence lawyers.

Penalties for Domestic Violence in TN

If you hit someone in a fight, you would likely be charged with misdemeanor assault. If that person was your spouse, child, parent, another member of your household, or someone you are now dating or once dated, it would be considered a domestic assault.

If convicted of domestic violence, you would:

• Pay a higher fine
• Potentially spend more time in jail
• Be unable to possess any type of firearm, permanently
• Not be treated equally in child custody and visitation decisions made in Family Court

In addition, you may be named in an order of protection (restraining order), which would require you to leave your home and cease all contact with the victim. Violations of the order could result in additional, severe penalties.

Challenging Domestic Violence Charges in Nashville, Brentwood, Mount Juliet & Franklin, TN

The courts take domestic violence charges seriously, and you should, too. Your only chance of avoiding a conviction and maximum penalties is to have a skilled lawyer mount a robust defense on your behalf. At May McKinney, we are dedicated to preserving our clients’ rights and interests, no matter the charge or the circumstances surrounding their cases. With nearly 80 years of collective legal experience, we are positioned to deliver strategic, competent criminal defense counsel.

Call a Nashville domestic violence attorney at (615) 265-6383 to arrange a confidential review of your case.