Aggravated Assault Defense in Murfreesboro

Your Defense Stays with One Designated Attorney

An aggravated assault allegation can put your freedom and future at risk. At Santel | Garner, we represent clients charged with aggravated assault as a violent crime, drawing on more than 75 years of combined experience in and out of the courtroom.

We serve criminal defense clients throughout Middle Tennessee, with a focus on Murfreesboro. Your designated attorney works closely with you and draws on the insight of our full legal team. We don’t outsource cases or pass them between lawyers.

Because a felony charge can have consequences beyond the criminal case, we examine the allegations, available evidence, and witness accounts before developing an individualized strategy.

Call (615) 987-0268 for a free consultation about an aggravated assault charge and the next steps in your defense.

What Constitutes Aggravated Assault in Tennessee?

Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-102, aggravated assault can arise from intentional, knowing, or reckless conduct. The alleged conduct, mental state, and surrounding circumstances determine whether an assault falls within this statute.

Simple assault under Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-101 generally includes causing bodily injury, causing someone to reasonably fear imminent bodily injury, or making physical contact that’s extremely offensive or provocative. Aggravated assault adds circumstances that make the alleged offense more serious than a simple assault allegation.

Important circumstances in a Tennessee aggravated assault analysis include:

• Serious Bodily Injury: The prosecution alleges an injury within the statute’s more severe category.
• Deadly Weapon: The accusation involves the use or display of an object covered by the statute.
• Strangulation: The allegation involves strangulation or an attempt to strangle another person.
• Recklessness: Reckless assault can be aggravated when it causes death or the statutory level of severe injury, or involves a weapon covered by the statute.
• Protected Individual: A person restrained by a court order, diversion agreement, or probation agreement allegedly committed or attempted an assault against the protected individual.

The distinction between an intentional, knowing, or reckless act matters because the alleged mental state can affect the felony classification and defense analysis.

Felony Penalties for Aggravated Assault

Intentional or knowing aggravated assault involving serious bodily injury, death, use or display of a deadly weapon, or strangulation is generally a Class C felony. The reckless form is generally a Class D felony when it causes the same level of injury or death or involves a weapon covered by the statute.

Tennessee law provides the following general sentencing ranges:

• Class C Felony: Three to 15 years in prison.
• Class D Felony: Two to 12 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
• Aggravated Assault Fine: A violation can carry a fine of up to $15,000 in addition to other authorized punishment.

These ranges are general legal information, not a prediction of any person’s sentence. Potential prison time and financial consequences depend on the specific charge, applicable classification, and individual circumstances.

Building an Aggravated Assault Defense in Rutherford County

We begin by evaluating the charging allegations and analyzing the available evidence and witnesses. Our review can include witness accounts, physical evidence, identification, alleged intent, and the legal basis for treating the accusation as aggravated assault. These details can shape the defense as a felony case moves through the court process.

Self-Defense & Defense of Others

Self-defense or defense of others may apply when the alleged victim started or was about to start an altercation and the force used was reasonably necessary under the circumstances. A self-defense argument can be part of the defense. Whether the defense applies depends on the evidence and sequence of events, not simply on who first contacted law enforcement.

Negotiation & Trial Preparation

Tommy Santel’s background as a former prosecutor informs our assessment of how the state may view the allegations and evidence. When the facts and law support it, we negotiate with prosecutors to seek reduced or dismissed charges. If a case proceeds to trial, our seasoned litigators use their courtroom experience to prepare and present the defense.

Aggravated assault allegations in Murfreesboro may be investigated by the Murfreesboro Police Department or the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office in connection with the Rutherford County District Attorney’s Office. We independently examine the evidence rather than treating an arrest report or charging decision as the final account of what occurred.

Discuss Your Charge in a Free Consultation

Use our contact form to request a free criminal defense consultation. We can review the circumstances surrounding the charge, discuss the available information, and tailor our representation to your case.

You’ll work directly with a designated attorney while benefiting from the collective insight of our legal team. We provide clear information and practical guidance for the decisions ahead.

Call (615) 987-0268 to speak with us about aggravated assault defense in Murfreesboro.