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Middle age hispanic woman suffering for domestic violence looking on mirror bruise on eyes at bathroom

Clarksville Domestic Violence Lawyers

Being charged with domestic violence (formally called domestic assault in Tennessee) can be the beginning of a nightmare. Unfortunately, these cases often begin with a false accusation or the police misunderstanding the situation they are dealing with. That said, if you’ve been accused of domestic assault, you have a lot at stake, and our Clarksville domestic violence lawyers are here to protect it. Contact Fendley & Etson today so we can get started working on your case.

Domestic Violence Lawyer | Protecting Your Future & Representation

The unfortunate reality is a domestic assault accusation can turn a person’s life upside-down. If you’re facing domestic violence charges, you need a competent team of Montgomery County criminal defense lawyers in your corner who can effectively fight for your future. Fendley & Etson is here to fight for you.

Domestic Assault Defined Under Tennessee Law

Domestic assault in Tennessee is defined as the intentional, knowing, or reckless causing of bodily injury to a domestic abuse victim, or placing the domestic abuse victim in fear of imminent bodily injury, or causing physical contact with a domestic abuse victim that a reasonable person would regard as offensive.

A domestic abuse victim, under Tennessee law, includes current or former spouses, individuals who live together or have lived together, those in a dating relationship, or those related by blood or adoption, among others.

Penalties for Domestic Assault Charges in Tennessee

If found guilty of domestic assault in Tennessee, the penalties can be severe, depending on the specifics of the situation and any prior offenses. A first-time offense is typically classified as a Class A misdemeanor, which may result in up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, along with a fine of up to $2,500.

Subsequent offenses or situations with aggravated circumstances may lead to felony charges, which carry stiffer penalties, including longer jail terms and heftier fines. Moreover, a domestic assault conviction may result in the loss of certain rights, such as the right to possess a firearm, and may have far-reaching consequences on an individual’s personal and professional life.

Orders of Release

When someone is charged with domestic assault, the court may decide to release the accused under certain conditions meant to protect the alleged victim. This is often referred to as a conditional order of release. While similar to orders of protection, these conditional orders specifically dictate the terms under which the accused can be released pending trial or further court proceedings.

Most people are released through a conditional order of release. These orders generally serve many of the same purposes as orders of protection. Both of these types of orders place very serious restrictions on what a person can and cannot do. Violation of the terms of these orders can result in additional criminal charges. Some of the common conditions that are part of an order of protection or conditional order of release include:

  • Inability to return to a domicile that is shared with the alleged victim
  • No contact with the victim (in person, telephone, mail, email, text message, third party)
  • Inability to possess or use firearms even for hunting
  • No drug or alcohol use
  • No contact with children in some cases

Moreover, it’s essential to understand that violating any terms of an order of release can lead to immediate arrest and potential additional criminal charges. Legal representation is crucial to ensure that one understands and abides by these terms while the case is pending.

Contact Our Domestic Violence Lawyers Today

Domestic assault charges are often he said/she said situations. Let us help make sure your side of the story is heard. Contact our seasoned Clarksville domestic violence lawyers so we can get started fighting for a favorable outcome on your behalf.