Nashville Assault Attorney
If you have been charged with assault, simple or aggravated, you could be facing significant consequences. You may not only be in danger of facing jail time but could also incur serious blows to your reputation and rights to vote, drive, and own a firearm. In addition to these penalties, an assault conviction can take a serious emotional toll. A Nashville assault lawyer can help you fight to have your charges dropped or penalties lessened.
No matter how grave your situation may seem, it is essential to seek the guidance and help of a criminal defense lawyer in Nashville. Legal defense methods you may be completely unaware of could save you from serious consequences in the future. By sharing your case with a lawyer and allowing them to assess the facts, you could achieve a much more favorable outcome than you might have on your own.

The Music City Defender
At the Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez, we know how devastating assault charges can be. We’ve helped many clients clear their name when charged with assault, and we’re prepared to do the same for you. Our experienced team knows how to craft a winning defense strategy.
Classifications of Assault in Tennessee
In Nashville, TN, assault charges can be divided into various classifications. The two main types of assault are simple and aggravated. Within these two categories, there are varying degrees of severity that affect the consequences a convicted offender will receive. It is vital to be aware of all types of classifications if you have been charged with assault.
Simple Assault
Simple assault is a form of assault that is less severe in nature. This term describes offenses in which a victim is threatened or has reason to fear they will be threatened. Simple assault can also include situations in which extremely minor physical harm was done. Examples of this can include uninvited touching or the threat of unwanted touching and reasonable fear of harm through the use of words or actions.
To be charged with simple assault, you do not need to have committed any physical harm. Simply threatening to touch or attempting to touch someone can be enough to lead to a charge.
Penalties for Simple Assault
In Tennessee, simple assault is generally considered a misdemeanor. Penalties for these types of misdemeanors can include the following:
- Fines, with the amount varying depending on the severity of the offense.
- Up to a year of jail time, depending on the severity of the offense and the intentions behind the offense.
- Restitution for medical costs, property damage, and any other costs incurred by the victim as a result of the assault.
Aggravated Assault
Aggravated assault is a more serious form of assault, including an element in which there is a direct intention to cause harm. Aggravated assault can also include the use or threat of the use of a deadly weapon, such as a gun or knife. There must be a clear, direct intention of causing serious bodily harm or the presence of a weapon for an assault to be charged as aggravated.
Penalties for Aggravated Assault
The penalties an individual receives for an aggravated assault conviction will vary depending on the extent of the victim’s injuries and the intention of the offender. Many cases of aggravated assault are tried as felonies, meaning the consequences are significantly more severe. Some possible penalties include:
- Multiple years in prison, the timing depending on the severity of the assault and the offender’s criminal background.
- High fines.
- Loss of the ability to vote, own a firearm, and possess a driver’s license.

FAQs About Nashville, TN Assault Law
Assault is a broad legal term in Tennessee used to refer to any criminal activity in which an individual threatens to cause or intentionally causes physical injury to another person. In some cases, harm is caused through reckless actions. There are some cases when the simple threat or imposition of fear can be considered assault. There are also varying degrees of assault, some being more serious and carrying more significant consequences than others.
It is possible for assault charges to be dropped in Tennessee, although it is only possible under specific conditions. The final decision to drop the charges lies with the prosecutor, meaning that the defense cannot do anything directly to have them dropped. If a victim wishes to drop the charges, the prosecutor must agree with their decision.
Simple assault is considered the lowest classification of assault charges in Tennessee. It is considered a misdemeanor because no aggravating factors are involved. There is typically minimal bodily injury and no long-term effects. Simple assault convictions can result in an individual spending a short or extended period of time in jail. They could also be required to pay a fine or do community service.
The role of an assault attorney is to represent and defend their client’s rights and freedoms. If convicted of an assault charge, you could face significant consequences that could seriously change your life and the lives of your loved ones. An assault defense attorney has the responsibility to ensure your rights are respected, that you receive a fair trial, and that you incur no unjust punishments as a result.
The Music City Defender, Experienced Assault Defense Attorney
Being charged with assault can have significant negative effects on your life. Even simple assault charges can require you to spend time in jail, pay serious fines, and face other consequences. If you are charged with aggravated assault, the penalties can be even more devastating. The first step you can take in building a strong defense is to contact an experienced defense attorney.
At the Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez, we are familiar with the complexities involved in assault cases of all kinds. These cases require sensitivity and precision to navigate successfully. It is essential that you are informed of your rights as soon as possible to ensure that you are treated