If you are facing allegations of domestic violence, the sooner you speak to a defense attorney, the better. Do not be tempted to act on your own. Instead, contact a Knoxville domestic assault lawyer from Price Benowitz to begin building your defense and protecting your future.
Price Benowitz domestic assault attorneys generally suggest Knoxville defendants do the following.
Take immediate steps to protect yourself—document the situation, avoid confrontations, and ensure your safety before doing anything else.
Avoid speaking to the victim unless directed to by your lawyer. Tennessee courts often issue protective orders, which can include removal from your home or restrictions on parenting time.
Your attorney could review police reports, witness statements, videos, and medical records. In the meantime, think of what other evidence might exist to help exonerate you. This may include a character witness the police have not spoken to, text messages, or journal entries, which are admissible in court for both you and the victim.
Initiate contact with a qualified criminal defense attorney right away to understand your situation and start building a strategic plan. A skilled lawyer could help reduce charges, secure bond, challenge protective orders, or achieve dismissal.
Our Knoxville lawyers have several common strategies to defend against allegations of domestic violence.
This strategy may be useful if you allegedly used physical force because you believed that you were in imminent danger. It is unlikely to succeed if the victim is significantly smaller than you, elderly, petite, or disabled. However, if the victim was holding a weapon, and you were unarmed, this defense becomes more plausible.
This defense strategy argues that you accidentally injured the victim by, for example, tripping or stumbling.
If there are no witnesses and no physical evidence of the accusation, a defense based on insufficient evidence may succeed. Remember, the prosecutor must prove every single element of the charge against you.
As a well-practiced attorney could explain further, in Knoxville, a first domestic assault conviction is usually classified as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 11 months, 29 days in jail, and fines up to $2,500.
A second conviction, where bodily injury is involved, carries a mandatory 30 days in jail and fines between $350 and $3,500.
A third or subsequent conviction becomes a Class E felony, with at least 90 days of mandatory incarceration and fines ranging from $1,100 to $5,000. Repeat offenses significantly raise your legal risks.
In addition, Aggravated Domestic Assault is a more serious charge that prosecutors in Tennessee often pursue, especially when allegations of strangulation are involved. This offense is typically classified as a Class C felony, carrying much harsher penalties, including several years in prison and steep fines.
If you are facing accusations of family violence in Knoxville, hiring a lawyer is essential to protect your rights and freedom. From evaluating the evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, an experienced defense team could build the strongest case possible under the circumstances. Additionally, your attorney could also handle court procedures, negotiate with prosecutors, and advocate for you during hearings.
Without legal counsel, you risk making damaging statements, missing deadlines, or accepting unfavorable plea deals. A lawyer could work to have charges reduced or dismissed, or pursue alternatives such as counseling or diversion programs. Early legal representation also helps address protective orders that could impact your living situation or child custody. Simply put, your best chance at a favorable outcome starts with hiring a qualified legal professional.
If you have been accused of domestic abuse, you need a lawyer. The experienced attorneys at Price Benowitz understand what is at stake and provide aggressive, compassionate defense to help you navigate protective orders, criminal charges, and courtroom proceedings.
Contact a Knoxville domestic assault lawyer at Price Benowitz today for a free case evaluation and get the skilled legal help you need to protect your rights and fight for your future.
Please complete this form, or give us a Call at (202) 600-9400
