Tipton County Domestic Violence Attorney

Aggressively Representing the Accused in Covington, TN

If you or a loved one has been arrested for or charged with domestic violence, the most important thing you can do is to secure the representation of a knowledgeable and experienced domestic violence lawyer in Tipton County who can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.

At Huffman Mason, PLLC, we have extensive experience handling a wide range of domestic violence cases, and we have a long track record of success. When you choose to work with our firm, we will take the time to understand your unique situation and develop a personalized legal strategy that is tailored to your needs. You can trust our team to provide you with the effective and aggressive defense that you deserve.

Call our office today at (901) 295-0100 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with one of our domestic violence lawyers in Tipton County.

What Is Domestic Violence in Tennessee?

In the state of Tennessee, domestic violence is a crime that occurs between family members, household members, or people who are in a dating relationship.

Domestic violence is a very serious crime that carries severe penalties, including jail time, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record. If you are facing domestic violence charges, it is crucial that you seek legal representation from an experienced domestic violence attorney as soon as possible.

What Is Considered a Domestic Relationship?

In Tennessee, a domestic relationship is a relationship that involves a family member, household member, or someone who is in a dating relationship.

Some of the specific relationships that are considered to be domestic relationships under Tennessee law include:

• Spouses
• Former spouses
• People who are dating
• People who used to date
• People who have a child together
• Parents and children
• Stepparents and stepchildren
• Grandparents and grandchildren
• People who live together or used to live together
• People who are related by blood or marriage

What Are the Different Types of Domestic Violence Crimes?

In Tennessee, domestic violence can occur in several different ways and involve a wide range of criminal offenses. Some of the most common types of domestic violence crimes include:

Assault

Assault occurs when a person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another person, or when a person intentionally or knowingly causes another person to reasonably fear imminent bodily injury. In Tennessee, assault is a Class A misdemeanor, but if the person who is accused of assault has a prior conviction for assault, or if the assault involved strangulation, then it can be charged as a Class E felony.

Aggravated Assault

Aggravated assault occurs when a person commits an assault and causes serious bodily injury to the victim or uses or displays a deadly weapon during the assault. In Tennessee, aggravated assault is a Class C felony, but if the aggravated assault involves strangulation, then it can be charged as a Class D felony.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault occurs when a person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly penetrates the genital or anal openings of another person, or when a person intentionally or knowingly causes another person to engage in sexual contact. In Tennessee, sexual assault is a Class B felony, but if the sexual assault involves strangulation, then it can be charged as a Class A felony.

Rape

Rape occurs when a person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly engages in sexual penetration with another person without that person's consent. In Tennessee, rape is a Class B felony, but if the rape involves strangulation, then it can be charged as a Class A felony.

Stalking

Stalking occurs when a person intentionally or knowingly engages in a course of conduct that causes another person to reasonably fear for his or her safety or the safety of another person. In Tennessee, stalking is a Class A misdemeanor, but if the person who is accused of stalking has a prior conviction for stalking, or if the stalking involved strangulation, then it can be charged as a Class E felony.

Aggravated Stalking

Aggravated stalking occurs when a person commits a stalking offense and uses or displays a deadly weapon during the offense. In Tennessee, aggravated stalking is a Class E felony.

Terroristic Threats

Terroristic threats occur when a person threatens to commit an act of violence that is intended to terrorize the victim or cause the victim to reasonably fear for his or her safety or the safety of another person. In Tennessee, terroristic threats are a Class D felony.

Harassment

Harassment occurs when a person intentionally or knowingly annoys or alarms another person by engaging in conduct that is intended to annoy or alarm the other person. In Tennessee, harassment is a Class A misdemeanor.

Kidnapping

Kidnapping occurs when a person knowingly removes or confines another person without that person's consent. In Tennessee, kidnapping is a Class C felony, but if the kidnapping involves an aggravated assault, rape, or robbery, then it can be charged as a Class B felony.

False Imprisonment

False imprisonment occurs when a person knowingly removes or confines another person without that person's consent but does not use force or threats to do so. In Tennessee, false imprisonment is a Class A misdemeanor.

What Are the Penalties for Domestic Violence in Tennessee?

The penalties for domestic violence in Tennessee vary depending on the specific crime that was committed and the circumstances of the case. In general, the penalties for domestic violence crimes include jail or prison time, fines, probation, and mandatory participation in a domestic violence intervention program.

If the person who is convicted of domestic violence has a prior conviction for domestic violence, then the penalties for the crime will be enhanced. In addition, a person who is convicted of domestic violence will also have a permanent criminal record, which can make it difficult to find a job, secure housing, or qualify for certain professional licenses.

How Long Does a Domestic Violence Charge Stay on Your Record in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, a domestic violence charge will stay on your criminal record permanently unless you are able to secure an expungement. If you are able to secure an expungement, then your criminal record will be sealed from public view, and you will not have to disclose the conviction to most employers, landlords, or licensing boards.

In order to be eligible for an expungement, you must meet certain criteria. For example, you must have completed your sentence, and you must not have been convicted of any other crimes since your conviction. An attorney who is experienced in handling expungements can review your case and determine whether you are eligible for an expungement.

Defending Against Domestic Violence Charges

If you have been arrested for or charged with domestic violence, it is crucial that you seek legal representation from an experienced domestic violence attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney can review the evidence against you, help you understand your rights, and develop an effective legal strategy.

There are several defenses that can be used to fight domestic violence charges, and the specific defense strategy that is used will depend on the unique facts of the case. Some of the most common defenses to domestic violence charges include:

False Allegations

In some cases, a person may be falsely accused of domestic violence by someone who is seeking revenge, trying to gain the upper hand in a child custody battle, or trying to get the accused in trouble. An attorney can help you gather evidence that can help you prove that the allegations are false, such as text messages, emails, or social media posts that were sent by the alleged victim.

Self-Defense

A person can use reasonable force to defend themselves from an imminent threat of harm, and this is known as self-defense. If you were acting in self-defense when the alleged domestic violence occurred, then you may be able to avoid a conviction.

Mistaken Identity

In some cases, a person may be mistaken for someone else and falsely accused of domestic violence. An attorney can help you gather evidence that can help you prove that you are not the person who committed the crime, such as surveillance footage or witness statements.

At Huffman Mason, PLLC, we are committed to providing our clients with the aggressive and effective legal representation that they need and deserve. Our team will fight tirelessly to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.

Why Choose Huffman Mason, PLLC?

At Huffman Mason, PLLC, we understand that being accused of domestic violence can be a very stressful and overwhelming experience, and we are here to help. When you choose to work with our firm, you can expect the following:

• Experienced Representation: Our team has extensive experience handling a wide range of domestic violence cases, and we have a long track record of success.
• Personalized Service: We understand that every domestic violence case is different, and we believe that our clients deserve individualized attention. When you choose to work with our firm, we will take the time to understand your unique situation and develop a personalized legal strategy that is tailored to your needs.
• Strong Relationships: Over the years, we have developed a strong professional reputation in the legal community, and we have built strong relationships with judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers. We will use our reputation and relationships to your advantage and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

If you or a loved one has been arrested for or charged with domestic violence, do not hesitate to contact us today at (901) 295-0100 to schedule a consultation with one of our Tipton County domestic violence lawyers.