Hagar and Phillips - What Happens After Being Charged With Aggravated Assault in Tennessee?

What Happens After Being Charged With Aggravated Assault in Tennessee?

An aggravated assault charge can create immediate concerns about bond, no-contact conditions, employment, family relationships, and potential criminal consequences. The next steps depend on the facts alleged and the specific subsection of Tennessee law identified in the charging documents.

Tennessee law includes multiple forms of aggravated assault. The allegation may involve serious bodily injury, use or display of a deadly weapon, strangulation, or other circumstances identified by statute. Because the charge can be classified in different ways, it is important to review the exact language in the warrant or indictment.

The facts surrounding an alleged incident may also be disputed. The charging document may not explain the complete relationship between the parties, what happened before the incident, whether injuries were sustained, or what witnesses and video evidence may show.

After a charge is filed, the person may be arrested or issued a citation, required to address bond, and scheduled for a first court appearance. The case may then proceed through a preliminary hearing, indictment, arraignment, discovery, motions, negotiations, or trial.

A defense attorney may review the relationship between the parties, medical records, alleged injuries, photographs, video, messages, witness statements, and statements made to law enforcement. The attorney may also evaluate whether self-defense or another legal issue could apply and whether the charge accurately reflects the available evidence.

Do not contact an alleged victim if a court order or release condition prohibits contact. Even when no-contact restrictions do not apply, direct communication may create additional complications. Avoid discussing the incident on social media, and preserve relevant messages, photographs, videos, and other information without altering or deleting anything.

An aggravated-assault accusation is not a conviction. The State must prove the charged offense, and the defense may challenge the evidence or legal basis for the charge.

Hagar & Phillips represents clients facing criminal charges throughout Lebanon, Wilson County, and Middle Tennessee.

If you have been charged with aggravated-assault, contact Hagar & Phillips today at 615‑784‑4588 to schedule a confidential consultation.

This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

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