Clarksville Domestic Assault Attorneys

A domestic assault arrest can affect your life long after you are released from jail. It can result in a loss of your employment, your child custody rights, your military career, your hunting rights and even your right to live in your home. To protect your future, you should contact a Clarksville domestic assault lawyer as soon as possible.

At Patton | Pittman, our attorneys represent our clients in both family law and criminal defense cases. From our office in Clarksville, we represent people accused of domestic violence throughout Middle Tennessee. We also represent victims who are concerned about the effect the charge could have on their family's future. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case.

Looking for a domestic assault attorney in Tennessee? Contact Patton | Pittman online for a free consultation!

Understanding Your Conditions of Release (COR)

If you have been charged with domestic assault in Tennessee, you are typically placed on a 12-hour hold before you can be released on bail or bond. To obtain bail, you will be required to agree to certain conditions before being released. These conditions are typically referred to as your "conditions of release" or "COR."

The standard conditions of release contain a number of prohibitions. For example, you cannot return to your home, call the alleged victim, contact the alleged victim by texting or e-mail, or drink alcohol. If you violate any of the conditions, you can be sentenced to 10 days in jail for contempt of court.

Upon release, you have a right to a prompt hearing to review and possibly discharge these conditions. Our criminal defense lawyers fight to minimize the effects of a domestic assault charge by filing motions to amend the conditions of release so you can return home and be with your family.

Is Domestic Violence a Felony?

Domestic violence in Tennessee can be classified as both a felony and a misdemeanor, depending on the severity of the offense and the circumstances involved. Tennessee law recognizes different degrees of domestic assault, which may range from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class C felony.

For instance, a domestic assault involving bodily injury or the use of a weapon could potentially be charged as a felony. Additionally, if the perpetrator has prior domestic violence convictions, the offense could be elevated to a felony charge. The classification of domestic violence as a felony signifies the gravity of the offense and can lead to more severe penalties, including longer prison sentences and more substantial fines.

According to Tennessee Code §39-13-111, domestic abuse is defined as an assault against any of the following:

• Adults or minors who are current or former spouses;
• Adults or minors who live together or who have lived together;
• Adults or minors who are dating or who have dated or who have or had a sexual relationship, but does not include fraternization between two (2) individuals in a business or social context;
• Adults or minors related by blood or adoption;
• Adults or minors who are related or were formerly related by marriage; or
• Adult or minor children of a person with whom you have a relationship described in points 1-5

In Tennessee, domestic assault cases have the same penalties as other assault crimes. Being charged and convicted of domestic assault and abuse carries the following penalties up to 15 years for a Class C felony and a $10,000 fine.

Effect of a Domestic Assault Conviction on Your Employment and Gun Rights

If you are convicted of misdemeanor domestic assault, there is a federal law known as the Lautenberg Amendment that bars you from owning, possessing, selling, or receiving firearms or ammunition. If you are a police officer or in military service, saving your career may depend on avoiding a conviction.

You should never plead guilty to any criminal charges without knowing the long-term effect a conviction could have on your life.

Call (931) 361-4477 or contact us online to arrange a free initial consultation with our Clarksville domestic assault lawyers.