Aggravated Assault Defense in Clarksville

How Tennessee Defines Aggravated Assault

Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-13-102 identifies several circumstances that can elevate an assault to a felony. Intentional or knowing conduct may qualify when it causes serious bodily injury or death, involves the use or display of a deadly weapon, or involves strangulation or attempted strangulation.

Under the statute, strangulation means intentionally or knowingly impeding normal breathing or blood circulation by applying pressure to the throat or neck or by blocking the nose and mouth. Visible injury isn’t required. The statute also covers certain reckless assaults involving serious bodily injury, death, or a deadly weapon.

Additional provisions address a custodian’s failure to protect a child or adult from assault and certain conduct committed in violation of a court order, diversion agreement, or probation agreement. The charged subsection matters because it determines what the prosecution must prove and can affect the felony classification.

Felony Classifications & Sentencing

Many intentional or knowing violations are Class C felonies, while listed reckless variants are generally Class D felonies. A strangulation-based offense involving a pregnant victim can be a Class B felony when the statutory requirements are met.

Tennessee’s general authorized imprisonment terms include:

• Class B felony: Eight to 30 years
• Class C felony: Three to 15 years
• Class D felony: Two to 12 years

These ranges don’t predict the sentence in a particular case. Felony sentencing depends on the charged subsection, offender classification, prior record, enhancement and mitigating factors, and other legal considerations. Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-13-102 also authorizes a fine of up to $15,000 in addition to other permitted punishment.

A conviction may also restrict firearm possession and affect employment, professional licensing, housing, and immigration status.