The difference between a Misdemeanor Assault and a Felony Assault can mean the difference between less than a year in jail and years in state prison. If you were arrested after a fight downtown near Market Square, a dispute at a Vols game, or an altercation with a family member or significant other in Anderson County, it is critical to understand how Tennessee law defines these charges and how they are prosecuted.
At The Bell Law Firm, PLLC, our Knoxville criminal defense attorney understands the stakes and is prepared to fight for you.
What is Misdemeanor Assault in Tennessee?
Under Tennessee law (T.C.A. § 39-13-101), you can be charged with Misdemeanor Assault if prosecutors believe you committed any of the following acts:
- Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly caused bodily injury to another person
- Intentionally or knowingly caused another person to reasonably fear imminent bodily injury
- Intentionally or knowingly caused physical contact that a reasonable person would find extremely provocative or offensive
In most cases, Misdemeanor Assault is charged as a Class-A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and fines of up to $2,500. Certain lesser assault offenses may be charged as a Class-B misdemeanor, which can carry up to six months in jail.
Example: A heated argument outside a bar in downtown Knoxville where one person shoves the other could result in a Misdemeanor Assault charge, even if no serious injury occurred.
When Does Assault Become a Felony?
An Assault charge becomes a Felony—known as Aggravated Assault in Tennessee—under T.C.A. § 39-13-102 when certain aggravating factors are present, including:
- Causing serious bodily injury to another person
- Using or displaying a deadly weapon during the assault
- Strangulation or attempted strangulation
- Assaulting a member of a protected class, such as law enforcement officers, healthcare providers, or first responders, while they are performing their duties (Each offense requires a mandatory fine of $15,000 along with a mandatory minimum sentence of 90 days incarceration)
- Aggravated Assault can be charged as a Class C or Class D felony, with penalties ranging from 2 to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $15,000.
Example: Altering a person’s normal breathing pattern or blood flow to a person’s brain during a fight in downtown Knoxville, or assaulting an officer during the course of resisting arrest in Oak Ridge, could result in an Aggravated Assault charge.
Why Local Expertise Matters in Assault Cases
Fighting an Assault charge in Knoxville is not just about knowing the law—it is about knowing the local courts, prosecutors, and procedures.
Our Knoxville criminal defense attorney brings:
- In-depth knowledge of Tennessee statutes and how they are applied in Knox, Anderson, Loudon, Sevier, and surrounding Counties
- Experience negotiating with local prosecutors and identifying when a case should go to trial
- Courtroom readiness—we prepare every case as if it will be heard before a judge and jury
Protecting Your Rights from Day One
The biggest mistake many people make is speaking to police, investigators, or even friends about the incident before talking to a lawyer. Any statement—no matter how casual—can be used against you. At The Bell Law Firm, we pull the warrant, review the officer’s report, and look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case from the start.
Charged With Assault? Get a Defense From Someone Who’s Been in Your Shoes
Years ago, Justin Bell was accused of a crime he did not commit. He knows firsthand what it feels like when the system seems stacked against you—and he knows how to fight back. That experience drives every case he takes, whether it’s a Misdemeanor Assault after an argument or a Felony Aggravated Assault with serious charges on the line.
At The Bell Law Firm, PLLC, you’ll speak directly with Justin Bell from day one. He’ll review your warrant, dig into the facts, and build a defense designed to expose flaws in the prosecution’s case. He treats every client with the same determination he wishes his own attorney had shown him—because for you, just like it was for him, everything is at stake.
Call now for your free case review and start building a defense that comes from experience on both sides of the courtroom.