Memphis Domestic Violence Lawyer

What are the Penalties for Domestic Assault in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, domestic assault can result in many serious penalties. The penalties can be the same as the underlying assault crime, however loss of firearm rights and a fine to fund violence shelters may also be added as consequences.

The possible penalties for assault under Tennessee domestic violence law include:

• Class A misdemeanor: a $2,500 fine and/or up to 11 months and 29 days in jail
• Class B misdemeanor: a $500 fine and/or up to six months in jail
• Class C felony: a $10,000 fine and 3 to 15 years in prison
• Class D felony: a $5,000 fine and 2 to 12 years in prison

Beyond jail time and fines, a domestic assault conviction can affect housing, employment, and future background checks, because many employers and landlords in the Memphis area carefully review criminal records. You may also be required to complete batterer intervention programs or counseling as part of probation, and violating any of these conditions can send you back in front of the judge. As a Memphis Domestic Violence Attorney focused on protecting our clients’ long-term interests, we look not only at the immediate penalties you face but also at how a plea, diversion, or trial might affect your life years down the road.

Protective Orders and No-Contact Conditions in Memphis

After a domestic violence arrest, courts in Memphis and throughout Shelby County often issue protective orders or strict no-contact bond conditions that can reshape your daily life overnight. You may be ordered to stay away from the alleged victim, leave the shared home, or avoid certain locations, even if the other person wants contact. Understanding what these orders mean, how long they last, and what conduct might be considered a violation is essential to avoiding new criminal charges and additional penalties.

There are both temporary orders put in place soon after the arrest and longer-term orders that can be issued after a hearing in Shelby County General Sessions Court or Circuit Court. These orders can affect child visitation, communication through third parties, and your ability to retrieve belongings from the residence, which can be confusing and emotionally draining. As a domestic violence lawyer Shelby County families can turn to for guidance, we review each condition with you, help you plan safe and lawful ways to comply, and prepare you for any hearings where the judge will decide whether to extend, modify, or lift those restrictions.

It is never wise to ignore or casually bend a protective order, because even a phone call, text message, or social media contact can be treated as a violation and lead to your arrest. We work with you to document any legitimate needs you may have—such as arranging contact regarding children or shared bills—and present those concerns to the court through proper legal channels rather than risky informal contact. By approaching protective orders strategically, we aim to keep you in compliance with Memphis-area court requirements while still protecting your important relationships and practical needs.

Can Domestic Assault Charges be Dropped in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, domestic assault charges can not be dropped by the alleged victim in a domestic violence case that does not have the power to drop the charges. The decision to charge rests with the police, but the responsibility to prosecute is within the sole discretion of the District Attorney's Office. Most prosecutors will not dismiss a charge of domestic assault at arraignment, even if the alleged victim asks for this to be done.

Because the prosecutor, not the alleged victim, controls whether charges move forward, it is critical to have a Memphis Domestic Violence Lawyer who understands how local prosecutors evaluate these cases. We can review the police reports, any 911 recordings, and statements made at the scene, then identify weaknesses or inconsistencies that may persuade the District Attorney’s Office or a judge in Shelby County to reduce or dismiss charges at a later stage. We also advise you about what to expect at each court appearance so you are prepared to respond appropriately without making statements that could be used against you.

Contact Our Memphis Domestic Violence Attorney Today 

At the Law Office of Stephen R. Leffler, P.C., our Memphis domestic violence attorney can allow our clients to explain the situation while we carefully listen. We also have a staff investigator who can be used to investigate the case further and gather more information which can be helpful. We have provided clients with helpful legal representation through our ability to gather information. Following a domestic violence charge, our firm can advise you on your legal options. 

When you reach out to our office after a domestic violence arrest in Shelby County, we move quickly to obtain court documents, review any available evidence, and begin developing a defense strategy tailored to your circumstances. Our goal as a domestic violence lawyer Memphis residents can rely on is to provide clear guidance from the first consultation through the final court date, so you always understand your options and the potential consequences of each decision. We encourage you to contact us as early as possible in the process, before speaking with law enforcement or appearing in court alone, so we can start protecting your rights immediately.

Contact the Law Office of Stephen R. Leffler, P.C. today to schedule a FREE consultation with our domestic violence lawyer in Memphis!