Assault

Assault Attorney in Murfreesboro, TN

Defense Built on Prosecutorial Experience in Rutherford County

An assault charge moves fast. From arrest to arraignment, the prosecution is already building its case while you’re still figuring out what comes next. At Parkerson Law, we defend clients facing assault charges ranging from simple misdemeanor assault to felony aggravated assault in Rutherford County’s courts. Our founding attorney, Thomas Parkerson, spent years on the other side of those same courtrooms as an Assistant District Attorney for the 16th Judicial District, prosecuting the very type of cases he now defends.

A conviction can mean jail time, steep fines, and a permanent record that follows you into every job application and housing inquiry for years to come. How quickly you act and how effectively your defense challenges the prosecution’s evidence can shape the outcome. With over 20 years of legal experience and a defense portfolio spanning close to 10,000 cases, we’re prepared to move quickly and strategically on your behalf.

Your first step is a free case assessment. Call us at (615) 392-3012 or request a virtual appointment if that works better for your schedule. Don’t wait to get counsel working for you.

Tennessee Assault Charges: Types, Penalties, & Collateral Consequences

Assault charges in Tennessee cover a wide range of conduct, and how a charge is classified determines everything that follows, from which court hears the case to the penalties a conviction carries.

How Tennessee Defines & Classifies Assault

Under Tennessee Code Annotated 39-13-101, a person commits assault by intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another; intentionally or knowingly causing another to reasonably fear imminent bodily injury; or intentionally or knowingly making physical contact a reasonable person would regard as extremely offensive or provocative. Physical injury isn’t required for charges to be filed.

Charge classification depends on what happened, how it happened, and who was involved:

Simple assault (Class A misdemeanor): Up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and fines up to $2,500
Intentional aggravated assault (Class C felony): Intentionally or knowingly causing serious bodily injury or using a deadly weapon; three to fifteen years in prison and fines up to $10,000
Reckless aggravated assault (Class D felony): Recklessly causing serious bodily injury or involving a deadly weapon; two to twelve years in prison and fines up to $5,000

A charge escalates from misdemeanor to felony based on injury severity, weapon use, the victim’s identity (first responders, minors, elderly individuals), or prior criminal history. In Rutherford County, misdemeanor assault cases may be resolved in General Sessions Court, while felony charges are indicted by a Grand Jury and heard in Circuit Criminal Court.

Consequences Beyond the Courtroom

The criminal penalties are serious. The collateral consequences can outlast them. A Tennessee assault conviction creates a permanent criminal record that surfaces on background checks run by employers, landlords, and professional licensing boards. Certain licenses in Tennessee can be denied or revoked following a violent misdemeanor or felony conviction.

A domestic assault conviction carries the additional consequence of losing the right to possess firearms under federal law. In child custody proceedings, an assault conviction or even a pending charge can be used as evidence against a parent’s fitness. Felony convictions can also affect eligibility for federal student aid, public housing, and certain immigration statuses. Tennessee law permits expungement of some criminal records, but assault convictions face significant restrictions depending on charge class and case disposition, which is why fighting the charge before a conviction enters the record matters so much.

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Our Testimonials

Hear From Our Happy Clients

"Unparalleled Empathy & Consideration"
Thomas Parkerson handles cases with respect, confidence, and caring. He is very thorough and excellent at communicating what the process is and what to expect. He shows empathy and consideration that is unparalleled.

- Kristi D.
"Caring and Attentive"
Mr. Parkerson is an amazing attorney and my experience with him was wonderful. He is caring and attentive, and was very thorough when speaking with me about my case, making sure I understood all of my options clearly.

- Marie M.
"Helpful & Compassionate!"
Mr. Parkerson is the very best attorney! He was so extremely nice, helpful, informative, and compassionate! We can't thank him enough for his assistance and his hard work! We would highly recommend him to anyone!

- Kimberly E.
"The Best Attorney in Town!"
Thomas Parkerson is the best attorney in town! His many years as an ADA and now many years as a defense attorney gives him the knowledge and experience to handle any criminal charge. Personal, genuine attorney who truly cares for his clients!

- Maiya G.

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Assault Defense Strategies in Tennessee

There’s rarely a single path to a strong defense. The right strategy depends on the facts, the evidence, the court, and how the prosecution has framed its case. Because Thomas Parkerson has sat at the prosecution’s table in Rutherford County, he evaluates each case with a clear picture of how the state can approach it and where it’s most vulnerable.

Common and effective defenses in Tennessee assault cases include:

Self-defense: Tennessee law permits the use of force a person reasonably believes is immediately necessary to protect against another’s unlawful force. Even defendants who were arrested and charged can present a self-defense justification; the defense attorney’s role is to establish the full context and supporting evidence.
Defense of others: Reasonable force used to protect a third party from imminent harm is a recognized defense under Tennessee law.
Lack of intent: The assault statute requires intentional, knowing, or reckless conduct. Challenging whether the defendant’s state of mind meets that threshold can undercut the prosecution’s case entirely.
Consent: When the alleged victim voluntarily agreed to the conduct at issue, consent can serve as a defense.
Alibi or mistaken identity: These defenses directly attack the prosecution’s identification of the defendant as the person who committed the act.
Insufficient evidence: The state must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. When that burden can’t be met, dismissal or acquittal may follow.
False accusation: Charges arising from contentious domestic situations or divorce proceedings are a recognized category. We examine the full history between the parties and any motive to fabricate.

Talk to a Murfreesboro Assault Lawyer Today

The earlier we get involved, the more options we may have. Evidence can be preserved, witnesses identified, and diversion or plea options evaluated before the prosecution’s case solidifies. Parkerson Law serves clients throughout Murfreesboro and Rutherford County facing assault charges at every level of severity.

We offer a free case assessment and virtual appointments for clients who need flexibility. Call (615) 392-3012 or reach out through our online contact form to get started.

How an Assault Case Moves Through Rutherford County Courts

The decisions you make at each stage of the court process can shape your outcome. Here’s how assault cases typically proceed in Rutherford County and where having the right assault attorney makes the most difference.

Arrest & Initial Appearance

After an arrest, the defendant typically has an initial appearance in General Sessions Court where bail is set. Misdemeanor assault charges may be resolved entirely in this court, through negotiation, a diversion program, or trial. Because the initial appearance happens quickly, retaining counsel immediately after arrest is critical. An attorney can advise on statements to law enforcement, prepare for the bail hearing, and begin evaluating the evidence before the prosecution has had time to build its narrative.

Grand Jury & Circuit Criminal Court

Felony assault charges follow a different path. The Rutherford County District Attorney’s office presents the case to a Grand Jury, and if an indictment is returned, the case moves to Circuit Criminal Court for arraignment, discovery, and eventual resolution. Thomas Parkerson’s background as an ADA for the 16th Judicial District means he’s familiar with how Rutherford County prosecutors approach both the Grand Jury stage and Circuit Criminal Court proceedings.

Discovery & Case Evaluation

Discovery in a Tennessee assault case involves obtaining police reports, witness statements, medical records, and any video evidence gathered by law enforcement. We review every piece of material the prosecution intends to rely on and look for inconsistencies, chain-of-custody problems, and constitutional issues that could limit the evidence at trial.

Resolution: Trial, Plea, or Diversion

Not every assault case goes to trial. Diversion programs may be available for first-time offenders on certain charges, with successful completion potentially leading to dismissal. Negotiated pleas are another route when the facts support it. When trial is the right answer, Thomas Parkerson’s experience litigating assault cases in Rutherford County courts from both sides means clients aren’t walking into the courtroom with someone who’s learning as they go. Throughout every stage, we maintain consistent communication so clients know where their case stands and what comes next.

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Parkerson Law

What Sets Us Apart?

Track Record of Excellence
With a defense portfolio that spans close to ten thousand cases, Parkerson Law has a proven track record of success.
Decades of Experience

With over 20 years of dedicated practice, Parkerson Law brings a wealth of experience to every case.
Former Prosecutor Advantage

With a background as a former prosecutor, Thomas Parkerson skillfully navigates your defense and anticipates strategies.
Client-Centered Compassion

At Parkerson Law, our clients are more than just cases. We approach each situation with genuine compassion and a commitment to helping them navigate challenges.

Parkerson Law

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