Violent Crimes 

Facing a violent crime charge in Tennessee is a life-altering event. The stakes are immediately high: your freedom, your reputation, and your future are on the line. Prosecutors take these charges incredibly seriously, often seeking maximum penalties to set an example.

At Nicholson & Hall, PLLC, we believe that every person is entitled to a vigorous defense. If you have been arrested for a violent crime, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a strategic fighter who understands the complexities of Tennessee criminal statutes and isn't afraid to challenge the state's evidence.

Aggressive Defense Against Violent Crime Charges

Tennessee law categorizes violent crimes by the severity of the injury and the intent of the accused. Understanding exactly what you are charged with is the first step in building a defense.

1. Assault & Aggravated Assault

Assault charges are among the most common violent crimes we see in Nashville. They can range from a heated argument that got out of hand to serious allegations involving weapons.

• Simple Assault (Misdemeanor): This typically involves intentionally or recklessly causing bodily injury to another person, or causing them to reasonably fear imminent harm. While often a Class A Misdemeanor, a conviction still results in a permanent criminal record.
• Aggravated Assault (Felony): The charge elevates to a felony if a deadly weapon is involved, if the victim suffers serious bodily injury, or if the act involved strangulation. Aggravated assault is a serious felony in Tennessee (typically Class C or D), carrying years of potential prison time.

2. Homicide (Murder & Manslaughter)

There is no charge more serious than homicide. Tennessee law breaks these offenses down by the state of mind of the accused.

• First-Degree Murder: The premeditated and intentional killing of another, or a killing committed during the perpetration of a felony (Felony Murder). This carries a sentence of life in prison or the death penalty.
• Second-Degree Murder: A "knowing" killing of another, but without the element of premeditation.
• Voluntary Manslaughter: An intentional killing committed in a "state of passion" produced by adequate provocation sufficient to lead a reasonable person to act in an irrational manner.
• Reckless Homicide: A killing resulting from reckless conduct, rather than an intentional act.

3. Kidnapping & False Imprisonment

These charges often confuse clients because the difference comes down to the risk of harm to the victim.

• False Imprisonment: This occurs when someone knowingly removes or confines another person unlawfully so as to substantially interfere with their liberty. In Tennessee, this is a Class A Misdemeanor.
• Kidnapping: The charge becomes a Class C Felony Kidnapping if the false imprisonment happens under circumstances that expose the victim to a "substantial risk of bodily injury."
• Aggravated Kidnapping: This is a Class B Felony involving the use of a deadly weapon, serious injury to the victim, or holding a victim for ransom.

4. Robbery

Unlike simple theft, robbery is considered a crime against a person because it involves violence or fear.

• Robbery: The intentional theft of property from another person by violence or putting the person in fear.
• Aggravated Robbery: Robbery accomplished with a deadly weapon (or an item fashioned to look like one) OR where the victim suffers serious bodily injury.
• Especially Aggravated Robbery: The most serious classification (Class A Felony), involving robbery accomplished with a deadly weapon AND where the victim suffers serious bodily injury. This carries a mandatory minimum sentence to be served at 100% without parole.

Why Hire Nicholson & Hall, PLLC to Fight Your Case?

When you are facing the power of the government, you cannot afford to be passive. Here is why clients across Middle Tennessee trust us with their lives:

1. We Know the Local Courts: We understand how prosecutors operate and the tendencies of local judges. This insight allows us to craft smarter legal strategies.
2. We Are Trial-Ready: We prepare every case as if it is going to trial. This preparation often pressures prosecutors into offering better plea deals because they know we are not afraid to fight in a courtroom.
3. We Protect Your Rights: From illegal search and seizure to Miranda violations, we analyze every interaction you had with law enforcement to ensure your constitutional rights weren't violated.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

Do not wait to build your defense. The earlier we get involved, the more evidence we can preserve.

Call Nicholson & Hall, PLLC at 615-913-3932 to discuss your case.