Charged with Aggravated Assault by Strangulation in Knoxville or Surrounding Areas?

Assault and domestic assault are serious misdemeanor charges. However, when there are allegations of any form of strangulation, you could instead be facing severe felony penalties.

In Tennessee, assault is defined as:

• Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing bodily injury to another;
• Intentionally or knowingly causing another to reasonably fear imminent bodily injury; or
• Intentionally or knowingly causing physical contact with another and a reasonable person would regard the contact as extremely offensive or provocative.

Aggravated assault is defined as:

• Intentionally or knowingly committing an assault and the assault: 1) Results in serious bodily injury to another; 2) Results in the death of another; 3) Involved the use or display of a deadly weapon; or 4) Involved strangulation or attempted strangulation
• Recklessly committing an assault as defined in § 39-13-101(a)(1), and the assault: 1) Results in serious bodily injury to another; 2) Results in the death of another; or 3) Involved the use or display of a deadly weapon.

Under this statute, strangulation is defined as intentionally or knowingly impeding normal breathing or circulation of the blood by applying pressure to the throat or neck or by blocking the nose and mouth of another person, regardless of whether that conduct results in any visible injury or whether the person has any intent to kill or protractedly injure the victim.

If you are charged with aggravated assault by strangulation, any allegation that you placed your hands around the throat or mouth of another person, even for a brief moment, can result in you facing a serious felony prosecution. Under this statute, there does not even have to be any physical evidence such as redness or bruising for you to be charged.If convicted, the potential penalties could be devastating, including three to fifteen years in prison, the loss of your right to vote, the loss of you right to own a firearm, the loss of your professional license, and the foreclosure of many employment opportunities.

The Garza Law Firm understands that this accusation can have serious effects upon your job, your relationships, and your reputation. This is especially true when these allegations are made by someone in your household or by someone with whom you have a romantic relationship. Many counties in Tennessee have separate units or separate attorneys that focus on domestic violence cases, and these attorneys give heightened attention to any allegations of strangulation.

At the Garza Law Firm, we investigate the facts of the case, interview all potential witnesses, scrutinize every statement given to law enforcement, and deploy our extensive criminal defense experience to provide you with the best possible representation against these charges. If you are charged with Aggravated Assault by Strangulation, you should contact our office immediately so that we can answer any questions you may have and discuss how best to protect your rights and interests.

For a free consultation, call 865-540-8300 or email info@garzalaw.com. Our attorneys are happy to meet when it is most convenient for you—even in the evening or on weekends.

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