How Will a Domestic Violence Charge Affect My Reputation and Future Opportunities?

If you’re facing a domestic violence charge, a conviction can carry jail time and significant fines, but that isn’t the end of the matter. There are also serious losses related to your social standing to consider. The State of Tennessee takes the matter of domestic violence very seriously, and if you’ve been charged with the crime, it’s time to consult with an experienced Nashville domestic violence defense attorney.

The Charge of Domestic Violence

In Tennessee, the charge of domestic violence applies in relation all to the following forms of assault:

• The defendant intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly caused the other person to suffer bodily injury.
• The defendant intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly caused the other person to reasonably fear they would suffer imminent bodily injury.
• The defendant intentionally or knowingly engaged in the kind of physical contact with another person that other reasonable people would consider extremely offensive or provocative.

For the charge of domestic abuse to apply, the victim must fall into one of the following categories:

• A current or former spouse of the defendant
• A current or former member of the defendant’s household
• A current or former romantic partner of the defendant
• Someone who is related to the defendant by blood or adoption or who is or was related to the defendant by marriage

Domestic violence in Tennessee can include several serious offenses, such as:

• Assault
• Aggravated assault
• Stalking
• Intimidation
• Kidnapping or Abduction
• Statutory rape
• Rape

The Social Consequences of a Domestic Violence Charge

If you’re facing a domestic violence charge, it’s important to recognize that – beyond the potential legal fines and penalties, the social consequences can be profound, including:

• The social stigma and shame that tends to accompany such charges can negatively impact your overall mental health as well as your relationships.
• The charge and the complexities of the legal battle can put a serious strain on your relationships with your family members, including with your children – and your parental rights could be affected.
• You could also experience isolation within your community, which can interfere with how you live your life.

Because domestic violence charges are a matter of public information, it’s also important to take more practical concerns like the following into consideration:

• You could run into difficulty renting a place to live or could be denied a home loan
• Your career opportunities may be limited
• Your professional licensure could be affected or could even be denied
• Your right to possess a gun could be revoked
• You may not be eligible for federal student loans, which can interfere with your educational goals

An Experienced Nashville Domestic Violence Defense Attorney Can Help

Andrew Beasley at Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, is a formidable Nashville domestic violence defense attorney who is committed to fiercely advocating for your legal rights and for your case’s optimal outcome. Our dedicated legal team is standing by to help, so please don’t put off reaching out and contacting us online or calling  us at 615-846-9889 for more information today.