What if the Assault Happened During a Bar Fight?

Someone who intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another person will be charged with assault in Tennessee. If you do assault someone during a bar fight, criminal charges could be pressed against you. An assault charge will not go away on its own and could lead to collateral consequences that impact both your personal and professional life. If you are currently facing assault charges, do not hesitate to reach out to the Nashville assault attorneys at Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC.

What is Considered Assault in Nashville, TN?

Tennessee Code §39-13-101 defines assault as pertaining to any of the following:

• Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another
• Intentionally or knowingly causing another reasonable fear of imminent bodily injury
• Intentionally or knowingly touching a person in such a way that a reasonable person would find the contact to be extremely offensive or provocative.

Assault Charges Stemming from a Bar Fight

Emotions can escalate quickly when people are drinking, which is commonly seen in bars. An assault charge can arise when a person threatens violence or causes another person bodily harm. If you injure someone in a bar brawl, the bar owner or manager may call the police (although the victim may as well). The responding officer will file an incident report if anyone suffered severe injuries. At the same time, the altercation may seem like a simple indiscretion, a district attorney may choose to press charges.

Tennessee Assault Penalties

In Tennessee, assault is typically charged as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 11 months, 29 days in jail. However, you could be charged with aggravated assault if you attempt strangulation, cause serious bodily injury, or use a deadly weapon during the commission of the crime. Under TN Code §39-13-102, aggravated assault is usually charged as a Class C felony, punishable by three to 15 years in prison and a maximum fine of $15,000. However, if the victim was pregnant at the time of the offense, the charge will be enhanced to a Class B felony.

Collateral Consequences of a Bar Fight

As if imprisonment and hefty fines are not enough, assault charges can lead to the following collateral consequences:

Trouble Finding Employment

If you are arrested or charged for assault following a bar fight, this may impact your ability to find work. While employers are discouraged from hiring individuals who have a criminal record, the state’s “Ban the Box” law protects former convicts. Under the law, state employers are not allowed to ask about an individual’s criminal history on an initial job application. Although employers can conduct a background check, this is not permitted until later on in the hiring process.

Loss of Visitation Rights

The court makes custody decisions based on what is in the child’s best interest. While violent crimes, such as assault, will not automatically terminate your parental rights, they can cause the court to limit how often you are able to see your child. If you are in the midst of a custody battle, getting assault charges dropped or dismissed can help you retain access to your child.

Inability to Secure Suitable Housing

There is no denying that the rental market is highly competitive. As part of a rental application, landlords do perform background checks. If you have been arrested, charged, or convicted of assault, your application will most likely be denied. If you are interested in what steps can be taken to reduce your charges, you should speak with our Nashville assault lawyers.

Reach Out to Our Nashville Assault Attorneys Today

What may begin as a calm conversation can quickly escalate into a brawl. If you or a family member has recently gotten into an altercation at a bar or local pub resulting in injury to another person, our Nashville assault lawyers are here to help. At Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, we believe that one poor decision should not determine your fate. To schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team, our office can be reached online or by calling (615) 846-9889 today.