Shelbyville Domestic Violence Lawyer

A domestic violence arrest in Shelbyville can change your life in just one afternoon. An argument, misunderstanding, or accusation can quickly lead to arrest and jail. You may face a no-contact order and be unsure if you can return home. These charges are serious, and what you do in the first days after arrest can impact your case.

If you are charged with assault or violating a protective order, hiring a Shelbyville domestic violence lawyer right away can help you move forward. Our team explains what constitutes domestic violence in Tennessee, the possible penalties, how we handle cases in Bedford County, and our primary defense strategies.

Call (931) 222-4010 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation.

What Counts as Domestic Violence in Tennessee?

Domestic violence or domestic abuse, as it’s called in Tennessee, refers to assault or certain related offenses committed against a qualifying domestic or family member. A qualifying relationship includes:

• A spouse or former spouse,
• Someone you live with or previously lived with,
• Someone with whom you share a child,
• Someone you are dating or have dated, or
• Certain extended family members.

Tennessee law doesn’t charge “domestic violence” as its own crime. Instead, the charge is usually domestic assault. To convict someone of domestic assault, the State must prove one of the following:

• Intentional, knowing, or reckless bodily injury to the other person;
• Offensive or provocative physical contact, even without injury; or
• Fear of imminent bodily injury, even without physical contact.

In Shelbyville, officers usually will arrest you if they find probable cause. This means your case moves forward as soon as you are arrested.

What Happens After a Domestic Violence Arrest in Shelbyville?

A domestic violence arrest means you will go to jail, face bond restrictions, and have a no-contact order before seeing a judge. Bedford County follows Tennessee’s rules, which prioritize quickly separating the individuals involved. 

After arrest, you can expect:

• Booking and a mandatory 12‑hour hold before release, depending on circumstances;
• Initial appearance in court, usually the next business day;
• Temporary no‑contact or no‑communication orders, often including children;
• Firearm restrictions; and
• Court dates where prosecutors decide whether to pursue the case.

During this time, anything you say, like texts, voicemails, or apologies, can be used against you. Getting a domestic violence lawyer in Shelbyville involved early helps you avoid turning simple actions into harmful evidence.

What Is the Difference Between Misdemeanor and Felony Domestic Assault?

Domestic assault is a misdemeanor unless certain aggravating factors elevate it to a felony.

Misdemeanor Domestic Assault

Most domestic assault cases are initially charged as Class A misdemeanors. These charges carry a potential penalty of up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, fines of up to $2,500, and require enrollment in batterer’s intervention programs or counseling.

A Class B misdemeanor covers less severe conduct, usually offensive contact, and carries up to six months in jail.

Felony Domestic Assault

A charge may become a felony if:

• There is strangulation,
• There is serious bodily injury,
• A deadly weapon is involved,
• It is a repeat domestic violence offense, or
• There is a violation of an existing protective order.

Being convicted of felony domestic assault can lead to years in prison, loss of gun rights, and long-term effects even after serving time.

Will a Domestic Violence Charge Prevent You from Returning Home?

A no-contact or no-communication order is typically issued immediately after arrest. This order can prevent you from returning home or speaking with the accuser. You could also be barred from seeing your children or collecting your belongings unless a police officer is present. Until the court lifts the order, even accidental violations can bring new criminal charges.

What Are the Penalties for Domestic Violence in Tennessee?

Penalties depend on the severity of the allegations and your prior record. A conviction may result in:

• Jail time, from days to several years;
• Probation conditions such as anger management or treatment;
• Loss of firearm rights under federal and state law;
• Permanent no-contact orders may be issued in certain cases;
• Immigration consequences for non‑citizens; and
• A permanent criminal record affecting employment and family matters.

Tennessee treats domestic violence as a priority offense. Prosecutors often push for firm penalties, so a domestic violence attorney in Shelbyville must address both the legal and personal aspects of your case.

What Defenses Can a Shelbyville Domestic Violence Lawyer Use?

To defend against a domestic assault charge, we start by challenging the accusation itself. These cases often involve quick decisions, intense emotions, and limited investigation, which can provide us with real opportunities to build a strong defense. The main strategies we use include:

• Self‑defense or defense of others. If you acted to protect yourself or someone else, the law may justify your actions.
• False or exaggerated allegations. Arguments, breakups, custody disputes, or misunderstandings can lead to inaccurate reports.
• Lack of intent or accident. The State must prove you acted intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly.
• Insufficient evidence. Bodycam footage, witness statements, or lack of injuries may undermine the accusation.
• Unlawful entry, arrest, or interrogation. If officers violated your constitutional rights, key evidence may be excluded.
• Recanting or inconsistent statements. Domestic cases often shift once emotions settle, and. a lawyer can ensure the court understands the full story.

A strong defense avoids blame. It ensures the court hears the full truth, not a rushed or incomplete record.

How Can Our Domestic Violence Attorney in Shelbyville Help Right Away?

Your lawyer immediately shields you from prosecutors, the court, and anyone involved in the case. We act quickly to:

• Review the arrest, bodycam footage, and statements;
• Challenge probable cause for the arrest;
• Seek modification of no‑contact orders so you can return home;
• Protect your firearm rights where permissible;
• Begin negotiations before the prosecutor forms a fixed position; and
• Present mitigation such as counseling, employment, or family commitments.

Getting us involved early lets us tell your side of the story before the State decides on its version. Waiting too long can make your case harder to defend.

Take Action Before the Court Decides Your Future

At The Law Firm, PC, we draw on decades of courtroom experience in Tennessee’s criminal courts to defend clients facing allegations of domestic violence. Our attorneys have represented individuals in Bedford County Courts, giving us insight into how local judges and prosecutors approach these cases.

A domestic violence charge does not define who you are. It is just one moment in your life, not the end of your story. We help you regain control, find stability, and move forward with dignity.

You are not alone. With your freedom, home, and reputation at stake, a responsive defense changes everything. Speak with our Shelbyville criminal defense attorney. We are ready to defend you from day one.

Call (931) 222-4010 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation.

Additional Practice Areas We Handle

• Shelbyville Traffic and Driving Offenses Lawyer
• Shelbyville DUI Lawyer
• Shelbyville Drug Possession Lawyer
• Shelbyville Probation Violation Attorney

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens After a Domestic Violence Arrest in Shelbyville?

You’ll be booked, held for a mandatory cooling-off period, and brought before a judge for the conditions of your release. A no‑contact order is usually issued immediately.

Can a Shelbyville Domestic Violence Lawyer Help Lift a No‑Contact Order?

Yes. An attorney can request a hearing to modify or remove the order, primarily if the protected party supports contact or the allegations are disputed.

What Is the Difference Between Misdemeanor and Felony Domestic Assault in Shelbyville?

Misdemeanors involve bodily injury, fear, or offensive contact. Felonies involve serious injury, weapons, strangulation, repeated offenses, or protective‑order violations.

Will a Domestic Violence Charge Affect My Ability to Return Home?

In the short term, a no-contact order can prevent you from entering the residence. Only the court, not the accuser, has the authority to change that.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a First Domestic Violence Charge in Shelbyville?

A conviction, even on a first offense, can cost you your job, housing, firearm rights, and freedom. Early representation is critical.