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Domestic Violence

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  • Second Degree Murder Not Guilty
  • First Degree Murder/Shaken Baby/Abusive Head Trauma Not Guilty
  • Robbery Case Dismissed
  • Manufacture of Meth Case Dismissed
  • DUI Case Dismissed
  • Aggravated Sexual Battery Case Dismissed
  • DUI Penalty Reduced
  • DUI Case Dismissed
  • Domestic Assault Case Dismissed
  • Murder Charge Dismissed Charge Dismissed
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Putnam County Domestic Violence Defense Attorney

Your Relationship to an Alleged Victim Matters

In Tennessee, domestic violence refers to physical and non-physical forms of abuse when the accused has a certain relationship to the alleged victim. People may think of domestic violence as something occurring between spouses or parents and children, but it goes beyond that.

Domestic violence can occur when an alleged abuser has any of the following relationships to the alleged victim:

  • Current or former spouse
  • Current or former dating or sexual partner
  • Parent (alleged victim is a child)
  • Adult child (alleged victim is a parent)
  • Cohabitant, such as a non-familial roommate
  • Any other relative by blood, adoption, or marriage

Have you been accused of or charged with domestic violence in Putnam County? Contact the defense lawyer at The Law Office of Douglas K. Dennis by calling (931) 486-8823 or contacting online to arrange a free consultation.

Can Domestic Assault Charges be Dropped in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, domestic assault charges can not be dropped. The victim does not have the power nor the authority to have the charges dropped. The police has the decision to charge, but the responsibility to prosecute is within the sole discretion of the District Attorney's Office.

Is Domestic Abuse More Than Just Physical?

Domestic abuse may include domestic assault when a victim accuses someone of physical harm or imminently fears such harm. You can even be accused of physical abuse by denying medical treatment or forcing drug and alcohol use on someone. Domestic abuse, however, can happen absent of physical contact.

Non-physical forms of domestic abuse can look like the following and more:

  • Psychological abuse can occur when an accuser threatens harm to him- or herself, the victim, or the victim’s relatives. Threatening or causing harm to pets or destroying personal property, as well as isolating the alleged victim from friends or family, can also be psychological abuse.
  • Emotional abuse can be alleged when an abuser invalidates or dismantles a victim’s self-esteem and/or sense of self-worth.
  • Economic abuse can happen when an alleged abuser withholds funds from a victim, or prevents him or her from attending work or school.
  • Sexual abuse can still occur without touching or physical harm. Making sexual jokes or comments about a victim can fall into this category.
  • Stalking and cyberstalking involve unwanted activities directed toward an alleged victim, such as spying, following, harassing, sending gifts and messages, making phone calls, appearing at a home or workplace, or repeated emailing and any other online actions that inflict substantial emotional distress.

Is Domestic Violence a Felony in Tennessee?

Domestic Violence is usually a misdemeanor and can be a felony depending on the circumstances of the offense. Typically, a prosecutor will file felony charges when there are injuries or where the defendant has a history of domestic violence offenses on his or her criminal record.

Punishments are often increased when the victim suffers serious bodily injury as a result of the defendant’s conduct. Prior to the defendant’s arraignment date, the detective assigned to the case and the filing Deputy District Attorney will review the case and decide what level of charges to file.

So if a deadly weapon was used, you are more likely to face a felony domestic violence charge.

Understanding the Impact of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a serious issue that extends beyond physical abuse. It can also include emotional, psychological, and financial abuse, as well as controlling behavior. Understanding the full impact of domestic violence is crucial in order to seek the necessary legal protection and support.

Some important points to consider about domestic violence:

  • It can have long-lasting effects on the victim's physical and mental health
  • It can impact children who witness or experience the abuse
  • Victims may feel isolated and unable to seek help
  • Domestic violence can escalate over time if not addressed

Our Putnam County domestic violence defense attorney is committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation for those facing domestic violence charges. We understand the complexities of these cases and work tirelessly to protect the rights and well-being of our clients.

How an Experienced Lawyer Can Help

Time is of the essence when someone accuses you of domestic violence. Contact us now so you can have experienced counsel beside you when making your first statements to police. We also help you understand the impact your immediate decisions can have on the rest of your case.

If charges are not dropped, we can guide you through proceedings with a personalized defense that mitigates your blame. We serve clients in Putnam, Wilson, Overton, Cumberland, White, DeKalb, Smith, and Jackson counties.

Call now at (931) 486-8823 or contact online for a free consultation about your domestic violence defense case.

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