Violent Crimes

Chattanooga Violent Crime Attorneys

Experienced Criminal Lawyers in Chattanooga Representing the Accused Across Hamilton County, TN

Violent crimes are some of the most serious criminal offenses under Tennessee law. Individuals convicted of a violent crime can expect to face severe penalties. However, even those accused of these serious charges may face harsh consequences that affect their future opportunities, regardless of whether there is sufficient evidence to convict them of their supposed crimes. Those accused of violent crimes must take these legal matters seriously and seek the representation of an experienced attorney to help them through the criminal justice system. With strong defense strategies, it is possible to avoid the harshest punishments and, in some criminal cases, get out ahead of the charges and defend the defendant’s reputation.

At Community Law Group, we have extensive legal experience representing clients accused of violent criminal offenses in Chattanooga and southeast Tennessee. At our law firm, we save lives, we unite families, and we are the voice for those who don’t have one. We are warriors of justice, and we represent clients with strong defense strategies in federal and state courts with the aim of seeing charges dismissed or reduced.

To learn more about the benefits of retaining the legal services of skilled criminal defense attorneys, please contact our Chattanooga law office to discuss your charges in more detail with our legal team today.

What Are Considered Violent Crimes in Chattanooga, TN?

Tennessee law defines violent crimes as criminal offenses that involve the use or threat of physical violence against another individual. Violent crimes are treated very seriously by the Tennessee legal industry because of the serious bodily harm and danger inherent in such criminal offenses. Those facing serious charges for a violent offense must seek the legal representation of a trusted criminal defense lawyer to defend their interests.

Our Tennessee law office has represented defendants in various practice areas related to felony charges and other legal issues associated with violent crimes.

Examples of the violent crime cases we represent include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Armed robbery
  • Carjacking
  • Domestic violence
  • First-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, and vehicular homicide
  • Kidnapping, unlawful confinement, and false imprisonment
  • Specific hate crimes
  • Various types of assault, including aggravated assault, battery, simple assault, and sexual assault
  • Violent sex crimes, including sexual battery, rape, and statutory rape
  • And more

Depending on the circumstances of the crime, other criminal offenses may also be considered violent crimes under Tennessee law. Individuals facing criminal charges for any type of violent crime must seek the assistance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer to defend their rights throughout the legal process. Contact our law firm to speak with a legal representative today.

What is the Legal Process in Violent Crime Cases?

Navigating the legal system at either the state or federal level can be overwhelming, especially if you have been recently charged with a serious criminal offense. You do not need to face the criminal justice system on your own. Our criminal attorneys can represent your rights from the moment you are arrested to the final verdict and, in certain circumstances, also represent your interests in criminal appeals.

At the beginning of your criminal case, you will sit down with our attorneys to discuss the facts of your case and develop the foundation for your criminal defense strategy. Our legal team will then conduct a thorough investigation, seeking statements from witnesses and gathering valuable evidence that helps to support your case.

Depending on the specifics of your violent crime case, your criminal defense lawyers may file pretrial motions to suppress specific pieces of evidence or dismiss criminal charges against you.

The attorneys of our law offices are highly qualified negotiators who will represent your best interests in the pursuit of the most satisfactory plea deal possible for your case. Depending on the circumstances, a plea bargain may not be appropriate, but we will explore the legal option.

If your case goes to trial, your attorneys will provide dedicated legal services, craft a strong defense strategy, present compelling evidence, and work tirelessly to protect your rights.

Remember, you are innocent until proven guilty. Our criminal lawyers will aggressively defend this fundamental right from the beginning to the end of the criminal process.

What Are the Potential Penalties of a Violent Crime Conviction in Tennessee?

Depending on the criminal defense, violent crimes can result in either misdemeanor or felony charges. The more severe violent offenses come with more severe potential penalties. Additionally, certain factors can enhance the criminal sentences for both misdemeanors and felonies in Tennessee. For example, repeat criminal convictions can increase the severity of potential punishments, as can instances where the accused had a firearm at the time of the crime, caused serious bodily harm to another person, or was out on bail or parole at the time of the criminal offense.

The classification of your violent crime will depend on various circumstances.

The penalties for violent offenses in Tennessee include the following:

  • Class A misdemeanors are punishable by up to $2,500 in fines and almost a year of jail time
  • Class E felonies are associated with one to six years in prison and fines of up to $3,000
  • Class D felony charges can result in up to 12 years in prison and fines of up to $5,000
  • Class C felonies can result in up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000
  • Class B felony offenses can result in up to three decades in prison and fines of up to $25,000
  • Class A felony charges can result in 60 years in prison and fines of up to $50,000

In addition to lengthy prison sentences and substantial financial penalties, those convicted may also be placed on probation and be forced to pay restitution to the alleged victim of the violent crime.

Some potential consequences of a violent crime conviction can go beyond the legal penalties. For example, having a violent offense on your permanent criminal record can impact your ability to seek employment, housing, and education opportunities. To help ensure a brighter future for yourself and those who depend upon you, it is essential to build a strong defense and avoid the potential of a violent criminal history if possible.

What is Tennessee’s “Truth in Sentencing” Law?

Tennessee penalizes violent crimes more aggressively than most other states nationwide. Tennessee’s Truth in Sentencing law establishes minimum sentencing guidelines for individuals convicted of specific violent crimes in the state. Under the Truth in Sentencing law, many defendants convicted of violent crimes must serve 85% to 100% of their prison sentences with no possibility of reducing those sentences or earning parole.

Many critics of this Tennessee law point to the belief that it will result in overcrowded prison populations and could even increase the likelihood of repeat offenses. Regardless of the criticisms and the law’s supposed effectiveness, the existence of the Truth in Sentencing law makes an already serious legal matter all the more dire for those accused of violent offenses in Tennessee.

At our Chattanooga law offices, our legal staff works relentlessly to defend the legal rights of those accused of violent criminal offenses in Tennessee. Do not risk your rights by proceeding with your criminal case without professional legal representation in your corner.

How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Protect Your Rights?

Before you entrust a criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights, you can take steps to defend your rights yourself. When police officers and other investigators ask you questions, you do not need to answer them. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. You should not provide any answers to police officers beyond supplying your name and home address. Politely exercise your right to remain silent and ask for your attorney. Don’t say anything to the police until your lawyer arrives.

Once your attorneys arrive at the scene and have a chance to review the facts of the supposed crime, they can provide dependable legal guidance through the many procedures that await you.

Legal services that violent crime defense attorneys provide include the following:

  • Advice that keeps you informed throughout the criminal court process
  • Aggressive legal counsel to protect your rights both in and out of the courtroom
  • Constant communication and transparency to answer your questions and alleviate your concerns
  • Investigative methods for gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and exploring all potential legal defense strategies
  • Legal assistance in negotiations with prosecutors
  • Jury trial experience to defend you against serious charges
  • And more

What Defense Strategies Could Help Your Criminal Case?

The potential legal defense strategies that may be employed in your case entirely depend on the criminal defense matters you are contending with.

With that said, some of the potential criminal defense strategies that could work for your violent crime case may include the following:

  • Accidental contact
  • Claims of insanity
  • Consent
  • Defense of personal property
  • False accusations
  • Improper handling of evidence and the misapplication of crime scene protocols
  • Inconclusive DNA evidence
  • Lack of intent
  • Lack of sufficient evidence needed to convict
  • Mistaken identity
  • Self-defense
  • Violation of constitutional rights
  • Voluntary or involuntary intoxication
  • You were forced to commit a crime because you were under duress
  • And more

Only after our attorneys have reviewed your criminal case can we offer an idea of what defense strategy may be suitable for your legal issues. To begin the attorney-client relationship, schedule your initial consultation with our Tennessee law firm today.

Contact Our Law Firm to Discuss Your Criminal Charges with Our Experienced Legal Team Today

It is worth remembering that violent crime cases are among the most intensely fought legal battles in criminal law, with prosecutors aggressively seeking the harshest penalties in both state and federal courts. Not only do you risk costly fines and the potential of jail time, but those convicted of violent felony charges could receive life in prison and lose other freedoms and civil rights.

As your criminal lawyers, we will explore all options to help you build a thorough defense strategy and potentially negotiate for a favorable plea bargain in your violent crime case. Our experienced criminal defense lawyers will treat you with respect and dignity, always defending your best interests throughout the labyrinthine legal system.

To learn more about the benefits of retaining our professional legal services, please get in touch with our Chattanooga office to schedule your confidential case evaluation today. You can reach us at 423-373-7796.