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Tennessee Assault & Domestic Assault Charges

Tennessee simple assault (T.C.A. § 39-13-101) is a misdemeanor, but it becomes the felony of aggravated assault (§ 39-13-102) when there's serious bodily injury, a deadly weapon, or strangulation. Domestic assault (§ 39-13-111) is an assault against a 'domestic abuse victim' and carries enhanced consequences and firearm restrictions.

By Find Local Law Editorial Team · Last reviewed: May 25, 2026

Researched and drafted with AI assistance and verified against primary sources (statutes, Judicial Council forms, and official court websites). This is general information, not legal advice.

This is general information, not legal advice. The exact felony class for an aggravated or domestic assault depends on the facts — talk to a Tennessee attorney.

“Assault” in Tennessee covers a wide range of conduct, and the charge can be a misdemeanor or a serious felony depending on the circumstances.

Simple assault (misdemeanor)

Under T.C.A. § 39-13-101, a person commits assault who:

  • intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury;
  • intentionally or knowingly causes another to reasonably fear imminent bodily injury; or
  • intentionally or knowingly causes physical contact that a reasonable person would find offensive or provocative.

The injury and fear forms are Class A misdemeanors; the offensive-contact form is a Class B misdemeanor.

Aggravated assault (felony)

T.C.A. § 39-13-102 elevates an assault to a felony when it involves aggravating factors — such as serious bodily injury or death, the display or use of a deadly weapon, or strangulation. The exact felony class depends on the conduct and mental state, so confirm the specific grading for a given situation.

Domestic assault

T.C.A. § 39-13-111 makes it domestic assault to commit an assault against a “domestic abuse victim” — a defined category that generally includes current or former spouses, people who live or have lived together, family members, and dating partners, among others. A domestic assault carries enhanced consequences for repeat convictions and can trigger firearm-possession restrictions under state and federal law — which is why these charges are treated especially seriously.

After a case resolves, some records may be eligible to clear — see Tennessee expungement. To get matched with a local Tennessee attorney, connect with a lawyer.

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Frequently asked questions

Is assault a felony in Tennessee?
Simple assault (T.C.A. § 39-13-101) is a misdemeanor. It becomes the felony of aggravated assault (§ 39-13-102) when there's serious bodily injury, a deadly weapon, strangulation, or other aggravating factors.
What counts as domestic assault?
An assault committed against a 'domestic abuse victim' as defined in T.C.A. § 39-13-111 — generally covering current/former spouses, people who live or lived together, family members, and dating partners, among others.
Why is a domestic assault charge treated more seriously?
It carries enhanced consequences for repeat offenses and can trigger firearm-possession restrictions under state and federal law, on top of the underlying assault penalties.

Sources

Related guides

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