Domestic Violence Involving Firearms

Domestic violence allegations can lead to serious criminal charges in Tennessee, particularly when the accusations include the use of guns or other deadly weapons. For people arrested for domestic violence involving firearms, the stakes are much higher. A Nashville domestic violence lawyer can fight for a favorable outcome on your behalf and seek to avoid harsh and unnecessary consequences. With more than 25 years of criminal law experience, Bernie McEvoy is committed to protecting the rights of defendants. If you have been arrested for domestic violence involving firearms in Davidson and Williamson County, he can provide trustworthy legal advice and aggressive defense representation.

In Tennessee, domestic violence offenses may be applied broadly to crimes between people who have or had some type of relationship. This group includes people who live or have lived together, who are related to each other by blood or marriage, spouses and ex-spouses, dating partners and former dating partners, and the adult or minor children of someone in those relationships, among others. Domestic violence crimes generally include offenses that involve physical force or weapons such as firearms against domestic abuse victims.

Aggravated assault is a felony criminal offense that may be charged for domestic violence involving firearms in a few different circumstances. Aggravated domestic assault may be charged when a person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to a domestic abuse victim through the use or display of a firearm or deadly weapon. In addition, aggravated domestic assault may apply when a person intentionally or knowingly causes offensive or provocative physical contact with a domestic abuse victim, and the offense involved the use or display of a gun or other firearm. A person may also be charged with aggravated domestic assault if they intentionally or knowingly cause a domestic abuse victim to reasonably fear imminent bodily injury through the use or display of a firearm. If the police have probable cause that a person has committed an aggravated domestic assault offense, they may be arrested and taken into custody.

A misdemeanor or felony conviction for a domestic violence offense involving firearms is punishable by enhanced criminal penalties, as well as the loss of certain civil liberties. Initially, a person arrested for domestic violence may be subject to a temporary no-contact order and a potentially permanent restraining order. If the defendant is then convicted of a domestic violence offense involving firearms, they may face a sentence of incarceration, probation, fine, and/or restitution. In addition, the defendant may be ordered to attend an alcohol or substance abuse treatment program or a domestic violence counseling for anger and control issues.

A person convicted of domestic violence loses their right to possess, own, or use a firearm and will be ordered to give up all handguns, rifles, and firearms in their possession. If they are found in possession of a firearm, they may face additional charges. These consequences may have a lasting affect on your freedom, your relationships, and other aspects of your life. While allegations of domestic violence involving firearms are serious, you can defend against the charges with the assistance of a lawyer.

If you have been accused of domestic violence, a defense lawyer in Nashville can protect your rights and defend you against the allegations. Bernie McEvoy can assist with charges for gun crimes and assault, in addition to domestic violence offenses involving firearms. He serves residents of Franklin and Nashville as well as people located in many other areas of Davidson and Williamson Counties. Schedule a free consultation to discuss a domestic violence case or criminal charges contacting the Law Office of Bernie McEvoy today. We are available by phone at (615) 255-9595 during business hours and (615) 804-8779 on evenings and weekends, or contact us online anytime.