If you've been arrested for assault, robbery, or another violent crime in Nashville, you may be worried about going to jail, losing your job, or facing years in prison. You might also feel that the police have only heard one side of what happened. An argument, a fight, or an accusation involving a weapon can quickly turn into a serious criminal case.
At Herbert & Lux, we defend people facing violent crime charges in Nashville, Davidson County, and throughout Middle Tennessee. Whether this is your first arrest or you're facing a serious felony, our attorneys will listen to your side, review the evidence, and explain what you're up against.
What Crimes Are Considered Violent Crimes in Tennessee?
Violent crime charges generally involve allegations that someone was injured, threatened, restrained, or placed in fear of harm. The exact charge depends on what prosecutors believe happened, whether a weapon was involved, and the severity of any injuries.
Herbert & Lux handles cases involving:
- Assault and aggravated assault: Charges arising from fights, threats, alleged serious injuries, or incidents involving a weapon.
- Murder and homicide: Serious allegations involving a person's death, including cases where intent or self-defense may be disputed.
- Robbery and aggravated robbery: Accusations of taking property through force or intimidation, sometimes involving a firearm or another weapon.
- Kidnapping and false imprisonment: Allegations involving unlawfully restraining or confining another person.
- Domestic violence-related assault: Charges involving spouses, partners, family members, or people who live together.
- Weapons-related offenses: Charges involving firearms or other weapons that may accompany an assault or robbery allegation.
Some of these charges are misdemeanors, while others are serious felonies. Being accused of a violent crime does not mean prosecutors can prove every part of the offense.
What Happens After a Violent Crime Arrest in Davidson County?
After an arrest, you may have a bond hearing, court dates, and restrictions on contacting certain people. Many criminal cases begin in Davidson County General Sessions Court. Felony cases may later proceed to Criminal Court, depending on the charges and how the case develops.
The early stages matter because witnesses' memories can change, surveillance footage may be lost, and statements made after an arrest can become part of the evidence. If you've been accused of a violent offense, keep your court paperwork, follow any bond or no-contact orders, and avoid discussing the incident on social media.
Herbert & Lux can help you understand the charges, what to expect at your next hearing, and what evidence needs to be reviewed. We also look at whether the allegations match the available facts, including police recordings, witness statements, medical records, and other evidence.
What Are the Penalties for Violent Crimes in Tennessee?
The possible sentence depends on the specific charge, its felony classification, your prior record, and Tennessee's sentencing rules. A misdemeanor assault case carries very different consequences from aggravated robbery or a homicide charge.
For example, aggravated robbery is generally a Class B felony. For a person sentenced as a Range I offender, the ordinary sentencing range is 8 to 12 years, while higher offender ranges can carry longer sentences. First-degree murder has separate sentencing rules and may result in life imprisonment, life without parole, or, in cases where it is legally available, the death penalty.
A conviction may also affect employment, housing, firearm rights, and other parts of your life. Certain violent offenses have restrictions on release eligibility, so the time a person may actually serve can be different from what they expect based on the sentence alone.
If you're facing a first-time violent felony charge in Tennessee, don't assume probation is available or ruled out without reviewing the exact offense. The charge and applicable sentencing laws make a significant difference.
Can You Claim Self-Defense Against an Assault Charge?
Self-defense can be an important issue in Tennessee assault and homicide cases. If you used force because you reasonably believed it was immediately necessary to protect yourself from another person's unlawful force, Tennessee law may provide a defense, depending on the circumstances.
These cases often involve conflicting accounts. One person may say they were attacked, while another claims the accused started the confrontation. Herbert & Lux looks at who was present, what happened before the incident, whether there are recordings, and whether the physical evidence supports the allegations.
Other defenses may involve mistaken identity, unreliable witness statements, lack of the required intent, or evidence obtained through an unlawful search. The right approach depends on the charge and what can actually be established, not a standard list of defenses applied to every case.
Why Choose Herbert & Lux for Violent Crime Defense?
When you're facing a serious criminal charge, you need to know who is handling your case and what they're doing about it. At Herbert & Lux, clients work directly with Eddie Herbert and Ron Lux rather than being passed from one person to another.
Eddie's experience as a Davidson County public defender includes representing people accused of serious felonies, including murder. Ron's background in law enforcement provides another perspective when reviewing how police investigated an incident. Together, they examine the prosecution's evidence, look for information that may have been overlooked, and prepare clients for the decisions ahead.
You can learn more about our attorneys and review the firm's criminal case results. Every case has its own facts, and past outcomes do not guarantee a particular result.
Talk to a Nashville Violent Crimes Attorney at Herbert & Lux
If you or someone you care about has been charged with aggravated assault, robbery, homicide, or another violent offense, Herbert & Lux can help you understand what happens next. We represent clients in Nashville and throughout Middle Tennessee, including Davidson, Rutherford, Williamson, Wilson, Sumner, and Robertson counties.
Contact Herbert & Lux to discuss your charges and speak with our attorneys about your defense.
