Assault & Battery in Tennessee: Charges, Records, and What To Expect – Arrest Records Search

What This Page Covers

This page explains how assault works under Tennessee law, what “assault and battery” typically means in everyday speech, the potential penalties, and where to look up recent arrests and case status by county. If you’re trying to understand a loved one’s arrest, vet a case, or verify public records, you’re in the right place.

Quick note: In Tennessee statutes, “battery” isn’t used as a separate crime. People often say “assault and battery,” but state law charges assault (and in serious situations, aggravated assault).

Who This Is For

Family and friends seeking accurate updates on an arrest or court date
Reporters and researchers comparing county-level arrest trends
Students and legal professionals reviewing Tennessee criminal procedure
Any Tennessee resident who wants to understand their rights and risks

Why It Matters

Assault charges can impact liberty, employment, professional licensing, and firearm eligibility. Knowing the difference between simple and aggravated assault, where to locate records, and how to read booking entries helps you make informed decisions quickly.

Assault Under Tennessee Law (Plain English)

In Tennessee, a person may commit assault by doing one of the following:

Causing bodily injury to another person,
Causing reasonable fear of imminent bodily injury, or
Engaging in offensive or provocative physical contact.

The same conduct becomes aggravated assault when factors like serious injury, use or display of a deadly weapon, or specific victim categories are involved.

Typical Penalties (At a Glance)

Simple Assault (usually a Class A misdemeanor): Up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and fines (amounts vary by case).
Aggravated Assault (felony): Potential multi-year prison terms and higher fines, depending on facts and prior history.

Collateral effects: background checks, immigration concerns, professional licensing, and firearm restrictions may apply.

How to Check Recent Arrests & Case Status

Find the county where the arrest occurred (see quick links below).
Open the county arrest or jail roster and search by name or booking number.
Confirm identifiers (DOB, booking date, charge description, bond).
Follow through to court records for charges, upcoming hearings, or disposition.

Quick County Links (Tennessee)

Use these to jump into county-level arrest information. Update the URLs to match your site’s structure.

Reading an Arrest Entry: What Each Line Means

Booking # / Date: Internal jail ID and the date/time of intake.
Charge(s): Allegations at booking; these can change.
Bond: Cash amount or conditions for release (if eligible).
Agency: Which department made the arrest.
Status: In custody, released, transferred, or pending court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is “battery” a separate crime in Tennessee?

No. Tennessee law typically uses the term assault. People still say “assault and battery,” but charging documents will reference assault (or aggravated assault) under state statutes.

Can an assault arrest be expunged?

It depends on the outcome, statute eligibility, and prior history. Some dismissals or certain resolved cases may qualify. Eligibility is technical—consult a Tennessee attorney before you file.

Where do I verify court dates?

Check the county clerk or court system for the arresting county, using the defendant’s name and case number. Cross-check with the jail roster if the person remains in custody.

Important Notes

Presumption of innocence: An arrest is not a conviction.
Records change: Charges can be amended, consolidated, or dismissed as a case moves through court.

Disclaimer

This page summarizes public information for convenience and general education. It is not legal advice and may not reflect the most recent statutory changes or local rules. For advice on a particular situation, consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.