Nashville Violent Crime Defense Attorney
Skilled Advocacy In Davidson County And Throughout Middle Tennessee
When you are charged with a violent crime, your life is on the line. A conviction may mean decades of incarceration and permanent, irreversible damage to your reputation and livelihood. Successfully navigating these cases will require hiring skilled and experienced legal representation.
I am criminal defense attorney Chelsea Nicholson and as a Nashville violent crime defense lawyer I have over 16 years of legal experience and is ready to fight for your freedoms in and out of the courtroom. Chelsea Nicholson, Attorney at Law, is extensively familiar with all types of violent crime charges and has a deep understanding of how prosecutors argue these cases. I offer no-judgment, compassionate representation and care deeply about my clients. I leverage science and expert testimony to defend my clients, and will work tirelessly to secure a favorable outcome in your case.
Put my courtroom experience to work for you. Contact me online or call 615-913-3932 to start exploring your defense options today.
Types Of Violent Crimes We Handle
Most violent crimes will be charged as felonies and can result in devastating penalties, including many years of incarceration, long-term probation and exorbitant fines. Having a felony conviction on your record can also limit your ability to secure employment and housing.
You should never face violent criminal charges without a qualified legal professional on your side. I know the intricacies and nuances of state and federal criminal law and can utilize my knowledge to benefit your case.
I can represent you in cases involving:
- Murder and manslaughter: Someone can be charged with murder if they deliberately kill another person. Premeditated murder will lead to first-degree charges, but second-degree murder might be charged if the act is not believed to have been premeditated. Crimes of passion can be classified as voluntary manslaughter, while vehicular manslaughter covers situations where someone accidentally kills another person with their vehicle. The specific classification of murder or homicide that someone is charged with will determine the severity of the potential penalties. A conviction in a first-degree murder case can result in life imprisonment without parole or even the death penalty. A second-degree murder conviction can lead to up to 60 years of incarceration. Murder is arguably the most serious offense on the books in Tennessee, and you should expect all charges to be aggressively prosecuted.
- Attempted murder: These charges may be pursued when someone intentionally attempts to kill another person but fails. Merely planning to commit murder or intending to commit bodily harm is not enough to trigger an attempted murder charge. There must be a “direct action” and a clear “intent to kill.” First-degree attempted murder charges cover situations where the action was premeditated, and a conviction can result in a life sentence with possible parole. Second-degree attempted murder occurs when the offense is not planned in advance. Convictions in these scenarios can lead to up to 15 years of incarceration.
- Kidnapping and aggravated kidnapping: Kidnapping occurs when someone holds another person against their will in an unidentified location, often under threat of injury or bodily harm. The offense is charged as a Class C felony, and a conviction can lead to fines of up to $10,000 and up to 15 years of incarceration.
Aggravated kidnapping charges can apply if deadly weapons are used to inflict bodily harm, if the offense is committed while fleeing the scene of a separate felony offense, if the act is done to intentionally terrorize or harm the victim or in several other scenarios. This offense is charged as a Class B felony and can result in fines of up to $25,000 and up to 30 years of incarceration.
- Assault and aggravated assault: Assault occurs when someone attempts to cause bodily harm to another person, while aggravated assault involves deliberate intent, recklessness and/or the use of a deadly weapon. In some cases, merely displaying the deadly weapon as a means of intimidation can qualify as aggravated assault. The specific charge and sentence will depend on the circumstances of the offense, but most types of aggravated assaults are felonies and can result in thousands of dollars in fines and up to 15 years of incarceration.
- Robbery and aggravated robbery: This type of theft crime occurs when someone forcibly steals another person’s property or services under threat of intimidation or violence. Aggravated robbery charges may apply when someone seriously injures a victim or uses a deadly weapon or what appears to be a deadly weapon to facilitate the offense. Robbery is charged as a Class C felony in Tennessee and can result in fines of up to $10,000 and up to 15 years of incarceration. Aggravated robbery is a Class B felony and can lead to fines of up to $25,000 and up to 30 years of incarceration. In egregious cases, “especially aggravated robbery” charges can be imposed. A conviction can result in up to 60 years of incarceration.
- Sexual assault and battery: Sexual battery refers to the unwanted touching of another person without their consent. Sexual assault generally involves rape, which is defined as forcible or coercive penetration. Sexual battery is a Class E felony and can result in up to six years of incarceration and up to $3,000 in fines, while rape is a Class B felony and can lead to up to 30 years of incarceration and up to $25,000 in fines. More serious charges and harsher penalties can be pursued if these acts are violently committed or are perpetrated by authority figures.
- Domestic violence: Domestic violence can occur between cohabitants, current and former sexual or romantic partners or spouses, family members by blood, adoption, marriage or children of the preceding categories. Charges may be pursued if someone physically injures, engages in unwanted contact or places someone in a situation where they reasonably feel they are in imminent danger. Domestic assault will be charged as either a Class A or Class B misdemeanor, and a conviction can result in up to $2,500 in fines and up to 11 months and 29 days of incarceration. Repeat offenders will face stiffer penalties if convicted.
“I came out completely vindicated and in the clear.” – Ben (review from Google)
Comprehensive Defense Solutions
I am committed to providing the tenacious representation you need in and out of the courtroom. Chelsea Nicholson, Attorney at Law, will stand with you and explore every available strategy. In some cases, prosecutors will pursue enhanced charges that do not reflect what happened. In other situations, you may have been mistakenly identified as only acting in self-defense. No matter your situation, I will carefully analyze every element of the case and take advantage of every available defense opportunity.
Contact me online or call 615-913-3932 to schedule a free initial consultation