Nashville Domestic Violence Lawyer

Domestic Violence Attorney In Nashville, TN

Domestic violence cases are taken very seriously under Tennessee law. If you’ve been charged, it’s critical that you understand your legal options and act quickly to build a strong defense against your charges. The good news is you don’t have to memorize Tennessee’s domestic violence laws to have a fair shot at a positive outcome for your case. Instead, you can turn to a local Nashville domestic violence lawyer.

Mathis, Bates & Klinghard PLLC (MBK Legal) is home to a group of skilled Nashville family law attorneys who have decades of combined experience navigating complicated domestic violence cases. You can count on us to provide the support and detailed attention your case deserves.

About Domestic Violence in Tennessee

Tennessee is home to approximately 6,548,009 residents, including 2,522,204 homeowners. Nashville is one of the state’s most popular cities and is a major tourist destination. Davidson County ranks number one in the state for visitor spending, almost generating more than the next four highest counties combined. With the high volume of visitors coming in and out of the city, it’s common for people to assume a crime is going to happen on the streets or in a public space.

That’s not always the case. Our job at MBK Legal is to support Nashville families going through complex legal matters. This includes domestic violence cases. Domestic violence is not used to describe one specific charge in Tennessee. Instead, it refers to a wide range of abusive and violent behaviors committed by one party against another with whom they have a close relationship or living arrangement, such as:

• Spouses or ex-spouses
• Someone with whom you’ve had a sexual relationship
• Roommates or past roommates
• Relatives (including relatives by marriage)
• Dating or past-dating partner
• Children of any of the above in relationships with an abuser

Our team has experience issuing orders of protection for families who fear they are in danger from their abuser. On the flip side of the coin, we’re also experienced in defending clients who have been falsely accused. This has given us a wider, more well-rounded view of domestic violence cases, and it empowers us to give our clients compassionate and dedicated legal care.

About Our Local Nashville Domestic Violence Lawyers

Nashville isn’t considered one of the safest cities to live in, ranking in the 19th percentile for safety. This means it’s considered less safe than 81 percent of cities. While crimes on the street are a serious concern for Tennessee residents, it’s also critical to look behind closed doors. Domestic violence is a serious crime that is more common than people likely think.

In 2024, Nashville reported a total of 10,017 victims of domestic violence. Of those 10,000+ people, 2,773 children were present during the incident. It’s a crime that hurts everyone in the family, which is why it’s important to understand your rights and legal options, whether you’re seeking an order of protection or fighting against allegations. Whichever side you’re on, you can count on our attorneys at MBK Legal to be there to help you through your case.

Our team has over 50 years of experience handling complex domestic violence cases in Tennessee. We’re familiar with the Davidson County Circuit Court system and have represented clients navigating any number of complex issues regarding domestic violence. When you choose us as your trusted family law firm, you’re choosing skilled lawyers who are:

• Lead Counsel verified
• Members of the Tennessee Bar Association
• Rated by SuperLawyers®
• Winners of the Avvo Client’s Choice Award

We go above and beyond to stay up to date on modern technology, empowering us to offer a progressive approach and streamline communications throughout your case. So far, we’ve received 150+ reviews from happy clients, and we’re ready for you to join them.

FAQs

What Qualifies as Domestic Violence in Tennessee?

There are a variety of criminal acts that can be considered domestic violence under Tennessee law. Domestic violence is not one specific crime. Rather, it describes abusive and violent behaviors against a victim who has a personal relationship or living arrangement with the perpetrator.

Acts that qualify as domestic violence include causing or attempting to cause physical injury, threatening to or physically harming/restraining the victim, damaging the victim’s personal property, violating protective orders, sexual abuse, stalking, and financial abuse.

What Are the Penalties for Domestic Violence in Nashville?

You can face a number of different penalties if you’re convicted of domestic violence in Nashville. These types of crimes are typically prosecuted more harshly than crimes that do not involve domestic violence. In addition to the standard penalties for assault, the offender will also likely face additional penalties. Possible penalties include fines, jail time, probation and supervision, and court-ordered counseling or other intervention programs.

What Are the 177 New Laws That Recently Went Into Effect in Tennessee?

As of July 2025, 177 new laws went into effect, some of which impact family law matters, like domestic violence. For example, House Bill 1200 officially enacted Savanna’s Law, creating a registry of persistent domestic violence offenders and providing annual stipends to child advocacy centers. Another bill increased the penalty for child abuse from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony.

What Is Erin’s Law in Tennessee?

Erin’s Law was signed into law in 2014 to help prevent child sexual abuse. The law encourages Tennessee schools to offer age-appropriate instruction on body safety, including how to recognize sexual abuse and what to do to report it. The law pertains to classrooms with children in grades K-12, ensuring young people can recognize what’s happening and are given a voice to do something about it.

Hire a Domestic Violence Lawyer in Nashville for More Information

Domestic violence charges alone can change your life. It’s important to understand your rights and legal options, so you can build a strong defense and fight for a fair outcome to your case. MBK Legal brings decades of experience navigating complex family law cases. Contact our team to set up an appointment with a knowledgeable Tennessee lawyer today.