Tennessee Governor to Focus on Reducing State's High Domestic Violence Rate

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam has said that instances of domestic violence, prescription drug abuse, and aggravated assault remain major concerns for his administration, although the overall crime rate statewide has declined. According to a news report in The Associated Press, the governor said domestic violence accounts for roughly half of all crimes committed in Tennessee each year.

This year, Gov. Haslam signed into law a measure requiring jail time for repeat domestic violence offenders. It is still not clear if the change has made a significant difference, he said. His administration is no doubt sending out a strong message that if you are a repeat offender, "you are going to go to jail regardless of who you are." Haslam has also said that he and members of his Cabinet will work with law enforcement officials to find ways to reduce violent and drug-related crimes.

There are severe consequences for a domestic violence conviction in Knoxville. Convicted offenders could face imprisonment, fines, anger management classes, and probation. On the personal front, they could be looking at divorce, separation, or loss of child custody. There may also be serious professional consequences, including loss of employment or loss of a professional license.

The domestic violence attorneys at Baker Associates understand that the emotions surrounding these serious criminal charges can be intense. We keep our clients informed about their cases every step of the way. If you or a loved one has been charged with domestic violence in Tennessee, please contact us at (866) 853-2888 for a no-cost consultation.