Tennessee classifies Simple Assault as a Class A Misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail or a fine of up to $2,500, or both. A misdemeanor charge of assault would be sought in the event a defendant’s action resulted in minor bodily injury of another person, such as a small cut, scrape, or bruise, or if a defendant threatens to harm another person and that person becomes reasonably afraid that the defendant would harm them. You should consult with an assault lawyer as soon as possible.

Source: Tenn. Code Ann. §39-13-101

Additional punishment:

Depending on the severity of the injury, an additional monetary penalty can be added. A person convicted of simple assault may also be required to pay restitution to the victim. Restitution would include reimbursing the victim for any expenses resulting from the assault, such as the cost of medical treatment, counseling, or repair or replacement of any damaged property.

Assault can be a Class B Misdemeanor:

In bullet #2 of the assault definition, a person can be charged with assault without ever touching the another person. Physical contact that is provocative or offensive (bullet #3 in the definition) is the only Class B Misdemeanor. The punishment for a Class B Misdemeanor can be up to six months in jail, a fine up to $500, or both.

Additional options:

Tennessee law provides certain alternatives to a jail sentence for a person facing simple assault in Tennessee.

Alternatives to jail sentences may be judicial diversions or suspended sentences, but obtaining experienced legal counsel is extremely critical in negotiating the terms of these alternative sentences.