Blount County authorities arrested a local man Saturday on multiple charges stemming from an alleged domestic violence incident that included violations of a protective order.
Kevin Hawn was booked into the Blount County jail on December 21 facing five separate charges, according to booking records. The charges include domestic assault, false imprisonment, witness coercion, and two counts of violating an order of protection.
The domestic assault charge carries the most serious potential penalty as a Class E felony, punishable by one to six years in prison and fines up to $3,000 under Tennessee Code Annotated Section 39-13-111.
Booking records show Hawn also faces a false imprisonment charge, a Class A misdemeanor that could result in nearly a year behind bars and fines reaching $2,500. False imprisonment occurs when someone knowingly removes or confines another person unlawfully and without consent.
Additionally, authorities charged Hawn with coercion or persuasion of a witness, another Class A misdemeanor carrying similar penalties of up to 11 months and 29 days in jail plus fines up to $2,500.
The charges also include two separate violations of an order of protection. One carries Class A misdemeanor penalties, while the second appears as a violation-level offense. Protection order violations demonstrate a pattern of ignoring court-mandated restrictions designed to keep alleged victims safe.
Records indicate this marks Hawn's second booking in the Blount County system, with his previous arrest also occurring in the same county.
The arrest comes during what has been a quiet day for law enforcement bookings in Blount County, with no other arrests processed through the system Saturday.
Domestic violence cases often involve complex legal proceedings, particularly when protection orders are already in place. The witness coercion charge suggests authorities believe Hawn may have attempted to influence testimony or evidence in the case.
Tennessee law treats domestic assault seriously, with the offense escalating to felony status in many circumstances. The charge can apply to current or former spouses, dating partners, family members, or people who share children together.
False imprisonment charges typically accompany domestic violence cases where victims allege they were prevented from leaving a location or were moved against their will. The charge requires proof that the confinement was substantial and that the victim did not consent.
Protection orders, also known as restraining orders, create legal boundaries between alleged abusers and victims. Violating these court orders carries immediate criminal penalties and can result in arrest regardless of the underlying circumstances.
The witness coercion charge adds another layer of complexity to the case, suggesting potential interference with the legal process itself. This offense covers attempts to influence witnesses through threats, bribes, or other improper means.
Class A misdemeanors in Tennessee represent serious criminal offenses just below felony level. The maximum sentence of 11 months and 29 days reflects the state's classification system, where sentences of a year or more automatically become felonies.
With multiple charges filed simultaneously, Hawn faces the possibility of consecutive sentences if convicted on all counts. Prosecutors will determine whether to pursue plea negotiations or take the case to trial.
The Blount County Sheriff's Office and local courts will handle the case proceedings as it moves through the criminal justice system. Initial court appearances typically occur within days of arrest for defendants held in custody.
Domestic violence cases require careful coordination between law enforcement, prosecutors, and victim services organizations. The presence of an existing protection order suggests previous legal intervention in the relationship.
Booking records do not indicate whether Hawn remains in custody or has been released on bond. Tennessee law allows judges to set specific conditions for release in domestic violence cases, including no-contact orders and GPS monitoring.
The case highlights ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing domestic violence, particularly when protective measures are already in place. Multiple charges in a single incident often reflect escalating behavior patterns that concern authorities.