Aggravated assault charges against James Willis "Jimi" Hammond, the son of Sheriff Jim Hammond, were reduced to a misdemeanor of simple assault during a court appearance on Tuesday.

Sheriff Hammond said his son will continue to work as the sheriff department's webmaster.

He was arrested on Jan. 19 on charges stemming from a domestic assault investigation conducted by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.

His wife, Jennifer Poole Hammond, said he punched her in the nose, pushed her into a mirror that shattered, and then hit her in the head with a beer bottle. The incident happened at the couple's home at 1832 Lewis Mine Road.



The 41-year-old Hammond had been placed on administrative leave from the sheriff's IT department.

An outside prosecutor from Warren County worked out the plea deal with attorney Lee Davis. The plea was presented to General Sessions Court Judge Mark Raines of Marion County.

He was given a suspended sentence of 11 months and 29 days and placed on unsupervised probation.

He is to pay $1,032.50 in restitution through the office of his attorney and also pay a $150 fine and court costs.

He will be required to perform 48 hours of community service.

Also, he is to undergo an alcohol and drug assessment and have anger management counseling. He has already gone to six anger management sessions, his attorney said.

Ms. Hammond told the judge she agrees with the settlement. She said the couple is still married.