Tennessee Crimes: Laws & Penalties

Tennessee Criminal Statute of Limitations

Learn how long prosecutors in Tennessee have to file criminal charges after a crime is committed.

Tennessee Misdemeanor Crimes by Class and Sentences

Under Tennessee's laws, misdemeanors are punishable by up to a year in jail and designated as class A, B, or C.

Tennessee Felony Crimes by Class and Sentences

Learn how judges determine and impose felony sentences and how parole works in Tennessee.

Tennessee Minor in Possession of Alcohol: Laws & Penalties

A minor in Tennessee may not buy (or attempt to buy), possess, transport, or consume alcohol; or knowingly provide false information to obtain alcohol.

Tennessee Public Intoxication Laws

Under Tennessee law, a person is guilty of public intoxication if he is intoxicated in public, is annoying to those in the vicinity, or proves to be a danger to himself or others or property. Tennessee Code 39-17-310 was enacted in 2007, which does not make drunkenness a crime unless it is done publicly.

Tennessee Marijuana Laws

The possession and sale of any amount of marijuana is illegal in Tennessee, and potential penalties vary by the amount possessed or sold.

Possession of a Controlled Substance in Tennessee

All states regulate the possession of controlled dangerous substances (CDS), though each differs in its exact definition of CDS and the penalties for illegal possession. Tennessee classifies not only well-known drugs like marijuana, heroin, and cocaine as CDS, but also the compounds used to manufacture them.

Tennessee Sale of a Controlled Substance Laws

All states regulate and control the sale of controlled dangerous substances (CDS), though each differs in its exact definition of CDS and the penalties for sale. Tennessee classifies not only well-known drugs like marijuana, heroin, and cocaine as CDS, but also the compounds used to manufacture them.

Tennessee Laws on Misdemeanor and Felony Theft and Shoplifting

Like many states, Tennessee classifies its theft offenses according to the value of the stolen property or services. Theft can easily add up to a felony. Find out how quickly.

Burglary, Home Invasions, and Criminal Trespass in Tennessee

A person who commits burglary in Tennessee can face serious felony penalties, including lengthy terms of incarceration and substantial fines. Learn what conduct constitutes burglary versus criminal trespass.

Auto Theft Laws in Tennessee

Tennessee law prohibits several activities relating to automobiles, including motor vehicle theft, joyriding, and carjacking. Most offenses carry felony penalties.

Forgery Laws in Tennessee

In Tennessee, the crime of forgery consists of forging any written item with the intent to defraud or harm another. Written items include any document but also coins, badges, credit cards, and seals.

Open and Concealed Gun Carry Laws in Tennessee

Tennessee expanded its open and concealed carry laws to include permitless carry in certain limited circumstances. These laws create limited exceptions only and don't change who or where one is restricted from carrying guns.

Stun Gun Laws in Tennessee

Tennessee doesn’t directly regulate stun guns or Tasers, but some state and local laws could apply to these weapons.

Cyberbullying Laws in Tennessee

A person who commits cyberbullying or cyberstalking in Tennessee can face serious criminal penalties, including substantial incarceration time and hefty fines.

Simple Assault in Tennessee

Tennessee classifies simple assault as a misdemeanor primarily because it involves only minor bodily injury.

Tennessee Aggravated Assault Laws

In addition, anyone who commits a simple assault while using or displaying a deadly weapon has committed an aggravated assault. For information on misdemeanor (simple) assaults in Tennessee, which are less serious charges, see Simple Assault in Tennessee.

Tennessee Domestic Abuse Crimes

A person who commits domestic assault or a related offense in Tennessee can face serious criminal penalties, including lengthy terms of imprisonment, substantial fines, restrictions on firearm possession, and negative immigration consequences.

Tennessee Domestic Abuse Orders of Protection

Tennessee law allows victims of domestic abuse to ask the court for a civil protective order that prohibits an alleged abuser from contacting or harming the victim. Violators of domestic abuse protective orders can face time in jail and substantial monetary penalties.

Tennessee Sexual Battery and Rape Laws

Sexual battery and rape crimes carry stiff felony penalties in Tennessee.

Tennessee Statutory Rape Laws

Statutory rape carries stiff felony penalties in Tennessee. The state reserves the harshest penalties for crimes involving victims younger than 13 and offenders in a position of authority.

Transmitting an STD in Tennessee

In Tennessee, it is a crime to expose another to a sexually transmitted disease (STD; to hepatitis; or to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Tennessee Sexting Laws For Teens and Minors

With the rise in cellphone and smartphone use, sexting by and between teenagers has become more and more prevalent.

Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License in Tennessee

In Tennessee, your driver’s license may be suspended or revoked for many reasons. If you drive while your license is suspended or revoked, you could be charged with a misdemeanor. Jail time, fines and other penalties may result.