Penalty Info

Home / United States / Tennessee

Tennessee State law

State law — Tennessee

0 verified · 16 possibly — unconfirmed · 0 verification pending

Offences by family

Against the person

Assault (aggravated) Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Aggravated assault — intentional/knowing serious injury, or deadly weapon Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
3–15 years
Fine
$0–$15,000

Class C felony.

Aggravated assault — victim pregnant (strangulation tier) Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
8–30 years
Fine
$0–$15,000

Class B felony.

Aggravated assault — reckless serious injury / reckless with deadly weapon Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
2–12 years
Fine
$0–$15,000

Class D felony.

Note on this entry

Aggravated assault carries a special fine up to $15,000 in addition to the class fine. Strangulation is charged as aggravated assault under § 39-13-102(a)(1)(A)(iv).

Statute
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-102
Official source
FindLaw mirror of Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-102
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Assault (simple) Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Assault — intentionally/knowingly/recklessly causes bodily injury, or offensive contact / apprehension Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
0–11 months, 29 days
Fine
$0–$2,500

Class A misdemeanour.

Note on this entry

Simple assault (§ 39-13-101) is a Class A misdemeanour; if the victim is a domestic-abuse victim an additional fine up to $200 applies.

Statute
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-101
Official source
Justia mirror of Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-101
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Domestic violence Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Domestic assault — 1st/2nd Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
0–11 months, 29 days
Fine
$0–$2,500

Class A misdemeanour.

Domestic assault — 3rd or subsequent Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
1–6 years
Fine
$0–$3,000

Class E felony; verify.

Aggravated domestic assault — serious injury / deadly weapon Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
3–15 years
Fine
$0–$10,000

Class C felony.

Violation of a protective order (§ 36-3-610) Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
0–11 months, 29 days
Fine
$0–$2,500

Class A misdemeanour; verify.

Note on this entry

Aggravated domestic assault (§ 39-13-111(c)): Class C felony (3–15 years) for intentional/knowing serious injury or deadly weapon; Class D (2–12 years) for reckless.

Statute
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-111 (domestic assault)
Official source
Secondary summaries (non-official); official re-check needed
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Underlying offence, priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Homicide — manslaughter Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Voluntary manslaughter — intentional/knowing killing in passion on adequate provocation Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
3–15 years
Fine
$0–$10,000

Class C felony.

Reckless homicide Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
2–12 years
Fine
$0–$5,000

Class D felony.

Criminally negligent homicide Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
1–6 years
Fine
$0–$3,000

Class E felony.

Note on this entry

Reckless homicide (§ 39-13-215) is a Class D felony (2–12 years). Criminally negligent homicide (§ 39-13-212) is a Class E felony (1–6 years). Vehicular homicide (§ 39-13-213) is a Class B felony (8–30 years) for DUI deaths.

Statute
Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 39-13-211, 39-13-212, 39-13-215
Official source
Secondary summaries (non-official); official re-check needed
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Homicide — murder Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

1st-degree murder — premeditated / felony murder Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
Death, life without parole, or life
Fine
No fine stated

2nd-degree murder — knowing killing, or Schedule I/II drug-distribution death Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
15–60 years
Fine
$0–$50,000

Class A felony.

Note on this entry

Life = parole eligibility after 51 years (verify). Tennessee resumed executions in 2025.

Statute
Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 39-13-202, 39-13-210
Official source
Secondary summaries (non-official); official re-check needed
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Sexual offences

Sexual assault / rape Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Rape — forcible compulsion / incapacity Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
8–30 years
Fine
$0–$25,000

Class B felony.

Aggravated rape — weapon, serious injury, multiple offenders, victim under 13, etc. Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
15–60 years
Fine
$0–$50,000

Class A felony.

Note on this entry

Aggravated sexual battery (§ 39-13-504) is a Class B felony (8–30 years). Rape of a child (§ 39-13-522) is a Class A felony with a 25-year minimum (verify).

Statute
Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 39-13-502, 39-13-503
Official source
Secondary summaries (non-official); official re-check needed
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, victim age beyond tier, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Property

Burglary Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Burglary — building (non-habitation), or concealment, or vehicle Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
2–12 years
Fine
$0–$5,000

Building: Class D felony; vehicle (a)(4): Class E felony (1–6 years, $0–$3,000).

Aggravated burglary — habitation Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
3–15 years
Fine
$0–$10,000

Class C felony.

Especially aggravated burglary — habitation + serious injury / deadly weapon Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
8–30 years
Fine
$0–$25,000

Class B felony.

Note on this entry

Aggravated burglary (§ 39-14-403, habitation) is a Class C felony; especially aggravated burglary (§ 39-14-404, habitation + serious injury/deadly weapon) is a Class B felony.

Statute
Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 39-14-402–39-14-404
Official source
Justia mirror of Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-14-402
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Robbery Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Robbery — force / fear Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
3–15 years
Fine
$0–$10,000

Class C felony.

Aggravated robbery — deadly weapon / victim serious injury Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
8–30 years
Fine
$0–$25,000

Class B felony.

Especially aggravated robbery — deadly weapon + serious bodily injury Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
15–60 years
Fine
$0–$50,000

Class A felony.

Statute
Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 39-13-401–39-13-403
Official source
Secondary summaries (non-official); official re-check needed
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Theft Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Value under $1,000 Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
0–11 months, 29 days
Fine
$0–$2,500

Class A misdemeanour.

Value $1,000 to under $2,500 Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
1–6 years
Fine
$0–$3,000

Class E felony.

Value $2,500 to under $10,000 Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
2–12 years
Fine
$0–$5,000

Class D felony.

Value $10,000 to under $60,000 Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
3–15 years
Fine
$0–$10,000

Class C felony.

Value $60,000 to under $250,000 Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
8–30 years
Fine
$0–$25,000

Class B felony.

Value $250,000 or more Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
15–60 years
Fine
$0–$50,000

Class A felony.

Note on this entry

Theft is value-graded in § 39-14-105. A 5th/subsequent conviction in 2 years is punished one classification higher.

Statute
Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 39-14-103, 39-14-105
Official source
Secondary summaries (non-official); official re-check needed
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, restitution, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Vandalism / criminal damage Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Damage under $500 Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
0–11 months, 29 days
Fine
$0–$2,500

Class A misdemeanour; verify.

Damage $500 to under $1,000 Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
1–6 years
Fine
$0–$3,000

Class E felony; verify.

Damage $1,000 to under $10,000 Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
2–12 years
Fine
$0–$5,000

Class D felony; verify.

Damage $10,000 to under $60,000 Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
3–15 years
Fine
$0–$10,000

Class C felony; verify.

Damage $60,000 to under $250,000 Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
8–30 years
Fine
$0–$25,000

Class B felony; verify.

Damage $250,000 or more Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
15–60 years
Fine
$0–$50,000

Class A felony; verify.

Note on this entry

Verify § 39-14-408 against official text.

Statute
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-14-408 (vandalism)
Official source
Secondary summaries (non-official); official re-check needed
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion, restitution. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Fraud & financial

Fraud Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Value under $1,000 Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
0–11 months, 29 days
Fine
$0–$2,500

Class A misdemeanour.

Value $1,000 to under $2,500 Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
1–6 years
Fine
$0–$3,000

Class E felony.

Value $2,500 to under $10,000 Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
2–12 years
Fine
$0–$5,000

Class D felony.

Value $10,000 to under $60,000 Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
3–15 years
Fine
$0–$10,000

Class C felony.

Value $60,000 to under $250,000 Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
8–30 years
Fine
$0–$25,000

Class B felony.

Value $250,000 or more Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
15–60 years
Fine
$0–$50,000

Class A felony.

Statute
Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 39-14-103, 39-14-105 (theft by deception)
Official source
Secondary summaries (non-official); official re-check needed
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Loss beyond tier, priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Drugs

Drug possession Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Simple possession / casual exchange — Class A misdemeanour Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
0–11 months, 29 days
Fine
$0–$2,500

Any controlled substance, incl. marijuana.

Simple possession — methamphetamine Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
30 days–11 months, 29 days (30-day mandatory minimum)
Fine
$0–$2,500

Class A misdemeanour.

Distribution of ≤1/2 oz marijuana Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
0–11 months, 29 days
Fine
$0–$2,500

Class A misdemeanour.

Note on this entry

Methamphetamine simple possession carries a 30-day mandatory minimum (100% served). Casual exchange to a minor (adult 2+ years older) is punished as a felony under § 39-17-417.

Statute
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-418 (simple possession / casual exchange)
Official source
Justia / FindLaw mirrors of Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-418
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors beyond tier, intent, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Drug trafficking / sale Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Schedule I — manufacture / deliver / sell / possess with intent Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
8–30 years
Fine
$0–$100,000

Class B felony.

Schedule II Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
3–15 years
Fine
$0–$100,000

Class C felony (verify fine).

Schedule III Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
2–12 years
Fine
$0–$50,000

Class D felony (verify fine).

Schedule IV Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
2–12 years
Fine
$0–$10,000

Class D felony (verify fine).

Schedule V / VI (marijuana, small amounts) Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
1–6 years
Fine
$0–$3,000

Class E felony (verify).

Note on this entry

Drug-free-zone offences (school, park, etc.) add 1 classification level and mandatory minimums. Marijuana quantity tiers: 1/2 oz–10 lb Class E; 10–70 lb Class D; 70–300 lb Class C; 300+ lb Class B (verify).

Statute
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-417
Official source
Justia mirror of Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-417
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors beyond tier, quantity, drug-free-zone enhancement, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Weapons

Weapons offences Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon — general Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
1–6 years
Fine
$0–$3,000

Class E felony; verify.

Possession of a firearm by a felon — violent-felony prior Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
3–15 years
Fine
$0–$10,000

Class C felony; verify.

Possession of a firearm during a dangerous felony (§ 39-17-1324) Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
6-year mandatory minimum (10 years with prior felony)
Fine
Fine per underlying class

Class C felony; consecutive.

Note on this entry

Possession of a firearm during a dangerous felony (§ 39-17-1324) is a Class C felony with a 6-year mandatory minimum (10 years with a prior felony), consecutive to the underlying offence.

Statute
Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 39-17-1307, 39-17-1324
Official source
Justia mirror of Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1324; secondary summaries for § 39-17-1307
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Traffic & transport

DUI / drink driving Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

1st offence Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
48 hours–11 months, 29 days
Fine
$350–$1,500

Class A misdemeanour.

2nd offence Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
45 days–11 months, 29 days
Fine
$600–$3,500

Class A misdemeanour.

3rd offence Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
120 days–11 months, 29 days
Fine
$1,100–$10,000

Class A misdemeanour.

4th or subsequent offence Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
150 days–6 years
Fine
$3,000–$15,000

Class E felony; verify fine.

Note on this entry

BAC ≥0.20 adds 7 days mandatory jail on a 1st offence. Aggravated vehicular homicide / vehicular assault carry separate felony ranges. Verify §§ 55-10-401–55-10-403 against official text.

Statute
Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 55-10-401–55-10-403
Official source
Secondary summaries (non-official); official re-check needed
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors beyond tier, BAC, minor passenger, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Cyber & digital

Cybercrime / hacking Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Unauthorised access / computer crime — base tier Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
0–11 months, 29 days
Fine
$0–$2,500

Class A misdemeanour — VERIFY.

Computer crime causing loss / damage above threshold Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
2–12 years
Fine
$0–$5,000

Class D felony — VERIFY threshold and range.

Note on this entry

Tennessee's computer-crimes provisions are in §§ 39-14-601–39-14-604. Tier details below were NOT verified against official text — verify before publishing.

Statute
Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 39-14-601–39-14-604 (computer crimes)
Official source
Secondary summaries (non-official); official re-check needed
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Loss beyond tier, priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.