Tennessee Criminal Laws: Felony and Misdemeanor Classes, Theft, Self-Defense and Bail

Tennessee grades felonies as Class A through Class E. Authorized terms of imprisonment and fines: Class A, not less than 15 nor more than 60 years, and the jury may assess a fine not to exceed $50,000; Class B, 8 to 30 years, fine up to $25,000; Class C, 3 to 15 years, fine up to $10,000; Class D, 2 to 12 years, fine up to $5,000; Class E, 1 to 6 years, fine up to $3,000 (each fine 'unless otherwise provided by statute'). The specific range within these limits depends on the offender's sentencing range (prior record).

Tennessee has three misdemeanor classes. Class A misdemeanor: not greater than 11 months, 29 days, or a fine not to exceed $2,500, or both. Class B misdemeanor: not greater than 6 months or a fine not to exceed $500, or both. Class C misdemeanor: not greater than 30 days or a fine not to exceed $50, or both. Each applies 'unless otherwise provided by statute.'

Theft becomes a felony above $1,000 (or for any firearm). Tiers: $1,000 or less, Class A misdemeanor (except when the property is a firearm); a firearm worth less than $2,500, or property or services worth more than $1,000 but less than $2,500, Class E felony; $2,500 or more but less than $10,000, Class D felony; $10,000 or more but less than $60,000, Class C felony; $60,000 or more but less than $250,000, Class B felony; $250,000 or more, Class A felony.

Stand your ground. A person who is not engaged in conduct that would constitute a felony or Class A misdemeanor and is in a place where the person has a right to be has no duty to retreat before threatening or using force intended or likely to cause death or serious bodily injury, if the person has a reasonable belief that there is an imminent danger of death, serious bodily injury, or grave sexual abuse; the danger creating the belief is real, or honestly believed to be real at the time; and the belief is founded upon reasonable grounds. The same no-retreat rule applies to non-deadly force the person reasonably believes is immediately necessary to protect against another's unlawful force. A person who is engaged in the activity or in the place because of status as a victim of human trafficking is treated as not engaged in unlawful conduct and as in a place where the person has a right to be (status must be proven by clear and convincing evidence, which may be provided through testimony).

A person using force intended or likely to cause death or serious bodily injury within a residence, business, dwelling or vehicle is presumed to have held a reasonable belief of imminent death or serious bodily injury to self, family, a member of the household or an invited guest when the force is used against someone who unlawfully and forcibly enters or has entered, and the person knew or had reason to believe an unlawful and forcible entry occurred. The presumption does not apply if the person against whom force is used has a right to be there or lives there (unless barred by an order of protection, injunction or no-contact order); is removing a child or grandchild in his or her lawful custody; if the person using force is engaged in a felony or Class A misdemeanor or is using the place to further unlawful activity; or if the person entering is a law enforcement officer performing official duties who identified himself or herself or whom the person knew or reasonably should have known was an officer. A person who uses force as permitted by these self-defense laws is justified and immune from civil liability, unless the force was used against an identified on-duty law enforcement officer or harmed an innocent bystander or other person against whom force was not justified.

A person may be prosecuted at any time for an offense punishable with death or by imprisonment in the penitentiary during life. Otherwise, prosecution for a felony must begin within 15 years for a Class A felony; 8 years for a Class B felony; 4 years for a Class C or Class D felony; and 2 years for a Class E felony. Prosecutions for misdemeanors must be commenced within 12 months after the offense was committed (with listed exceptions). Many child sexual abuse offenses have longer periods measured from the date the child turns 18 (for example, 25 years for listed offenses committed on or after the dates set in the statute), and some offenses against minors may be prosecuted at any time in specified circumstances.

A magistrate deciding pretrial release for a bailable offense may release the defendant on personal recognizance, on an unsecured appearance bond, or on conditions that may include a bail deposit. The magistrate 'shall give first consideration to ensuring the safety of the community' and, if releasing the defendant, must impose the least restrictive conditions that will reasonably assure appearance and community safety. The magistrate must consider any available results of a validated pretrial risk assessment and the defendant's financial resources, and may also consider the defendant's length of residence in the community; employment status; prior criminal record, including prior releases on recognizance or bail; whether the defendant was on release for another offense when charged; the nature of the offense, the apparent probability of conviction, and the likely sentence; substance use or mental health issues better addressed in community-based treatment; and other ties to the community or factors related to the risk of willful failure to appear.

In felony cases, when the accused has no lawyer and the court finds the accused indigent, the court must appoint the public defender (if the county has one) or another competent licensed attorney. A person who says he or she cannot afford a lawyer must complete the uniform affidavit of indigency, and statements are made under oath. In deciding indigency the court considers the nature of the services, usual attorney charges in the community, the accused's income from any source, federal poverty guidelines, ownership or equity in property, the amount of the bond and whether the person was able to make bond, and any other relevant circumstances. A defendant given court-appointed counsel is assessed a nonrefundable administrative fee of $50 at the time of appointment; the court must waive or reduce it if the defendant lacks the resources to pay, may raise it to no more than $200 if the defendant has sufficient resources, and the fee is collected even if the charges are dismissed.

18 (for the statutory rape offenses, which apply when the victim is under 18 and there is an age gap of at least four years). Mitigated statutory rape (Class E felony): the victim is at least 15 but less than 18 years of age and the defendant is at least four but not more than five years older than the victim. Statutory rape (Class E felony): the victim is at least 13 but less than 15 years of age and the defendant is at least four years but less than 10 years older than the victim, or the victim is at least 15 but less than 18 and the defendant is more than five but less than 10 years older. Aggravated statutory rape (Class D felony): the victim is at least 13 but less than 18 years of age and the defendant is at least 10 years older than the victim.

Possession is a crime; adult-use marijuana is not legal. Knowingly possessing or casually exchanging a controlled substance (including marijuana) without a valid prescription, and distributing a small amount of marijuana not in excess of one-half ounce (14.175 grams), are Class A misdemeanors (up to 11 months 29 days and/or a $2,500 fine). Selling, manufacturing, delivering, or possessing with intent to sell marijuana in an amount not less than one-half ounce nor more than ten pounds is a Class E felony.

Tennessee uses the single word assault for both threats and physical attacks. Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing bodily injury to another is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by incarceration and a fine not to exceed $15,000; intentionally or knowingly causing another to reasonably fear imminent bodily injury is a Class A misdemeanor; and knowingly causing physical contact a reasonable person would regard as extremely offensive or provocative is a Class B misdemeanor (up to 6 months and/or $500). It becomes aggravated assault when an intentional or knowing assault results in serious bodily injury or death, involves the use or display of a deadly weapon, or involves strangulation or attempted strangulation: generally a Class C felony (3 to 15 years), and a Class B felony (8 to 30 years) when strangulation is committed against a pregnant victim. Reckless aggravated assault (serious bodily injury, death, or a deadly weapon) is a Class D felony (2 to 12 years).

Tennessee has no separate crime called battery; unwanted physical contact is charged as assault. Knowingly causing physical contact that a reasonable person would regard as extremely offensive or provocative is a Class B misdemeanor (up to 6 months and/or $500), and intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing bodily injury is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by incarceration and a fine of up to $15,000. Assaults against a family or household member are charged as domestic assault.

Domestic violence is charged as domestic assault: an assault against a domestic abuse victim (current or former spouses, people who live or lived together, dating or sexual partners, relatives by blood, adoption or marriage, and their children). A first conviction is punished the same as assault. A second conviction (bodily-injury assault) carries a fine of $350 to $3,500 and confinement of not less than 30 consecutive days nor more than 11 months 29 days; a third or subsequent conviction is a Class E felony with mandatory confinement of at least 90 consecutive days and a fine of $1,100 to $5,000. The enhanced penalties do not apply if ten or more years passed since the previous qualifying violation. On conviction the judge must order the defendant to give up physical possession of all firearms within 48 hours. Choking or attempted strangulation during an assault is aggravated assault, a felony. Since January 1, 2026, a court may also order a person with a second conviction for an offense against a domestic abuse victim onto a public Tennessee Bureau of Investigation registry (Savanna's Law), with a $150 registration fee.

Shoplifting is charged as theft of merchandise and is graded the same way as other theft by value. Theft of property or services worth $1,000 or less is a Class A misdemeanor (unless the item is a firearm), punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, or both. A fifth or subsequent theft-of-merchandise conviction within a two-year period is punished one classification higher than the value would otherwise require, with a fine of at least $300. Working with others to steal merchandise worth more than $1,000 (aggregated over a set period) for resale or fraudulent return is the separate felony of organized retail crime.

Burglary is entering a building other than a habitation (or a part not open to the public) without the owner's consent with intent to commit a felony, theft or assault, hiding in a building with that intent, or entering and committing or attempting one of those crimes; it is a Class D felony (2 to 12 years). Burglary of a habitation is aggravated burglary, a Class C felony (3 to 15 years). Breaking into a car, truck, boat, airplane or other motor vehicle to commit a felony, theft or assault is burglary under § 39-13-1002(a)(4); the code text read was a Class E felony, but Public Chapter 930 of 2026 raised it to a Class D felony effective July 1, 2026. Robbery (intentionally or knowingly taking property from a person by violence or putting the person in fear) is a Class C felony; aggravated robbery (with a deadly weapon or something displayed to look like one, or causing serious bodily injury) is a Class B felony (8 to 30 years); and especially aggravated robbery (deadly weapon and serious bodily injury) is a Class A felony (15 to 60 years).

Vandalism is knowingly damaging or destroying real or personal property of another, or of the state, without the owner's effective consent (it also covers damaging merchandise offered for retail sale). It is punished as theft, graded by the value of the damage: $1,000 or less is a Class A misdemeanor, more than $1,000 but less than $2,500 a Class E felony, and higher amounts climb through Class D, C, B and A felonies on the same value tiers as theft. The court must order restitution for the damage plus cleaning and restoration costs. Vandalism of state or local government property valued under $2,500 is a Class A misdemeanor (unless the property is a designated historic landmark or on the National Register of Historic Places), and a second or later offense involving government property carries a mandatory $5,000 fine.

Criminal trespass is entering or remaining on property, or any portion of property, without the owner's consent; consent may be inferred for property open to the public for commercial activity or that the owner has made open to the public. It is a Class C misdemeanor (up to 30 days and/or $50). A defense applies if the person reasonably believed he or she had consent, did not substantially interfere with the owner's use, and left immediately when asked, but that defense is unavailable where the owner posted signs at major entry points or used purple paint marks with at least one sign. Aggravated criminal trespass (knowingly without consent and intending, knowing, or reckless about causing fear for another's safety, or breaking a gate, fence, lock or other barrier to get in, or recklessly damaging property) is a Class B misdemeanor; it is a Class A misdemeanor in a habitation, a hospital building, on state property, or on school property, and a Class E felony when committed on the home of a law enforcement officer, military member, judge, or elected or appointed official with intent to harass that person because of that status.

Knowingly possessing or casually exchanging a controlled substance without a valid prescription (simple possession) is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 11 months 29 days and/or $2,500). Possession of any amount of methamphetamine, or of fentanyl and related opioids, must be punished by at least 30 days of confinement served at 100% (with a drug or recovery court option). It is a Class E felony (1 to 6 years) when the person has two or more prior convictions under the section and the current offense involves heroin. Using or possessing drug paraphernalia with intent to use is a Class A misdemeanor. First offenders may be eligible for judicial diversion: the court may defer proceedings and place a qualified defendant on probation without entering a judgment of guilty, then dismiss the case after successful completion (excluded are, among others, Class A or B felonies, listed sexual offenses, and people previously convicted of a felony or a Class A misdemeanor with confinement served).

A driver involved in a crash that results in injury to or death of any person must immediately stop at or as close to the scene as possible and remain until giving the required information and aid; failing to do so is a Class A misdemeanor, and a Class E felony (1 to 6 years) if the driver knew or should reasonably have known that death resulted. For a crash involving only damage to a vehicle that is driven or attended, failing to stop is a Class B misdemeanor when the damage is $1,500 or less and a Class A misdemeanor when it is more than $1,500.

Reckless driving is driving any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. It also covers riding a motorcycle with the front tire raised off the ground in willful and wanton disregard for safety, and driving into a flooded road after knowingly ignoring a clearly visible flood warning sign or barricade. It is a Class B misdemeanor (up to 6 months and/or $500), and the court must also assess a $50 fine. Street drag racing is a separate, more serious offense (a Class E felony).

Harassment covers intentionally threatening harm, communicating without a lawful purpose in a way meant to annoy, offend, alarm or frighten, falsely telling someone a relative was hurt or killed, sending images meant as a threat, and bullying or cyber-bullying. It is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 11 months 29 days and/or $2,500); it is a Class E felony (1 to 6 years) when a person convicted of a crime, while incarcerated or on pretrial diversion, probation, community correction or parole, contacts the victim in person in a threatening, anonymous or repetitive way. Stalking (a willful course of repeated harassment that would make a reasonable person feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed or molested) is a Class A misdemeanor, or a Class E felony if the stalker was required to register as a sexual offender. Aggravated stalking (for example, displaying a deadly weapon, a minor victim, a victim 65 or older, a prior stalking conviction within seven years, a credible threat, or violating a protective order) is a Class E felony, and especially aggravated stalking (for example, a prior conviction involving the same victim or causing serious bodily injury) is a Class C felony (3 to 15 years).

Intentionally preventing or obstructing a known law enforcement officer from making a stop, frisk, halt, arrest or search by using force is a Class B misdemeanor, or a Class A misdemeanor if the person uses a deadly weapon. Evading arrest on foot (hiding or fleeing from an officer the person knows is trying to arrest him or her) is a Class A misdemeanor. Fleeing police in a motor vehicle after a signal to stop is a Class E felony with at least 30 days of confinement, and a Class D felony with at least 60 days if the flight creates a risk of death or injury to bystanders, officers or others; the court must also suspend the driver license for six months to two years. Evading arrest that results in serious bodily injury to an officer is a Class C felony, and in an officer's death a Class A felony.

It is a crime to knowingly fail to appear as directed by a lawful authority after being issued a criminal summons or a citation in lieu of arrest, being commanded to appear for booking, or being released on condition of a later appearance, or to knowingly go into hiding to avoid prosecution or a court appearance. It is a defense that the person had a reasonable excuse, or that the appearance was required by a probation or parole officer as part of supervision. Failure to appear is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 11 months 29 days and/or $2,500), and any sentence for it must be served consecutively to the sentence for the underlying offense; the statute as read does not set a different grade for felony charges.

When a probationer is charged with a violation, the trial judge may issue an arrest warrant (or, for a technical violation, a criminal summons). At the revocation hearing the defendant has the right to be present, to counsel, and to present testimony. The judge must find by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant violated the conditions of probation. The judge may not revoke probation for a felony offense based on a single instance of a technical violation (breaking a probation rule without a new crime); for technical violations the judge may order short periods of incarceration capped at 15 days for a first revocation, 30 days for a second and 90 days for a third, with the rest of the sentence available on a fourth or later. On revocation the court may order the sentence served in full or in part, or return the person to probation for the rest of the unexpired term. Since 2022, contacting the victim in violation of a probation condition is also a ground for revocation.

Tennessee covers obstruction through several separate offenses. Using coercion to influence a witness or prospective witness in an official proceeding to lie, withhold truthful testimony, or avoid a legal summons (coercion of a witness) is a Class D felony (2 to 12 years). Altering, destroying or concealing evidence, or making or using false evidence, knowing an investigation or official proceeding is pending (tampering with or fabricating evidence) is a Class C felony (3 to 15 years). Using force to prevent or obstruct an officer from making a stop, frisk, halt, arrest or search is a Class B misdemeanor, or a Class A misdemeanor with a deadly weapon.

Perjury is making a false statement under oath (or confirming a prior false sworn statement, or making a false statement on certain official documents or declarations under penalty of perjury) with intent to deceive. It is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 11 months 29 days and/or $2,500), but a Class E felony (1 to 6 years) on a handgun carry permit application or a sexual or violent sexual offender registration form. Aggravated perjury, a material false statement made during or in connection with an official proceeding, is a Class D felony (2 to 12 years).

Public intoxication is a crime in Tennessee. A person commits it by appearing in a public place under the influence of a controlled substance, controlled substance analogue or any other intoxicating substance to the degree that the person may be endangered, there is endangerment to other persons or property, or the person unreasonably annoys people in the vicinity. It is a Class C misdemeanor (up to 30 days and/or a $50 fine).

Disorderly conduct covers a person who, in a public place and intending to cause public annoyance or alarm, fights or behaves in a violent or threatening way, refuses to obey an official order to disperse issued to maintain public safety near a fire, hazard or other emergency, or creates a hazardous or physically offensive condition by an act that serves no legitimate purpose. Making unreasonable noise that prevents others from carrying on lawful activities is also covered. It is a Class C misdemeanor, the lowest grade of crime in Tennessee, punishable by up to 30 days and/or a $50 fine.

Indecent exposure is a Class B misdemeanor (up to 6 months and/or a $500 fine). It becomes a Class A misdemeanor (up to 11 months 29 days in jail and/or a $2,500 fine) when the offender is 18 or older and the victim is a child, and a Class E felony (1 to 6 years) in that situation if the offender has two or more prior convictions for indecent exposure or public indecency or is a registered sexual offender, or if it happens on the property of a school or child care facility when children are likely to be present. Before July 1, 2024 these upgrades applied only when the victim was under 13; a 2024 law extended them to victims aged 13 to 17.

Selling sex (prostitution) is a Class B misdemeanor (up to 6 months and/or $500), or a Class A misdemeanor within 100 feet of a church or within 1.5 miles of a school, where a conviction also requires at least 7 days of incarceration and a fine of at least $1,000. Buying sex, called patronizing prostitution, is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 11 months 29 days and/or $2,500), with the same 7-day and $1,000 minimums near a school. Patronizing prostitution from a minor, an intellectually disabled person, or a law enforcement officer posing as a minor is punished as trafficking for a commercial sex act (a Class B felony). A person under 18 is immune from prosecution for prostitution as a juvenile or as an adult.

Online sports betting with operators licensed by the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council is legal for people 21 and older who are physically in Tennessee. Physical sportsbooks and kiosks are not legal, and betting with an unlicensed online sportsbook or with a person (a 'bookie') is illegal. There is a narrow exception for small sports pools, such as a March Madness bracket run by an individual (not a business) with a total pool under $1,000 and an entry fee of $25 or less. Knowingly engaging in illegal gambling is a Class C misdemeanor (up to 30 days and/or a $50 fine).

Embezzlement is charged under Tennessee's general theft statute: a person commits theft of property if, with intent to deprive the owner, the person knowingly obtains or exercises control over the property without the owner's effective consent. It is graded by value: $1,000 or less is a Class A misdemeanor; more than $1,000 but less than $2,500 a Class E felony; $2,500 to less than $10,000 a Class D felony; $10,000 to less than $60,000 a Class C felony; $60,000 to less than $250,000 a Class B felony; and $250,000 or more a Class A felony.

Identity theft is knowingly obtaining, possessing, buying or using another person's personal identifying information, without consent or lawful authority, with intent to commit any unlawful act (such as getting credit, goods, services or medical information in that person's name). It is a Class D felony (2 to 12 years), and identity theft trafficking is a Class C felony (3 to 15 years). Fraudulent use of a credit or debit card (for example, a stolen, forged, revoked or expired card) is punished as theft according to the value obtained, and illegal possession or fraudulent use where nothing is actually obtained is a Class A misdemeanor.

Forgery is forging a writing with intent to defraud or harm another. It is punished as theft by value under the theft grading statute, but never lower than a Class E felony (1 to 6 years). Passing a worthless check (knowingly or with fraudulent intent issuing a check for goods, services or other value without sufficient funds) is also punished as theft, using the face amount of the check.

Blackmail is charged as extortion: using coercion on another person with intent to obtain property, services, or any advantage or immunity, to unlawfully restrict another's freedom of action, or to impair an entity's exercise of legal rights in order to obtain something of value. It is an affirmative defense that the person reasonably claimed appropriate restitution or indemnification for harm done, or appropriate compensation for property or lawful services. Extortion is a Class D felony (2 to 12 years, fine up to $5,000).

First-degree murder covers a premeditated and intentional killing, a killing during listed felonies such as arson, robbery, burglary, kidnapping or rape (felony murder), and killings by bombs, during terrorism and during certain rapes. It is punished by death, life in prison without parole, or life in prison. Second-degree murder covers a knowing killing, and a death caused by unlawfully distributing a Schedule I or II drug (or fentanyl or carfentanil) that kills the user; it is a Class A felony (15 to 60 years, fine up to $50,000), and a knowing killing must be sentenced at least as a Range II offender. Tennessee has no third-degree murder.

Voluntary manslaughter (an intentional or knowing killing in a state of passion produced by adequate provocation) is a Class B felony (8 to 30 years); a 2023 law raised it from Class C. Reckless homicide is a Class D felony (2 to 12 years) and criminally negligent homicide is a Class E felony (1 to 6 years). Vehicular homicide (a reckless killing while driving) is a Class B felony when caused by intoxication, a Class C felony (3 to 15 years) when caused by conduct creating a substantial risk of death or by drag racing, and a Class D felony in a posted work zone; the court must also bar the person from driving for 3 to 10 years. Aggravated vehicular homicide (intoxication plus listed prior DUI or vehicular convictions, or a BAC of .15% plus a prior) is a Class A felony (15 to 60 years).

Knowingly injuring a child under 18 (child abuse) is a Class E felony, or Class D if the child is 8 or younger. Knowingly abusing or neglecting a child so that the child's health and welfare are harmed is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 11 months 29 days and a $2,500 fine), but a Class E felony if the child is 8 or younger. A parent or custodian who knowingly exposes a child 8 or younger to abuse or neglect, or fails to protect the child, resulting in injury or imminent danger (child endangerment) commits a Class A misdemeanor. An adult who contributes to or encourages the delinquency or unruly behavior of a child commits a Class A misdemeanor.

Arson is knowingly damaging a structure or farm equipment by fire or explosion without the consent of everyone with an interest in it, or to collect insurance; it is a Class C felony (3 to 15 years), or Class B (8 to 30 years) for a place of worship. Setting fire to personal property or land is a Class E felony (1 to 6 years). Aggravated arson, when someone is inside or a person (including a firefighter or police officer) suffers serious bodily injury, is a Class A felony (15 to 60 years).

Cruelty to animals (intentionally or knowingly torturing, maiming or overworking an animal, unreasonably denying food, water, care or shelter, abandoning it, or transporting it cruelly) is a Class A misdemeanor; a second or later conviction is a Class E felony. The court must order the animals forfeited and may bar the person from having custody of animals for a reasonable time. Aggravated cruelty (intentionally or knowingly killing, torturing or seriously injuring a companion animal with no justifiable purpose, or starving it at risk of death) is a Class E felony (1 to 6 years); the court must ban custody of companion animals for at least two years (it may impose a lifetime ban), and a second conviction brings a lifetime ban.

Yes. 'Unlawful exposure' is distributing an image of another identifiable person's intimate parts or sexual conduct, made under circumstances where the parties understood it would stay private, with intent to cause emotional distress, when the person depicted suffers emotional distress. It is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 11 months 29 days and a $2,500 fine).

Tennessee's harassment law makes it a crime to intentionally engage in bullying or cyberbullying (bullying through electronic devices), as well as to send threats or annoying or alarming communications by text, email or social media; an adult's violation is a Class A misdemeanor. When a minor commits bullying or cyberbullying it is a delinquent act, and the court must also suspend the minor's driver license (or eligibility) for one year, with a possible restricted license. 'Bullying' is defined around conduct by a student that substantially interferes with another student's education.

A minor who intentionally or knowingly sends, shares or posts, or knowingly possesses, a sexually explicit image of a minor using a phone or other telecommunication device commits 'illegal use of a telecommunication device by a minor,' which is treated as an unruly act in juvenile court (not a delinquent act). A minor who did not ask for the image is not guilty of possession if the minor deletes it or reports it to a parent, guardian, school or law enforcement.

Tennessee does not grade money laundering by amount. Conducting a financial transaction with criminally derived proceeds to conceal their source or ownership, using proceeds to further a specified unlawful activity, or laundering property represented by an officer as proceeds (sting) is a Class B felony (8 to 30 years, fine up to $25,000). A business or enterprise that knowingly handles criminal proceeds commits a Class E felony punishable only by a $5,000 fine plus forfeiture, rising to a Class B felony on five or more separate occasions.

Trafficking for a commercial sex act (knowingly subjecting a person to, or benefiting from, a commercial sex act, or recruiting, harboring, transporting or obtaining a person for one) is a Class B felony (8 to 30 years), or a Class A felony (15 to 60 years) if the victim was 13 to 17; consent or mistake about age is no defense. Trafficking for forced labor or services is a Class C felony (3 to 15 years), or Class A if the victim was 13 to 17.

A pedestrian crossing anywhere other than a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield to all vehicles, and between adjacent intersections with working traffic signals a pedestrian must cross only in a marked crosswalk. No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb into the path of a vehicle too close to yield. Violating a rule of the road is a Class C misdemeanor (up to 30 days or a fine up to $50) unless another penalty is set.

A driver may not drink, or have an open container of, alcohol or beer while operating a vehicle (engine running counts). A container is treated as the driver's unless a passenger has it or it is in a closed glove compartment, trunk or other non-passenger area. The state law does not cover passengers, but cities and counties may ban passenger drinking or open containers. Violation is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by fine only, and officers generally issue a citation.

It is illegal for anyone under 21 to buy or try to buy, possess, consume or transport alcohol or beer (except 18-to-20-year-olds handling it on the job); each is a Class A misdemeanor. For an 18-to-20-year-old convicted of buying or possessing, the court must send an order denying driving privileges to the state. Using a false ID or lying about age to get alcohol is a misdemeanor: under 18, a $50 fine plus at least 20 hours of community service; 18 to 20, a $50-$200 fine or 5 to 30 days in jail, and a second or later offense brings a license denial of up to one year.

Driving while your license is cancelled, suspended or revoked is a Class B misdemeanor (up to 6 months and $500) for a first offense and a Class A misdemeanor (up to 11 months 29 days and $2,500) for a second or later offense within ten years. If the suspension was for DUI, vehicular assault or vehicular homicide, jail is mandatory: at least 2 days (up to 6 months) for a first offense and at least 45 days (up to one year) for a repeat, with fines up to $1,000 and $3,000; the vehicle may be forfeited.

No one may drive on a Tennessee highway without a valid license for the type of vehicle, unless exempt. Drivers must also have the license in their immediate possession and show it to an officer on request; failing to carry or display it is a Class C misdemeanor (up to 30 days or a $50 fine).

Tennessee's list of prohibited weapons does not include switchblades or other knives, and its general 'carrying with intent to go armed' offense covers firearms and clubs, not knives. On school property, carrying with intent to go armed a bowie knife, hawk bill knife, dagger, switchblade or any other sharp pointed or edged instrument (except unaltered nail files and tools used only for food, instruction or maintenance) is a Class E felony. The statute sets no blade-length limit.

Only D.O.T. Class C common (consumer) fireworks that meet federal consumer rules may be possessed, sold or used; ground salutes exceeding Class C limits are banned (a second or later offense is a Class E felony). Buyers must be at least 16, and 16- and 17-year-olds must show a state photo ID or be with an adult. Retail sales are banned in counties over 355,000 population (with narrow exceptions) and wherever local law has outlawed sales. A violation is a Class C misdemeanor; retailers selling to underage buyers face fines up to $100, $250 and $500 for first, second and later offenses.

Holding someone against their will is called false imprisonment in Tennessee (knowingly removing or confining another unlawfully so as to interfere substantially with their liberty), a Class A misdemeanor (up to 11 months, 29 days and a $2,500 fine). Kidnapping is false imprisonment under circumstances exposing the person to substantial risk of bodily injury, a Class C felony (3 to 15 years). Aggravated kidnapping (to help commit a felony, to interfere with a government function, to inflict serious injury or terrorize, where the victim is injured, or while having or threatening a deadly weapon) is a Class B felony (8 to 30 years). Especially aggravated kidnapping (with a deadly weapon, a victim under 13, for ransom or as a hostage or shield, or with serious bodily injury) is a Class A felony (15 to 60 years), sentenced at least in Range II. Voluntarily releasing the victim alive is a mitigating factor at sentencing for the aggravated forms.

Threats are mainly charged in Tennessee as assault or harassment. Intentionally or knowingly causing someone to reasonably fear imminent bodily injury is assault, a Class A misdemeanor (up to 11 months, 29 days). It becomes aggravated assault, a Class C felony (3 to 15 years), when it involves the use or display of a deadly weapon. Intentionally communicating a threat of harm (in person, by phone, text, email or social media) that the sender means as a threat and a reasonable person would see as one is harassment, a Class A misdemeanor; it is a Class E felony (1 to 6 years) for a convicted person who, while incarcerated or on diversion, probation or parole, threatens the victim in person.

Stealing a car is charged under Tennessee's general theft law, graded by the vehicle's value: $1,000 or less is a Class A misdemeanor; more than $1,000 to under $2,500 a Class E felony; $2,500 to under $10,000 a Class D felony; $10,000 to under $60,000 a Class C felony; $60,000 to under $250,000 a Class B felony; and $250,000 or more a Class A felony. Taking someone else's car, boat, motorcycle, bicycle, airplane or other vehicle without consent but without intending to keep it (joyriding, called unauthorized use of a vehicle) is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 11 months, 29 days and a $2,500 fine).

Tennessee folds receiving or concealing stolen property into its single theft offense: the theft statute says it embraces the offenses formerly known as embezzlement, false pretense, fraudulent conversion, larceny, and receiving or concealing stolen property. Knowingly obtaining or exercising control over property without the owner's effective consent, intending to deprive the owner, is theft, graded by value: $1,000 or less is a Class A misdemeanor; more than $1,000 to under $2,500 a Class E felony; $2,500 to under $10,000 a Class D felony; $10,000 to under $60,000 a Class C felony; $60,000 to under $250,000 a Class B felony; $250,000 or more a Class A felony. Separately, knowingly buying or possessing retail goods for resale while believing them stolen is part of the organized retail crime law.

Tennessee's Organized Retail Crime Prevention Act makes it a crime to act with one or more other people to steal merchandise worth more than $1,000, aggregated over a 90-day period, to resell it or fraudulently return it. The same law also covers knowingly buying or possessing goods for resale believing they are stolen, returning stolen merchandise, disabling anti-theft devices, using online marketplaces to sell stolen goods, card skimming at payment terminals, and possessing 10 or more fraudulently obtained gift cards or other access devices. It is punished as theft by value, and one class higher if the person organized, supervised or financed others, or if the offense involved property destruction or a weapon. Property gained through the crime is subject to forfeiture.

Knowingly making, delivering or selling a controlled substance, or possessing it with intent to do so, is a felony graded by drug and amount. Schedule I drugs and 0.5 gram or more of cocaine, methamphetamine or fentanyl are Class B felonies (8 to 30 years, fine up to $100,000); other Schedule II drugs are Class C felonies; Schedule III and most Schedule IV drugs Class D; Schedule V drugs and 1/2 ounce to 10 pounds of marijuana Class E. Trafficking-level weights make it a Class B felony with a fine up to $200,000 (for example 15 grams of heroin or fentanyl, or 26 grams of cocaine or methamphetamine) and a Class A felony (15 to 60 years, fine up to $500,000) at higher weights (for example 150 grams of heroin or fentanyl, or 300 grams of cocaine or methamphetamine). Selling to someone under 18 is punished one class higher, and manufacturing methamphetamine carries a 180-day mandatory minimum served at 100%.

Obtaining or trying to obtain a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception or subterfuge (such as a forged prescription) is a Class D felony (2 to 12 years), with fines up to $100,000 for Schedule I or II drugs; a first offender's sentence may be suspended on condition of drug treatment. 'Doctor shopping' (not telling a health care provider that you got the same or a similar controlled substance or prescription from another practitioner within the previous 30 days) is a Class A misdemeanor, or a Class E felony if more than 250 dose units are involved. Doing the same to get TennCare benefits is a separate Class D felony under the TennCare fraud law.

Recklessly causing serious bodily injury to someone while driving a car or operating a boat intoxicated (alcohol, drugs or both) is vehicular assault, a Class D felony (2 to 12 years). It carries mandatory jail before release: 48 consecutive hours for a first offense, and 45, 120 or 150 consecutive days with one, two, or three or more prior alcohol-related convictions. The court must also bar the person from driving or operating a vessel for 1 year on a first conviction, 2 years on a second, 6 years on a third, and 8 years on a fourth or later. Serious injury caused by drag racing is also punished as vehicular assault.

Drag racing (using vehicles to reach top speed, compare speeds, try to outdistance another car, or accept a racing challenge) on public highways or on places generally open to the public such as shopping centers, trailer parks or apartment complexes is a Class E felony (1 to 6 years and up to $3,000), unless the place is licensed for racing. Both drivers and people who arrange or start the race are 'participants.' If someone suffers serious bodily injury, it is punished as vehicular assault (a Class D felony). A vehicle used in drag racing or to flee is subject to seizure and forfeiture on conviction. The sections read do not set a driver's license suspension.

Operating a registrable or commercial boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or with an alcohol concentration at or above the drunk-driving limit in Tenn. Code § 55-10-401, is boating under the influence (anchored or moored boats are excluded). A first offense is a Class A misdemeanor: 48 consecutive hours to 11 months, 29 days in jail (7 days minimum at 0.20% or more) and a $350 to $1,500 fine. A second offense carries 45 days minimum and a $600 to $3,500 fine; a third, 120 days and $1,100 to $10,000; a fourth is punished in the Class E felony range, with higher felony ranges for later offenses. Every conviction suspends the right to operate registered and commercial vessels for 12 months, and having a child aboard adds 30 days and a $1,000 fine.

Knowingly giving an insurer false or misleading material information (or hiding material facts) in an application, a claim or a payment, with intent that it be relied on, is an unlawful insurance act; the insurance fraud law says violators are punished under Tenn. Code § 39-14-133. That section makes it a crime to present a false or fraudulent insurance claim, or to prepare or sign false documents to support one, and says it is punished as theft, which is graded by value from a Class A misdemeanor ($1,000 or less) up to a Class A felony ($250,000 or more). Victims may also sue for the violator's gains and fees and, for a pattern of fraud, triple damages.

Getting food assistance (SNAP) by false statements, impersonation or other fraud, or trafficking benefits or EBT cards, is a Class E felony (1 to 6 years) if the value is $100 or more, with a $1,000 to $5,000 fine ($2,500 to $10,000 with a false identity), and a Class A misdemeanor under $100. The person must repay the full value and may be disqualified for 12 months, 24 months, or permanently for a third offense (permanently on a first offense for trafficking $500 or more or trading benefits for guns). Obtaining TennCare (Medicaid) benefits by fraud, including hiding income or doctor shopping, is a Class D felony (2 to 12 years) with fines of $250 to $1,000, mandatory restitution, and possible disqualification; false claims by providers can be graded higher by value.

Offering, giving or promising anything of value to a public servant to influence their vote, opinion, judgment or other official action is bribery, and so is a public servant asking for or accepting a benefit on that understanding. Both are Class B felonies (8 to 30 years and up to a $25,000 fine).

Willfully trying to evade or defeat any Tennessee tax is a Class E felony (1 to 6 years), or a Class A misdemeanor if it involves less than $500 of use tax. Using false records, reports or returns or other schemes to keep the state from collecting revenue it is owed is also a Class E felony, as is conspiring to do so, lying under oath at a revenue hearing, or corruptly obstructing tax officers.

Tennessee calls sexual assault rape (unlawful sexual penetration) and sexual battery (unlawful sexual contact). Rape (penetration by force or coercion, without consent, by fraud, or of a victim the defendant knows is mentally incapacitated or physically helpless) is a Class B felony (8 to 30 years), sentenced at least in Range II. Aggravated rape (penetration with a weapon, causing bodily injury, aided by others, or by a person who knows they have HIV) is a Class A felony (15 to 60 years), also at least Range II. Sexual battery (sexual contact under the same conditions as rape, including contact by clergy, health care professionals or counselors during treatment) is a Class E felony (1 to 6 years), and aggravated sexual battery (contact with a weapon, causing injury, aided by others, or with a victim under 13) is a Class B felony. For age-based offenses see the age-of-consent page.

Rape of a child (sexual penetration of a child more than 8 but less than 13 years old) is a Class A felony; an adult offender must be sentenced to death, life without parole or life imprisonment, and a juvenile offender is sentenced at least in Range II. Aggravated rape of a child (a child 8 or younger) is a Class A felony punished by death or life without parole for an adult, and in Range III for a juvenile offender. Sexual contact with a child under 13 is aggravated sexual battery, a Class B felony (8 to 30 years), sentenced at least in Range II.

Knowingly possessing material showing a minor in sexual activity (sexual exploitation of a minor) is a Class D felony (2 to 12 years), a Class C felony (3 to 15 years) if more than 50 images or items are involved, and a Class B felony (8 to 30 years) if more than 100. Distributing, selling, buying, exchanging or possessing such material with intent to distribute (aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor) is a Class C felony, or Class B if more than 25 images. Using or permitting a minor to take part in producing such a performance or material (especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor) is a Class B felony. Each image may be charged as a separate count, and a minor's consent is not a defense.

Yes. An adult who, by phone, email, the internet or any other communication, solicits someone they know or should know is under 18 (or an officer posing as one) to engage in a listed sex offense commits solicitation of a minor, graded one class below the most serious offense solicited (a Class A misdemeanor if that offense is a Class E felony). Separately, an adult who uses electronic means, including webcams, to get a minor to engage in sexual activity commits a Class B felony (8 to 30 years), and intentionally showing a minor sexual activity or sexual material (in person or electronically) is a Class E felony, or Class C if the minor is under 13. It is no defense that the solicited act never happened.

People convicted of a sexual offense or violent sexual offense (including qualifying juvenile adjudications and out-of-state convictions) must register in person with local law enforcement on a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) form and report changes of residence, job or school within 48 hours. A sexual offender may ask TBI to end registration no sooner than 10 years after finishing supervision or incarceration, if they have no new sex offense and substantially complied. Registration is for life for violent sexual offenders, people with a prior sex offense conviction, and offenses against a victim 12 or younger. Knowingly violating the registry law is a Class E felony (1 to 6 years), with mandatory minimums of 90 days and a $350 fine for a first violation, 180 days and $600 for a second, and 1 year and $1,100 for a third or later.

Possessing a firearm or ammunition after a felony conviction for a crime of violence or a felony involving a deadly weapon is a Class B felony (8 to 30 years), and after a felony drug conviction a Class C felony (3 to 15 years). Anyone with any felony conviction who possesses a handgun or handgun ammunition commits a Class E felony (1 to 6 years). The handgun offense does not apply to a person who was pardoned, whose conviction was expunged, or whose civil rights were restored without a firearm restriction in the restoration order.

Knowingly accessing a computer or network to get money, property or services by false pretenses, intentionally altering, damaging or disrupting computers, software or data without authorization, or trafficking in the proceeds, is graded like theft under § 39-14-105 by the value involved. Intentionally accessing a computer system without authorization, introducing a computer contaminant (malicious code), or tampering with security devices is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 11 months, 29 days and a $2,500 fine). Any violation committed in connection with an act of terrorism is a Class A felony (15 to 60 years). The statute does not name ransomware.

One-party consent. It is lawful for a person who is a party to a phone, in-person or electronic conversation, or who has one party's prior consent, to record it, unless it is done to commit a criminal or tortious act. Unlawfully intercepting a wire, oral or electronic communication is a Class D felony (2 to 12 years), and the person recorded may also sue.

Knowingly making a report to police about a crime or incident that did not happen, that the person knows nothing about, or that is false, or knowingly giving false information to an officer to hinder an investigation or arrest, is a Class D felony (2 to 12 years). Knowingly making a false report of a bombing, active shooter, hostage situation, fire or other emergency that will bring an emergency response (including a SWAT team), put someone in fear of serious injury, or disrupt a public place or home (swatting) is a Class C felony (3 to 15 years).

Yes. Tennessee's hate crime law is a sentencing enhancement: a judge may give a longer sentence within the range if the defendant intentionally chose the victim or property, in whole or in part, because of the victim's or owner's race, religion, color, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry or gender. Separately, civil rights intimidation (injuring, threatening or coercing someone, or damaging their property, to intimidate them from exercising a constitutional or legal right) is a Class D felony (2 to 12 years).

Tennessee has parole, decided by the Board of Parole. When a parole officer's warrant is served, the parolee gets a probable cause hearing (unless the revocation hearing is held within 14 days) and a revocation hearing before a board member or hearing officer, where they can respond to the charges. For violations that do not involve a new felony, new Class A misdemeanor, a zero-tolerance violation, absconding or contacting the victim, jail is capped at 15 days for a first revocation, 30 for a second and 90 for a third; a fourth, or a serious violation, can mean serving the rest of the sentence. The board may also order other punishment or reparole after a diversion program.

Knowingly violating an order of protection or a restraining order (after notice and a chance to be heard, with findings of domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking) is a Class A misdemeanor, with a fine of $100 to $2,500 and up to 11 months, 29 days in jail, served consecutively to any sentence for the same facts unless the judge orders otherwise. Possessing a firearm while subject to a qualifying order is a separate Class A misdemeanor, and violating a bond no-contact order is also a Class A misdemeanor. The statute does not set a separate repeat-offense grade.

Only by judicial transfer: Tennessee has no automatic or direct adult filing. After a hearing, a juvenile court may transfer a child of any age for first- or second-degree murder (or attempt); 14 or older for rape, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, kidnapping, carjacking, terrorism and similar listed offenses; 15 or older for organized retail crime or theft of a firearm; 16 or older for robbery or escape from a youth center; and 17 or older for any other offense. The court must find probable cause, that the child is not committable to a mental health or disability institution, and that the community interest requires legal restraint, considering record, past treatment, seriousness and trauma history. The death penalty may not be sought against a transferred child.

Tennessee has the death penalty. A person convicted of first degree murder may be sentenced to death, life without the possibility of parole, or life; for an adult convicted of first degree murder under subdivisions (a)(4) and (a)(5) the choices are death or life without parole. Aggravated rape of a child is a Class A felony, and an adult offender must be sentenced to death or to life without the possibility of parole. The method of execution is lethal injection; a person whose offense was committed before January 1, 1999 may choose electrocution by signing a written waiver, and electrocution is used if lethal injection is held unconstitutional or the Commissioner of Correction certifies to the governor that the department cannot carry out a lethal injection.

In Tennessee, a person convicted of a felony on or after May 18, 1981 loses the right to vote and cannot register again until a court order restores voting rights; people convicted on or before May 17, 1981 only need to answer the felony question on the voter registration form. To get the court order, the person must have been pardoned, discharged from custody by reason of service, or granted a certificate of final discharge from parole or other supervision, must owe no restitution, and must be current on all child support orders for the previous 12 months; restoration is therefore not available while the person is still in custody or under supervision. Some felonies permanently bar restoration: first-degree murder, aggravated rape, treason or voter fraud (July 1, 1986 to June 30, 1996); murder, rape, treason or voter fraud (July 1, 1996 to June 30, 2006); and, on or after July 1, 2006, murder, rape, treason, voter fraud, certain bribery, official-misconduct and interference-with-government felonies, and felony sexual offenses against a minor.

Tennessee restores voting rights only through a court order (a petition for restoration of citizenship rights) for felony convictions on or after May 18, 1981. The person must have been pardoned, discharged from custody by reason of service, or granted a certificate of final discharge from parole or other supervision, must owe no restitution, and must have complied with child support orders for the past 12 months; certain felonies (such as murder, rape, treason, voter fraud and, since July 1, 2006, certain public-corruption felonies and felony sexual offenses against minors) can never be restored. For a court order issued on or after May 2, 2025, the person gives a certified copy to the county Administrator of Elections, who sends it to the state Coordinator of Elections for verification; for an older order, the person must also file a sworn statement about restitution, child support and disqualifying convictions. The Administrative Office of the Courts provides a sample restoration petition.

Tennessee's 'repeat violent offender' law requires a sentence of life without the possibility of parole when the court finds beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant qualifies. The tiers are: a conviction for a listed violent offense (such as first or second degree murder, especially aggravated kidnapping or robbery, aggravated rape, rape of a child, aggravated arson, rape, aggravated robbery or aggravated child abuse) with at least two prior convictions for listed violent offenses; or, for the most serious listed offenses (such as first or second degree murder, especially aggravated kidnapping or robbery, aggravated rape, rape of a child and aggravated arson), with at least one prior conviction for a listed violent offense.

Since January 1, 2026, hemp-derived cannabinoid products (HDCPs) in Tennessee are regulated by the Alcoholic Beverage Commission under Public Chapter 526 (2025). Products with non-detectable THC need no license; products with no more than 0.3% total THC are legal but must be made, distributed and sold by TABC-licensed suppliers, wholesalers and retailers; products over 0.3% total THC are illegal. 'Total THC' counts THCA (THCA x 0.877 + delta-9 THC), and products containing THCp or synthetic cannabinoids are banned in any amount. Retail sales are limited to licensed businesses that keep out people under 21, licensed package stores, and on-premises sales at liquor-by-the-drink licensees; sales may not be delivered or shipped to consumers or made through vending machines or self-checkout, and selling HDCPs without a license is a Class A misdemeanor. Businesses with Department of Agriculture licenses could keep operating under the 2023 law until those licenses expired June 30, 2026, and since July 1, 2026 retailers may buy HDCPs only from TABC-licensed wholesalers.

Psilocybin and psilocyn ('constituent of magic mushrooms') are Schedule I hallucinogenic substances in Tennessee. Knowingly possessing a controlled substance without a valid prescription is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 11 months, 29 days and/or a $2,500 fine).

Kratom is banned in Tennessee as of July 1, 2026. Under House Bill 1649 ('Matthew Davenport's Law'), signed April 16, 2026, state law prohibits the possession, sale, manufacture and distribution of kratom (any part of the Mitragyna speciosa plant containing mitragynine or 7-hydroxymitragynine, their synthetic equivalents, or substances derived from the plant containing them). Knowingly possessing kratom is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 11 months, 29 days and/or $2,500); manufacturing, delivering or selling it is a Class C felony (3 to 15 years, fine up to $10,000); and selling it to a minor, by an adult at least two years older, is a Class B felony (8 to 30 years, fine up to $25,000).

Hemp CBD products in Tennessee fall under the Alcoholic Beverage Commission's hemp rules (Public Chapter 526, effective January 1, 2026). CBD products with non-detectable THC (for example THC-free or non-detect distillate products) are legal and need no TABC license. CBD products with a detectable amount of THC up to 0.3% total THC (counting THCA) are 'hemp-derived cannabinoid products' that may be sold only by TABC-licensed retailers in person, with a QR code linking to a certificate of analysis on each product; this includes topical products absorbed through the skin, such as lotions, balms and patches. Products over 0.3% total THC, or containing THCp or synthetic cannabinoids, are illegal.

The minimum age to buy tobacco, smoking hemp, vapor products and smokeless nicotine products in Tennessee is 21; it is unlawful to sell or distribute them to, or buy them for, anyone under 21. A person under 21 may not possess, buy or accept these products or use false proof of age. A violation by a person under 21 is a civil offense, not a crime: the court may impose a civil penalty of $10 to $50 (charged to the parent, guardian or custodian of a minor), the product is seized as contraband, and for a second or later violation within one year the court may order up to 50 hours of community service or a court program.

Tennessee's elder-abuse crimes protect an 'elderly adult' (a person 70 or older) and a 'vulnerable adult' (18 or older who, because of an intellectual disability or physical dysfunction, cannot fully manage their own resources or protect themselves without help). Knowingly abusing an elderly adult is a Class E felony (1 to 6 years), and abusing a vulnerable adult is a Class D felony (2 to 12 years). Aggravated abuse of an elderly or vulnerable adult is a Class C felony (3 to 15 years) or, under subdivisions (a)(2) and (a)(3), a Class B felony (8 to 30 years). Knowingly financially exploiting an elderly or vulnerable adult is punished as theft under § 39-14-105 but one classification higher than the theft grade.

Peeping is called observation without consent: knowingly spying on or viewing someone in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, without consent, in a way that would offend an ordinary person and for sexual gratification. It is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 11 months, 29 days and/or $2,500), and a Class E felony (1 to 6 years) if the victim is under 13. Secretly photographing or recording someone in a private setting is unlawful photography: a violation of subdivision (a)(1) or (a)(3) is a felony (generally Class E), rising to a Class D felony if the image is disseminated or the victim is under 13 and to a Class C felony in listed aggravated cases; the narrower subdivision (a)(2) offense is a Class B misdemeanor, Class A for a repeat. For (a)(1) and (a)(3) violations the judge must order the person to register as a sexual offender.

Assaulting a law enforcement officer who is performing official duties is a Class E felony (1 to 6 years) with a mandatory $10,000 fine and a mandatory minimum of 60 days in jail served in full; assaulting a first responder (such as a firefighter or emergency services worker) or a nurse on duty is a Class A misdemeanor with a mandatory $5,000 fine and at least 30 days. Aggravated assault against any of them (serious bodily injury or death, a deadly weapon, or strangulation) is a Class C felony (3 to 15 years) with a mandatory $15,000 fine and at least 90 days. By comparison, simple assault causing bodily injury is a Class A misdemeanor, and offensive contact alone is a Class B misdemeanor.