Learn About the Law
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Current as of January 02, 2024 | Updated by FindLaw Staff
(a) It is an offense for a defendant to engage in unlawful sexual contact with a minor when:
(1) The minor is less than eighteen (18) years of age;
(2) The defendant is at least four (4) years older than the victim; and
(3) The defendant was, at the time of the offense, in a position of trust, or had supervisory or disciplinary power over the minor by virtue of the defendant's legal, professional, or occupational status and used the position of trust or power to accomplish the sexual contact; or
(4) The defendant had, at the time of the offense, parental or custodial authority over the minor and used the authority to accomplish the sexual contact.
(b) As used in this section, “sexual contact” means the defendant intentionally touches or kisses the minor's lips with the defendant's lips if such touching can be reasonably construed as being for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification.
(c) Sexual contact by an authority figure is a Class A misdemeanor with a mandatory minimum fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000).
(d) Each instance of unlawful sexual contact shall be considered a separate offense.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Tennessee Code Title 39. Criminal Offenses § 39-13-509 - last updated January 02, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/tn/title-39-criminal-offenses/tn-code-sect-39-13-509/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature or via Westlaw before relying on it for your legal needs.
A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw's Learn About the Law.
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)