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Tennessee Code Title 39. Criminal Offenses § 39-16-502

Current as of January 02, 2024 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(a) It is unlawful for any person to:

(1) Initiate a report or statement to a law enforcement officer concerning an offense or incident within the officer's concern knowing that:

(A) The offense or incident reported did not occur;

(B) The person has no information relating to the offense or incident reported; or

(C) The information relating to the offense reported is false; or

(2) Make a report or statement in response to a legitimate inquiry by a law enforcement officer concerning a material fact about an offense or incident within the officer's concern, knowing that the report or statement is false and with the intent to obstruct or hinder the officer from:

(A) Preventing the offense or incident from occurring or continuing to occur; or

(B) Apprehending or locating another person suspected of committing an offense; or

(3) Intentionally initiate or circulate a report of a past, present, or impending bombing, fire or other emergency, knowing that the report is false or baseless and knowing:

(A) It will cause action of any sort by an official or volunteer agency organized to deal with those emergencies;

(B) It will place a person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury; or

(C) It will prevent or interrupt the occupation of any building, place of assembly, form of conveyance, or any other place to which the public has access.

(b)(1) A violation of subdivision (a)(1) or (a)(2) is a Class D felony.

(2) A violation of subdivision (a)(3) is a Class C felony.

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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Tennessee Code Title 39. Criminal Offenses § 39-16-502 - last updated January 02, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/tn/title-39-criminal-offenses/tn-code-sect-39-16-502/

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