Tennessee Code Title 41. Correctional Institutions and Inmates § 41-11-107

(a) The county mayor may file a civil action to seek reimbursement from an inmate for maintenance and support of that person while that person was an inmate or for any other expense for which the county may be reimbursed under this chapter.

(b) A civil action brought under this chapter shall be instituted in the name of the county in which the jail is located and shall state the date and place of sentence, the length of time set forth in the sentence, the length of time actually served and the amount or amounts due to the county pursuant to § 41-11-103.

(c) Before entering any order on behalf of the county against the defendant, the court shall take into consideration any legal obligation of the defendant to support a spouse, minor children or other dependents and any moral obligation to support dependents to whom the defendant is providing or has in fact provided support.

(d) The court may enter a civil judgment against the defendant and may order that the defendant's property be attached for reimbursement for maintenance and support of the defendant as an inmate and for other expenses reimbursable under § 41-11-103.