TCA 37-1-160
Interstate flight by juvenile felon – Applicability of part
FELONYFelony
What does this charge mean?
When a child under 18 commits a felony in Tennessee and then leaves the state to avoid prosecution, that child can be treated as an adult criminal and prosecuted like any other felon. Similarly, if a child from another state commits a felony there and flees to Tennessee, Tennessee can pursue them as an adult under extradition laws. This section does not apply if the Interstate Compact for Juveniles procedures are being used instead.
Penalty Details
ClassificationFelony
Penalty SummaryFelony
(a) This part shall not apply to any person who violates: (1) Any law of this state defining a felony, and is at the time of such violation less than eighteen (18) years of age, if such person thereafter flees from this state. Any such person may be proceeded against in the manner otherwise provided by law for proceeding against persons accused of a felony. Upon the return of such person to this state by extradition or otherwise, proceedings shall be commenced in the manner provided for in this part; (2) Any law of another state defining a felony, and is at the time of such violation less than eighteen (18) years of age, if such person thereafter flees from that state into this state. Any such person may be proceeded against as an adult in the manner provided in the Uniform Criminal Extradition Act, compiled in title 40, chapter 9. Pending rendition to the demanding state, the juvenile shall be detained as provided in § 37-1-116; provided, that nothing in this subdivision (a)(2) shall prevent a juvenile from being released pursuant to § 40-9-106. (b) This section does not apply in any case where proceedings under the Interstate Compact for Juveniles, compiled in chapter 4, part 1 of this title, are applicable.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026
Quick Facts
FELONY
TCA Section37-1-160