TCA 37-1-412
Violation of duty to report – Power of juvenile court – Penalty
MISDEMEANOR AClass A Misdemeanor
Sentence enhancement may apply
What does this charge mean?
This statute makes it a crime to fail to report known or suspected child abuse when you are legally required to do so. If you knowingly fail to report, it is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500; if you do this a second time, it becomes a Class E felony (1-6 years in prison). If you intentionally (deliberately) fail to report, it is automatically a Class E felony regardless of whether it's your first offense.
Penalty Details
ClassificationClass A Misdemeanor
Maximum Jail11 months 29 days
Maximum Fine$2,500
Penalty SummaryClass A misdemeanor; 11 months 29 days; fine up to $2,500
Enhancement NotesBase: Class A misdemeanor. Enhanced to: Class E felony, Class E felony, Class E felony
(a) (1) Any person who knowingly fails to make a report required by § 37-1-403 commits an offense. (2) (A) A violation of subdivision (a)(1) is a Class A misdemeanor. (B) A second or subsequent violation of subdivision (a)(1) is a Class E felony. (3) Any person who intentionally fails to make a report required by § 37-1-403 commits a Class E felony. (b) (1) A juvenile court having reasonable cause to believe that a person is guilty of violating this section may have the person brought before the court either by summons or by warrant. If the defendant pleads not guilty, the juvenile court judge shall bind the defendant over to the grand jury. (2) If the defendant pleads guilty to a first offense under subdivision (a)(1) and waives, in writing, indictment, presentment, grand jury investigation, and trial by jury, the juvenile court judge shall sentence the defendant with a fine not to exceed two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500).
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026
Quick Facts
MISDEMEANOR A
TCA Section37-1-412
Max Jail11 months 29 days
Max Fine$2,500