TCA 37-1-615
Violations – Penalties
MISDEMEANOR AClass A Misdemeanor
Sentence enhancement may apply
What does this charge mean?
Knowingly failing to report known or suspected child sexual abuse is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500; a second or later violation becomes a Class E felony; intentionally failing to report (rather than just knowingly failing) is automatically a Class E felony. Additionally, knowingly and willfully making public or disclosing confidential abuse registry information is a Class A misdemeanor.
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) (A) A person under eighteen (18) years of age. See Tennessee Code 37-1-102Person: includes a corporation, firm, company or association. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105(1) Any person required to report known or suspected child sexual abuse who knowingly fails to do so, or who knowingly prevents another person from doing so, 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 required to report known or suspected child sexual abuse who intentionally fails to do so, or who intentionally prevents another person from doing so, commits a Class E felony. (b) Any person who knowingly and willfully makes public or discloses any confidential information contained in the abuse registry or in the records of any child sexual abuse case, except as provided in this part, commits a Class A misdemeanor.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026
Recent Bookings with this Charge
View allQuick Facts
MISDEMEANOR A
TCA Section37-1-615
Max Jail11 months 29 days
Max Fine$2,500
Recent Bookings1+
Geographic Distribution
Putnam1