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TCA 39-11-411

Accessory after the fact

FELONY EClass E Felony
Sentence enhancement may apply

What does this charge mean?

Someone is guilty of being an accessory after the fact—a Class E felony punishable by 1-6 years in prison and up to $3,000 in fines—if after a felony is committed, they know the criminal committed it and intentionally hide the criminal, help them escape, or warn them about arrest. An attorney providing legal help is not guilty under this law.

Penalty Details

ClassificationClass E Felony
Maximum Jail1-6 years
Maximum Fine$3,000
Penalty SummaryClass E felony; 1-6 years; fine up to $3,000
(a) A person is an accessory after the fact who, after the commission of a felony, with knowledge or reasonable ground to believe that the offender has committed the felony, and with the intent to hinder the arrest, trial, conviction or punishment of the offender: (a)(38) or a specific statute exists covering the same or similar conduct. See Tennessee Code 39-11-106Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.(1) Harbors or conceals the offender; (2) Provides or aids in providing the offender with any means of avoiding arrest, trial, conviction or punishment; or (3) Warns the offender of impending apprehension or discovery. (b) This section shall have no application to an attorney providing legal services as required or authorized by law. (c) Accessory after the fact is a Class E felony.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026

Quick Facts

FELONY E
TCA Section39-11-411
Max Jail1-6 years
Max Fine$3,000
Recent Bookings8+

Geographic Distribution

Davidson
8
Knox
6
Sullivan
3
Carroll
3
Shelby
2
Roane
2
Putnam
2
Jefferson
2
Hamilton
2
McMinn
1
Madison
1
Loudon
1

+ 5 more counties