TCA 39-11-616
Use of device to protect property
PENDINGUnknown
What does this charge mean?
You can use devices (like security systems, fences, or alarms) to protect property under the property protection statutes, but the device cannot be designed to cause death or serious injury, must be reasonable for protecting that property, and you must either use a common type of device or warn people that the device is in use.
Penalty Details
ClassificationUnknown
Penalty SummaryClassification not specified
(a) The justification afforded by §§ 39-11-614 and 39-11-615 extends to the use of a device for the purpose of protecting property, only if: (1) The device is not designed to cause or known to create a substantial risk of causing death or serious bodily harm; (2) The use of the particular device to protect the property from entry or trespass is reasonable under the circumstances as the person believes them to be; and (3) The device is one customarily used for such a purpose, or reasonable care is taken to make known to probable intruders the fact that it is used. (b) Nothing in this section shall affect the law regarding the use of animals to protect property or persons.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026
Quick Facts
PENDING
TCA Section39-11-616