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TCA 39-13-1002

Burglary

FELONY EClass E Felony
Sentence enhancement may apply

What does this charge mean?

Burglary is illegally entering a building, vehicle, or freight car without the owner's permission with the intent to commit a felony, steal, or assault someone, or actually committing those crimes inside; entering means any part of your body or any object controlled by you (including remote-controlled devices) intruding into the space. Burglary of a building other than a home is a Class D felony (2 to 12 years in prison, up to $5,000 fine), while burglary of a vehicle is a Class E felony (1 to 6 years in prison, up to $3,000 fine).

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
Enhancement NotesMultiple classifications: Class D felony, Class E felony
(a) A person commits burglary who, without the effective consent of the property owner: (1) Enters a building other than a habitation, or any portion of the building, not open to the public, with intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault; (2) Remains concealed, with the intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault, in a building; (3) Enters a building and commits or attempts to commit a felony, theft, or assault; or (4) Enters any freight or passenger car, automobile, truck, trailer, boat, airplane, or other motor vehicle with intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault or commits or attempts to commit a felony, theft, or assault. (b) As used in this section, “enter” means: (1) Intrusion of any part of the body; or (2) Intrusion of any object in physical contact with the body or any object controlled by remote control, electronic or otherwise. (c) Burglary under subdivision (a)(1), (2), or (3) is a Class D felony. (d) Burglary under subdivision (a)(4) is a Class E felony.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026

Quick Facts

FELONY E
TCA Section39-13-1002
Max Jail1-6 years
Max Fine$3,000
Recent Bookings8+

Geographic Distribution

Knox
123
Shelby
80
Hamilton
62
Davidson
38
McMinn
19
Loudon
19
Sumner
10
Bradley
10
Hamblen
9
Sevier
8
Rhea
8
Fayette
8

+ 20 more counties