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TCA 39-13-509

Sexual contact with a minor – Sexual contact by an authority figure

MISDEMEANOR AClass A Misdemeanor
Sentence enhancement may apply

What does this charge mean?

It is illegal for an adult in a position of power over a minor (such as a teacher, coach, or parent) to intentionally touch or kiss the minor's lips in a sexual way. The adult must be at least 4 years older, and must use their position of authority to accomplish the sexual contact. This is a Class A misdemeanor with a mandatory minimum fine of $1,000 and up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, with each instance treated as a separate 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
(a) It is an offense for a defendant to engage in unlawful sexual contact with a minor when: (1) The minor is less than eighteen (18) years of age; (2) The defendant is at least four (4) years older than the victim; and (3) The defendant was, at the time of the offense, in a position of trust, or had supervisory or disciplinary power over the minor by virtue of the defendant’s legal, professional, or occupational status and used the position of trust or power to accomplish the sexual contact; or (4) The defendant had, at the time of the offense, parental or custodial authority over the minor and used the authority to accomplish the sexual contact. (b) As used in this section, “sexual contact” means the defendant intentionally touches or kisses the minor’s lips with the defendant’s lips if such touching can be reasonably construed as being for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification. (c) Sexual contact by an authority figure is a Class A misdemeanor with a mandatory minimum fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000). (d) Each instance of unlawful sexual contact shall be considered a separate offense.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026

Quick Facts

MISDEMEANOR A
TCA Section39-13-509
Max Jail11 months 29 days
Max Fine$2,500
Recent Bookings8+

Geographic Distribution

Fayette
20
Anderson
3
Polk
2
Greene
2
Weakley
1
Unicoi
1
Trousdale
1
Sumner
1
Sevier
1
Rutherford
1
Overton
1
McNairy
1

+ 11 more counties