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TCA 39-13-527

Sexual battery by an authority figure

FELONY CClass C Felony
Sentence enhancement may apply

What does this charge mean?

Sexual battery by an authority figure is illegal sexual contact with a minor (ages 13-17) or with a mentally disabled or helpless person of any age, when the person committing the crime is in a position of authority over the victim (such as a teacher, coach, employer, parent, or guardian) and uses that authority to force or manipulate the victim into the sexual contact. Conviction results in 3-15 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

Penalty Details

ClassificationClass C Felony
Maximum Jail3-15 years
Maximum Fine$10,000
Penalty SummaryClass C felony; 3-15 years; fine up to $10,000
(a) Sexual battery by an authority figure is unlawful sexual contact with a victim by the defendant or the defendant by a victim accompanied by the following circumstances: (1) The victim was, at the time of the offense, thirteen (13) years of age or older but less then eighteen (18) years of age; or (2) The victim was, at the time of the offense, mentally defective, mentally incapacitated or physically helpless, regardless of age; and, (3) (A) The defendant was at the time of the offense in a position of trust, or had supervisory or disciplinary power over the victim 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 (B) The defendant had, at the time of the offense, parental or custodial authority over the victim and used the authority to accomplish the sexual contact. (b) Sexual battery by an authority figure is a Class C felony.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026

Quick Facts

FELONY C
TCA Section39-13-527
Max Jail3-15 years
Max Fine$10,000
Recent Bookings8+

Geographic Distribution

Davidson
11
Blount
7
Anderson
5
Maury
3
Bradley
3
Williamson
2
Wayne
2
Roane
2
Overton
2
Knox
2
Houston
2
Haywood
2

+ 25 more counties