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TCA 39-13-905

Use of unlawfully captured images as evidence – Disclosure of images limited

VIOLATIONViolation

What does this charge mean?

Images captured illegally by a drone cannot be used as evidence in any criminal, juvenile, civil, or administrative case, and cannot be shared, inspected, copied, or forced to be released through discovery or subpoena. The only exception is that these illegal images can be disclosed and used as evidence specifically to prove a violation of the drone privacy laws themselves.

Penalty Details

ClassificationViolation
Penalty SummaryViolation
(a) Except as otherwise provided by subsection (b), an image captured in violation of § 39-13-903, or an image captured by an unmanned aircraft that was incidental to the lawful capturing of an image: (1) May not be used as evidence in any criminal or juvenile proceeding, civil action, or administrative proceeding; (2) Is not subject to disclosure, inspection, or copying under title 10, chapter 7; and (3) Is not subject to discovery, subpoena, or other means of legal compulsion for its release. (b) An image described by subsection (a) may be disclosed and used as evidence to prove a violation of this part and is subject to discovery, subpoena, or other means of legal compulsion for that purpose.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026

Quick Facts

VIOLATION
TCA Section39-13-905