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TCA 39-14-115

Criminal simulation

FELONY EClass E Felony
Sentence enhancement may apply

What does this charge mean?

This statute prohibits criminal simulation—faking or altering objects to make them appear more valuable or authentic than they actually are (like aging an antique or creating counterfeit credit cards). The offense is committed when someone makes, possesses, or authenticates a fake item with intent to defraud or harm another. A conviction is a Class E felony punishable by 1-6 years in prison and/or a fine up to $3,000.

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
(a) (a)(38) or a specific statute exists covering the same or similar conduct. See Tennessee Code 39-11-106(1) A person commits the offense of criminal simulation who, with intent to defraud or harm another: (A) Makes or alters an object, in whole or in part, so that it appears to have value because of age, antiquity, rarity, source or authorship that it does not have; (B) Possesses an object so made or altered, with intent to sell, pass or otherwise utter it; or (C) Authenticates or certifies an object so made or altered as genuine or as different from what it is. (2) A person commits the offense of criminal simulation who, with knowledge of its character, possesses: (A) Any machinery, plates or other contrivances designed to produce instruments reporting to be credit or debit cards of an issuer who had not consented to the preparation of the cards; or (B) Any instrument, apparatus or contrivance designed, adapted or used for commission of any theft of property or services by fraudulent means. (b) Criminal simulation is punishable as theft pursuant to § 39-14-105, but in no event shall criminal simulation be less than a Class E felony.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026

Quick Facts

FELONY E
TCA Section39-14-115
Max Jail1-6 years
Max Fine$3,000
Recent Bookings8+

Geographic Distribution

Knox
17
Putnam
13
Loudon
12
Hamilton
6
Sumner
4
Washington
3
Roane
3
Monroe
3
McMinn
3
Campbell
3
Anderson
3
Shelby
2

+ 11 more counties