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TCA 39-14-143

Unauthorized solicitation for police, judicial or safety association

MISDEMEANOR AClass A Misdemeanor
Sentence enhancement may apply

What does this charge mean?

This law makes it illegal to ask for money, donations, or payment for advertising by pretending to represent a police, judicial, or safety organization unless you are actually employed by or a member of a real law enforcement or judicial agency. A first violation is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 11 months 29 days jail and $2,500 fine), but if you use mail or electronic communication to commit this crime across state lines, it becomes a Class E felony with more serious penalties.

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
Enhancement NotesBase: Class A misdemeanor. Enhanced to: Class E felony, Class E felony
(a) It is an offense for a person to solicit or accept a fee, consideration, donation, or to offer for sale or sell advertising as a representative, or under the guise of representing, a police, judicial or safety association, partnership or corporation unless the person is employed by or is a member of an organization composed of persons elected, employed or appointed pursuant to law, to engage in police, judicial or safety work or activities, except that the commissioner of safety may authorize in writing any person to engage in such activities until the authority is revoked in writing by the commissioner. (b) “Police,” as used in this section, includes any person duly elected, appointed, or employed as provided by law to engage in law enforcement work. (c) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor. (d) This section does not apply to any police, judicial or safety association directed or regulated by any agency, department or branch of state government. Neither does this section apply to associations composed of duly constituted law enforcement or judicial officers. (e) Notwithstanding subsection (c) to the contrary, any person, persons, corporation or corporations violating this section, which violation is accomplished through the use of some form of communication across the boundaries of this state, commits a Class E felony, whether such communication is: (1) By mail; (2) By the use of any electronic device, including, but not limited to, the use of a telephone or telegraph; or (3) By any other means.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026

Quick Facts

MISDEMEANOR A
TCA Section39-14-143
Max Jail11 months 29 days
Max Fine$2,500