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TCA 39-14-412

Mailbox tampering – Damage or defacement of government property

MISDEMEANOR BClass B Misdemeanor
Sentence enhancement may apply

What does this charge mean?

It is illegal to knowingly damage, destroy, remove, or tamper with a residential mailbox or container used for U.S. mail, and it is also illegal to damage or deface government property by spraying or painting graffiti on it. Mailbox tampering is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by 6 months in jail, a $500 fine, and mandatory 25 hours of community service. Graffiti on government property is a Class A misdemeanor requiring restitution (payment for damages) in addition to penalties.

Penalty Details

ClassificationClass B Misdemeanor
Maximum Jail6 months
Maximum Fine$500
Penalty SummaryClass B misdemeanor; 6 months; fine up to $500
Enhancement NotesMultiple classifications: Class A misdemeanor, Class B misdemeanor
(a) It is an offense for any person to knowingly damage, destroy, remove or otherwise tamper with a residential mailbox or other container such person knows or reasonably should know is used for the receipt or deposit of United States mail. Any person convicted of violating this subsection (a) shall be sentenced to not less than twenty-five (25) hours of public service work. (b) It is an offense for any person to knowingly damage or deface real or personal property of the state, or a subdivision thereof, by the painting or other permanent application of graffiti directly onto the property. (c) (1) A violation of subsection (a) is a Class B misdemeanor. All violations shall be punished by at least twenty-five (25) hours of community service work to be determined by the court. (2) A violation of subsection (b) is a Class A misdemeanor. In any sentence imposed for a violation of subsection (b), the court shall include an order of restitution for any property damage or loss incurred as a result of the offense.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026

Quick Facts

MISDEMEANOR B
TCA Section39-14-412
Max Jail6 months
Max Fine$500