TCA 39-16-104
Soliciting unlawful compensation
FELONY EClass E Felony
Sentence enhancement may apply
What does this charge mean?
It is illegal for a government official to demand payment for work they are required to do for free or at a set lower rate. This happens when a public official asks for more money than allowed by law for performing their official duties. Violation is a Class E felony punishable by 1-6 years in prison and up to $3,000 in fines.
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 public servant commits an offense who requests a pecuniary benefit for the performance of an official action knowing that the public servant was required to perform that action without compensation or at a level of compensation lower than that requested. (A) Any public officer or employee of the state or of any political subdivision of the state or of any governmental instrumentality within the state including, but not limited to, law enforcement officers. See Tennessee Code 39-11-106(b) Solicitation of unlawful compensation is a Class E felony.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026
Quick Facts
FELONY E
TCA Section39-16-104
Max Jail1-6 years
Max Fine$3,000