TCA 39-16-105
Buying and selling in regard to offices
FELONY CClass C Felony
Sentence enhancement may apply
What does this charge mean?
It is illegal to buy or sell a government office or to be paid to give up an office, refuse an office, or resign from an office. This includes offering someone money to resign from their government position or to not take a position they were elected or appointed to. Violation is a Class C felony punishable by 3-15 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
Penalty Details
ClassificationClass C Felony
Maximum Jail3-15 years
Maximum Fine$10,000
Penalty SummaryClass C felony; 3-15 years; fine up to $10,000
(a) The offense of buying and selling in regard to offices is committed when: (1) Any person holding any office, or being elected to any office: (A) Enters into any bargain and sale for any valuable consideration whatever in regard to the office; (B) Sells, resigns or vacates the office for any pecuniary consideration whatever; or (C) Refuses to qualify and enter upon the discharge of the duties of the office, by reason of any pecuniary consideration; or (2) Any person: (A) Offers to buy any office by inducing the incumbent officer to resign, to vacate, or not to qualify; or (B) Directly or indirectly engages in corruptly procuring the resignation of any officer for any pecuniary or other valuable consideration. (b) Buying and selling in regard to offices is a Class C felony.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026
Quick Facts
FELONY C
TCA Section39-16-105
Max Jail3-15 years
Max Fine$10,000