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TCA 39-16-201

Introduction or possession of weapons, ammunition, explosives, intoxicants, legend drugs, controlled substances, controlled substance analogues, or telecommunication devices into penal institution

FELONY EClass E Felony
Sentence enhancement may apply

What does this charge mean?

It is illegal to knowingly bring weapons, ammunition, explosives, drugs, alcohol, or cell phones into a prison or jail, or to possess these items while in a correctional facility. This applies to any person bringing contraband into an institution or to anyone (including staff) possessing prohibited items inside. The base violation is a Class E felony (1-6 years, up to $3,000 fine), but charges can be enhanced to Class D or Class C felony depending on the specific item and circumstances.

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
Enhancement NotesMultiple classifications: Class C felony, Class D felony, Class E felony
(a) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, “telecommunication device” means any type of instrument, device, machine, or equipment that is capable of transmitting telephonic, electronic, digital, cellular or radio communications, or any part of such instrument, device, machine or equipment that is capable of facilitating the transmission of telephonic, electronic, digital, cellular or radio communications. “Telecommunication device” shall include, but not be limited to, cellular phones, digital phones and modem equipment devices. (b) It is unlawful for any person to: (1) Knowingly and with unlawful intent take, send, or otherwise cause to be taken into any penal institution where prisoners are quartered or under custodial supervision: (A) Any weapon, ammunition, or explosive; (B) Any intoxicant, legend drug, controlled substance, or controlled substance analogue found in chapter 17, part 4 of this title; or (C) Any telecommunication device; or (2) Knowingly and with unlawful intent possess any of the following materials while present in any penal institution where prisoners are quartered or under custodial supervision without the express written consent of the chief administrator of the institution: (A) Any weapon, ammunition, or explosive; (B) Any intoxicant, legend drug, controlled substance, or controlled substance analogue found in chapter 17, part 4 of this title; or (C) Any telecommunication device. (c) (1) A violation of subdivision (b)(1)(A) or (b)(2)(A) is a Class C felony. (2) A violation of subdivision (b)(1)(B), (b)(1)(C), or (b)(2)(B) is a Class D felony. (3) A violation of subdivision (b)(2)(C) is a Class E felony. A first violation is punishable only by fine. A second or subsequent violation is punishable only by a fine of three thousand dollars ($3,000).
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026

Quick Facts

FELONY E
TCA Section39-16-201
Max Jail1-6 years
Max Fine$3,000
Recent Bookings8+

Geographic Distribution

Davidson
46
Putnam
42
Loudon
33
Hamilton
25
Wayne
22
Knox
19
Madison
17
Hamblen
17
Sevier
12
McMinn
11
Sullivan
10
Shelby
9

+ 16 more counties