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
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
(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).
Recent Bookings with this Charge
View allTalecia Herman
Hardeman Co. · Mar 16, 2026
Talecia Herman
Hardeman Co. · Mar 16, 2026
Alisha Ovalle
Sumner Co. · Mar 12, 2026
Dakota Condra
Hamilton Co. · Mar 11, 2026
Corinthian Graham
Wayne Co. · Mar 11, 2026
Brooklynn Frye
Wayne Co. · Mar 10, 2026
Christopher Nelson
Sullivan Co. · Mar 9, 2026
Christopher Cook
McMinn Co. · Mar 8, 2026
Quick Facts
Geographic Distribution
+ 16 more counties