TCA 39-16-405
Purchasing property sold through court
MISDEMEANOR CClass C Misdemeanor
Sentence enhancement may apply
What does this charge mean?
It is illegal for a judge, sheriff, court clerk, or court employee to bid on or purchase property that is being sold through the court where they work. Any such bid or purchase can be canceled by the person harmed. Violation is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and up to $50 in fines, with no prison time allowed.
Penalty Details
ClassificationClass C Misdemeanor
Maximum Jail30 days
Maximum Fine$50
Penalty SummaryClass C misdemeanor; 30 days; fine up to $50
(a) A judge, sheriff, court clerk, court officer or employee of any court commits an offense who bids or purchases, directly or indirectly, for personal reasons or for any other person, on any kind of property sold through the court for which the judge, sheriff, court clerk, court officer, or employee discharges official duties. (b) A bid or purchase in violation of subsection (a) is voidable at the option of the person aggrieved. (c) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor with no incarceration permitted.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026
Quick Facts
MISDEMEANOR C
TCA Section39-16-405
Max Jail30 days
Max Fine$50