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TCA 39-16-502

False reports

FELONY DClass D Felony
Sentence enhancement may apply

What does this charge mean?

It is illegal to make false reports to police about crimes or emergencies knowing the information is false, or to lie to police in response to their questions about crimes with intent to obstruct their investigation. This includes intentionally reporting false bomb, fire, or emergency threats knowing it will cause emergency response, frighten people, or close public places. Violations regarding false crime reports are Class D felonies (2-12 years and up to $5,000 in fines), while false emergency reports are Class C felonies (higher penalties).

Penalty Details

ClassificationClass D Felony
Maximum Jail2-12 years
Maximum Fine$5,000
Penalty SummaryClass D felony; 2-12 years; fine up to $5,000
Enhancement NotesMultiple classifications: Class C felony, Class D felony
(a) It is unlawful for any person to: (1) Initiate a report or statement to a law enforcement officer concerning an offense or incident within the officer’s concern knowing that: (A) The offense or incident reported did not occur; (B) The person has no information relating to the offense or incident reported; or (C) The information relating to the offense reported is false; or (2) Make a report or statement in response to a legitimate inquiry by a law enforcement officer concerning a material fact about an offense or incident within the officer’s concern, knowing that the report or statement is false and with the intent to obstruct or hinder the officer from: (A) Preventing the offense or incident from occurring or continuing to occur; or (B) Apprehending or locating another person suspected of committing an offense; or (3) Intentionally initiate or circulate a report of a past, present, or impending bombing, fire or other emergency, knowing that the report is false or baseless and knowing: (A) It will cause action of any sort by an official or volunteer agency organized to deal with those emergencies; (B) It will place a person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury; or (C) It will prevent or interrupt the occupation of any building, place of assembly, form of conveyance, or any other place to which the public has access. (b) (1) A violation of subdivision (a)(1) or (a)(2) is a Class D felony. (2) A violation of subdivision (a)(3) is a Class C felony.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026

Quick Facts

FELONY D
TCA Section39-16-502
Max Jail2-12 years
Max Fine$5,000
Recent Bookings8+

Geographic Distribution

Shelby
22
Davidson
22
Sullivan
20
Putnam
11
Bradley
10
Knox
8
McMinn
7
Anderson
7
Hamilton
6
Wayne
5
Sevier
5
Roane
5

+ 19 more counties