Skip to content

TCA 39-16-510

Retaliation for past action

FELONY EClass E Felony
Sentence enhancement may apply

What does this charge mean?

It is illegal to harm or threaten to harm a witness, judge, prosecutor, law enforcement officer, juror, court clerk, or their family members because of something they did in their official role. Family members include spouses, parents, grandparents, stepparents, children, grandchildren, siblings, and adopted children. A conviction is a Class E felony punishable by 1-6 years in jail and up to $3,000 in fines.

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
(a) (1) A person commits the offense of retaliation for past action who harms or threatens to harm a witness at an official proceeding, judge, district attorney general, an assistant district attorney general, an employee of the district attorney general or a law enforcement officer, clerk, employee of the clerk, juror or former juror, or a family member of any such person, by any unlawful act in retaliation for anything the witness, judge, district attorney general, assistant district attorney general, employee of the district attorney general or a law enforcement officer, clerk, employee of the clerk, or juror did in an official capacity as witness, judge, district attorney general, assistant district attorney general, employee of the district attorney general or a law enforcement officer, clerk, employee of the clerk, or juror. The offense of retaliation for past action shall not apply to an employee of a clerk who harms or threatens to harm the clerk. (2) For purposes of subdivision (a)(1), “family member” means the spouse, parent, grandparent, stepmother, stepfather, child, grandchild, brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, adopted children of the parent, or the spouse’s parents. (b) A violation of this section is a Class E felony.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026

Quick Facts

FELONY E
TCA Section39-16-510
Max Jail1-6 years
Max Fine$3,000
Recent Bookings8+

Geographic Distribution

Davidson
21
Knox
14
Hamilton
8
Sullivan
4
Hamblen
3
Sumner
2
Sevier
2
Wayne
1
Rhea
1
McMinn
1
Madison
1
Loudon
1