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TCA 39-17-1003

Offense of sexual exploitation of a minor

FELONY DClass D Felony
Sentence enhancement may apply

What does this charge mean?

It is illegal to knowingly possess any image, picture, video, or material showing a minor engaged in sexual activity or simulated sexual activity that is extremely graphic. Sexual exploitation of a minor is a Class D felony punishable by 2-12 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Each separate image can result in a separate charge. This offense can be enhanced to a Class C or B felony based on factors like prior convictions or the nature of the material.

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 B felony, Class C felony, Class D felony
(a) It is unlawful for any person to knowingly possess material that includes a minor engaged in: (A) Any picture, drawing, photograph, undeveloped film or film negative, motion picture film, videocassette tape or other pictorial representation. See Tennessee Code 39-17-1002Minor: means any person who has not reached eighteen (18) years of age. See Tennessee Code 39-17-1002Patently offensive: means that which goes substantially beyond customary limits of candor in describing or representing such matters. See Tennessee Code 39-17-1002Person: includes the singular and the plural and means and includes any individual, firm, partnership, copartnership, association, corporation, governmental subdivision or agency, or other organization or other legal entity, or any agent or servant thereof. See Tennessee Code 39-11-106Sexual activity: means any of the following acts: (A) Vaginal, anal or oral intercourse, whether done with another person or an animal. See Tennessee Code 39-17-1002State: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the several territories of the United States. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.(1) Sexual activity; or (2) Simulated sexual activity that is patently offensive. (b) A person possessing material that violates subsection (a) may be charged in a separate count for each individual image, picture, drawing, photograph, motion picture film, videocassette tape, or other pictorial representation. Where the number of materials possessed is greater than fifty (50), the person may be charged in a single count to enhance the class of offense under subsection (d). (c) In a prosecution under this section, the trier of fact may consider the title, text, visual representation, internet history, physical development of the person depicted, expert medical testimony, expert computer forensic testimony, and any other relevant evidence, in determining whether a person knowingly possessed the material, or in determining whether the material or image otherwise represents or depicts that a participant is a minor. (d) A violation of this section is a Class D felony; however, if the number of individual images, materials, or combination of images and materials, that are possessed is more than fifty (50), then the offense shall be a Class C felony. If the number of individual images, materials, or combination of images and materials, exceeds one hundred (100), the offense shall be a Class B felony. (e) In a prosecution under this section, the state is not required to prove the actual identity or age of the minor. (f) It shall not be a defense to a violation of this section that a minor victim of the offense consented to the conduct that constituted the offense.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026

Quick Facts

FELONY D
TCA Section39-17-1003
Max Jail2-12 years
Max Fine$5,000
Recent Bookings8+

Geographic Distribution

Davidson
61
Anderson
41
Campbell
37
Sevier
30
Blount
14
Putnam
13
Fayette
10
Giles
7
Madison
6
Shelby
5
Sullivan
4
Knox
4

+ 35 more counties