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TCA 39-17-312

Abuse of corpse

FELONY EClass E Felony
Sentence enhancement may apply

What does this charge mean?

Abuse of a corpse is illegally mistreating, disturbing, or disrespecting a dead body in ways that would offend a reasonable person. This includes physically mistreating human remains, digging up a buried body, disposing of a corpse in violation of law, engaging in sexual contact with a corpse, or buying or selling previously buried skeletal remains. A violation is a Class E felony punishable by 1 to 6 years in jail and a fine up to $3,000.

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) A person commits an offense who, without legal privilege, knowingly: (1) Physically mistreats a corpse in a manner offensive to the sensibilities of an ordinary person; (2) Disinters a corpse that has been buried or otherwise interred; (3) Disposes of a corpse in a manner known to be in violation of law; or (4) Engages in sexual contact, as defined in § 39-13-501, with a corpse. (b) A person commits an offense who, without legal authority or privilege, knowingly offers to sell, sells, offers to purchase or purchases previously buried human skeletal remains. Any remains seized in violation of this subsection (b) shall be confiscated and subject to disposition as provided for in §§ 11-6-104 and 11-6-119. (c) A violation of this section is a Class E felony.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026

Quick Facts

FELONY E
TCA Section39-17-312
Max Jail1-6 years
Max Fine$3,000
Recent Bookings8+

Geographic Distribution

Davidson
4
Shelby
1
McMinn
1
Knox
1
Blount
1