TCA 39-17-317
Disorderly conduct at funerals
MISDEMEANOR BClass B Misdemeanor
Sentence enhancement may apply
What does this charge mean?
Interfering with a funeral or memorial service by making offensive utterances, gestures, or displays—including picketing or protesting—within 500 feet of the service is illegal. This is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine up to $500.
Penalty Details
ClassificationClass B Misdemeanor
Maximum Jail6 months
Maximum Fine$500
Penalty SummaryClass B misdemeanor; 6 months; fine up to $500
(a) A person commits the offense of interfering with a funeral or burial, funeral home viewing of a deceased person, funeral procession, or funeral or memorial service for a deceased person, if the person acts to obstruct or interfere with such commemorative service by making any utterance, gesture, or display in a manner offensive to the sensibilities of an ordinary person. Picketing, protesting, or demonstrating at a funeral or memorial service shall be deemed offensive to the sensibilities of an ordinary person. (b) This section shall only apply to acts within five hundred feet (500′) of a funeral or burial, funeral home viewing of a deceased person, funeral procession, or funeral or memorial service for a deceased person. (c) A violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026
Quick Facts
MISDEMEANOR B
TCA Section39-17-317
Max Jail6 months
Max Fine$500