TCA 39-17-437
Falsification of the results of a drug test – Synthetic urine prohibited
MISDEMEANOR CClass C Misdemeanor
Sentence enhancement may apply
What does this charge mean?
It is illegal to intentionally use or possess any substance or device designed to cheat on a drug test, or to sell synthetic urine (fake urine products designed to falsify drug tests), except when selling it for legitimate educational, medical, or scientific purposes with proper documentation. Using or possessing fake urine to cheat a drug test is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months 29 days in jail and a fine up to $2,500; selling synthetic urine is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine up to $50.
Penalty Details
ClassificationClass C Misdemeanor
Maximum Jail30 days
Maximum Fine$50
Penalty SummaryClass C misdemeanor; 30 days; fine up to $50
Enhancement NotesMultiple classifications: Class C misdemeanor, Class A misdemeanor
(a) (A) Substances recognized as drugs in the United States Pharmacopoeia, official Homeopaths Pharmacopoeia of the United States, or official National Formulary, or any supplement to any of them. See Tennessee Code 39-17-402Person: means an individual, corporation, governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership or association or any other legal entity. See Tennessee Code 39-17-402(1) It is an offense for a person to intentionally use, or possess with the intent to use, any substance or device designed to falsify the results of a drug test of that person. (2) Except as provided in subdivision (a)(3), it is an offense for a person to sell synthetic urine. (3) It is not an offense for a person to sell synthetic urine to an individual for bona fide educational, medical or scientific purposes. Any person selling synthetic urine for such purposes shall maintain documentation as to the educational, medical or scientific purpose for each individual sale of such urine for a period not less than five (5) years. (b) As used in this section: (1) “Drug test” means a lawfully administered test designed to detect the presence of a controlled substance or a controlled substance analogue; and (2) “Synthetic urine” means any product or substance which is designed to falsify the results of a drug test for a human being. (c) (1) A violation of subdivision (a)(1) is a Class A misdemeanor. (2) A violation of subdivision (a)(2) is a Class C misdemeanor.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026
Quick Facts
MISDEMEANOR C
TCA Section39-17-437
Max Jail30 days
Max Fine$50
Recent Bookings5+
Geographic Distribution
Putnam3
Roane1
Rhea1