TCA 40-6-108
Exclusionary Rule Reform Act
FELONYFelony
What does this charge mean?
This statute prevents evidence from being thrown out of court (excluded from trial) if it was obtained through a search warrant that had a "good faith mistake or technical violation"—meaning an unintentional clerical error or minor procedural problem by law enforcement, a court official, or a magistrate. However, people and government agencies can still sue for damages if an unreasonable search occurred, unless the violation was just a good faith mistake or technical error.
Penalty Details
ClassificationFelony
Penalty SummaryFelony
(a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, any evidence that is seized as a result of executing a search warrant issued pursuant to this part or pursuant to Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 41 that is otherwise admissible in a criminal proceeding and not in violation of the constitution of the United States or Tennessee shall not be suppressed as a result of any violation of this part or any violation of Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 41 if the court determines that such violation was a result of a good faith mistake or technical violation made by a law enforcement officer, court official, or the issuing magistrate as defined in subsection (c). Ask a legal question, get an answer ASAP!(b) This section does not limit or prohibit the enforcement of any appropriate civil remedy in actions pursuant to other provisions of law against any individual or government entity found to have conducted an unreasonable search or seizure; provided, however, that unless otherwise provided by federal law or the constitution of Tennessee, if any evidence is seized as a result of a good faith mistake or technical violation, as defined in subsection (c), the individual or government entity shall not be civilly liable. (c) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, “good faith mistake or technical violation” means: (1) An unintentional clerical error or clerical omission made by a law enforcement officer, court official or issuing magistrate in the form, preparation, issuance, filing and handling of copies, or return and inventory of a search warrant; (2) When the officer to whom the warrant is delivered for execution is not present during the execution but an officer with law enforcement authority over the premises does otherwise execute the search warrant; (3) A reasonable reliance on a statute that is subsequently ruled unconstitutional; or controlling court precedent that is overruled after the issuance of a search warrant, unless the court overruling the precedent orders the new precedent to be applied retroactively.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026
Quick Facts
FELONY
TCA Section40-6-108