TCA 65-21-108
Priority of messages – Privacy
MISDEMEANOR AClass A Misdemeanor
Sentence enhancement may apply
What does this charge mean?
Priority of messages – Privacy — Class A misdemeanor. Up to 11 months 29 days in jail and $2,500 fine. Penalty may be enhanced for prior offenses or aggravating factors.
Penalty Details
ClassificationClass A Misdemeanor
Maximum Jail11 months 29 days
Maximum Fine$2,500
Penalty SummaryClass A misdemeanor; 11 months 29 days; fine up to $2,500
(a) All other messages, including those received from other telegraph or telephone companies, shall be transmitted in order of their delivery, correctly, and without unreasonable delay, and at the usual rates, and shall be kept strictly confidential, subject, however, to disclosure in any legal proceedings; provided, that arrangements may be made with the publishers of newspapers for the transmission of intelligence of general and public interest. (b) Any officer or agent of a telegraph or telephone company who willfully violates subsection (a) commits a Class A misdemeanor, and the telegraph or telephone company so violating is liable in damages to the party aggrieved.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 26, 2026
Quick Facts
MISDEMEANOR A
TCA Section65-21-108
Max Jail11 months 29 days
Max Fine$2,500