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TCA 65-21-117

Interference with emergency calls

MISDEMEANOR AClass A Misdemeanor
Sentence enhancement may apply

What does this charge mean?

Interference with emergency calls — 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) An individual commits an offense if the individual knowingly prevents another individual from placing a telephone call to 911 or from requesting assistance in an emergency from a law enforcement agency, medical facility, or other agency or entity the primary purpose of which is to provide for the safety of individuals. (b) An individual commits an offense if the individual intentionally renders unusable a telephone that would otherwise be used by another individual to place a telephone call to 911 or to request assistance in an emergency from a law enforcement agency, medical facility, or other agency or entity, the primary purpose of which is to provide for the safety of individuals. (c) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor. (d) In this section, “emergency” means a condition or circumstance in which any individual is or is reasonably believed by the individual making a telephone call to be in fear of imminent assault or in which property is or is reasonably believed by the individual making the telephone call to be in imminent danger of damage or destruction.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 26, 2026

Quick Facts

MISDEMEANOR A
TCA Section65-21-117
Max Jail11 months 29 days
Max Fine$2,500
Recent Bookings8+

Geographic Distribution

Putnam
8
Sevier
5
Macon
2
Cocke
2
Roane
1
Rhea
1
McMinn
1
Madison
1
Loudon
1
Crockett
1