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
Recent Bookings with this Charge
View allCarissa Baldassaro
Rhea Co. · Mar 15, 2026
Bryson Pryor
Roane Co. · Mar 11, 2026
Juan Valdes
Cocke Co. · Mar 9, 2026
Michael Roth
Cocke Co. · Mar 3, 2026
Jonathon Mckinnie
Madison Co. · Feb 24, 2026

Zackarriah Jimenez-Garcia
Sevier Co. · Feb 21, 2026

Jerry Greenlee
Sevier Co. · Feb 21, 2026
Stephen Key
Macon Co. · Feb 19, 2026
Quick Facts
MISDEMEANOR A
TCA Section65-21-117
Max Jail11 months 29 days
Max Fine$2,500
Recent Bookings8+
Geographic Distribution
Putnam8
Sevier5
Macon2
Cocke2
Roane1
Rhea1
McMinn1
Madison1
Loudon1
Crockett1