SEAN W PRUETT

It is illegal to intentionally damage someone else's property by destroying it, making it unusable, defacing it, or contaminating it with chemicals or toxic substances. The offense includes damaging merchandise in stores and marking or defacing government property. A violation is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months 29 days in jail and a $2,500 fine. The charge is enhanced to a Class E felony (1-6 years prison) in certain circumstances, such as for repeat offenses or especially serious property damage.

Penalty: Class A misdemeanor; 11 months 29 days; fine up to $2,500

It is illegal to take or exercise control over someone else's property without their permission with the intent to either permanently deprive them of it or withhold it long enough to substantially reduce its value or their enjoyment of it. This applies to any item of value.

Penalty: Violation

This law makes it illegal to intentionally or knowingly cause pain, suffering, or injury to an animal. The base punishment is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 11 months 29 days jail and $2,500 fine). If you have a prior animal cruelty conviction, the offense is enhanced to a Class E felony with more serious penalties.

Penalty: Class A misdemeanor; 11 months 29 days; fine up to $2,500

It is illegal to manufacture, deliver, sell, or possess methamphetamine with intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell it, or to knowingly possess or casually exchange any amount of methamphetamine. Simple possession or casual exchange of methamphetamine is punished less severely than possession with intent to sell. Penalties depend on whether the charge involves intent to distribute (more severe) or simple possession (less severe), with specific jail time and fines determined by related statutes TCA 39-17-417 and 39-17-418.

Penalty: Violation

It is illegal to carry or possess certain weapons including firearms, knives, or items designed to cause serious injury or death. Base punishment is up to 6 months in jail and/or up to $500 in fines. Penalties increase to felonies (1-6 years) if the weapon is carried during commission of a felony, near school property, or in certain other circumstances. ---

Penalty: Class B misdemeanor; 6 months; fine up to $500

It is illegal to take or exercise control over someone else's property without their permission with the intent to either permanently deprive them of it or withhold it long enough to substantially reduce its value or their enjoyment of it. This applies to any item of value.

Penalty: Violation

Aggravated assault is assault committed with a deadly weapon (a firearm or anything designed to cause death or serious injury) or assault that causes serious bodily injury (substantial risk of death or permanent damage); this is a Class D felony (2 to 12 years in prison, up to $5,000 fine), but can be elevated to a Class C or B felony depending on aggravating circumstances like the severity of injury or use of weapons.

Penalty: Class D felony; 2-12 years; fine up to $5,000

It is illegal to carry or possess certain weapons including firearms, knives, or items designed to cause serious injury or death. Base punishment is up to 6 months in jail and/or up to $500 in fines. Penalties increase to felonies (1-6 years) if the weapon is carried during commission of a felony, near school property, or in certain other circumstances. ---

Penalty: Class B misdemeanor; 6 months; fine up to $500

Domestic assault is when someone commits assault (hitting, attacking, threatening, or attempting to injure) against a domestic abuse victim—which includes current or former spouses, people living together, dating partners, family members by blood or marriage, or children of people in these relationships. Punishment depends on whether it's a first or second offense and the method used, ranging from the same penalties as basic assault to enhanced felony charges for repeat offenses.

Penalty: Class E felony; 1-6 years; fine up to $3,000