BRANDON W LAWSON

It is illegal to knowingly manufacture, deliver, sell, or possess with intent to deliver a controlled substance. This is typically a Class E felony punishable by 1 to 6 years in prison and a fine up to $3,000, but the penalty increases to a Class A, B, C, or D felony depending on the type of drug and amount involved.

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

It is illegal to hide from or run away from a police officer you know is trying to arrest you, or to flee in a vehicle when signaled to stop by a police officer. Evading arrest is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a $2,500 fine, with mandatory driver's license suspension of 6 months to 2 years. This offense can be enhanced to a felony if you flee in a vehicle in dangerous circumstances or if the attempted arrest was lawful.

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 enter or stay on someone else's property without their permission. You violate this law if you go onto or remain on property knowing the owner did not consent to your presence, though consent is assumed for businesses open to the public. A violation is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $50 fine. You have a defense if you reasonably believed you had permission, your presence didn't significantly interfere with the owner's use, and you left immediately when asked—but only if the owner did not post visible "no trespassing" signs or purple paint marks at entry points.

Penalty: Class C misdemeanor; 30 days; fine up to $50

It is illegal to knowingly bring weapons, ammunition, explosives, drugs, alcohol, or cell phones into a prison or jail, or to possess these items while in a correctional facility. This applies to any person bringing contraband into an institution or to anyone (including staff) possessing prohibited items inside. The base violation is a Class E felony (1-6 years, up to $3,000 fine), but charges can be enhanced to Class D or Class C felony depending on the specific item and circumstances.

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

Destruction or release of records — 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: Class A misdemeanor; 11 months 29 days; fine up to $2,500

It is illegal to use physical force against a police officer to prevent them from stopping, searching, or arresting you or another person. This includes resisting or obstructing a lawful police action through violence. A basic violation is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $500 fine, but if you use a deadly weapon (firearm or similar object) during the resistance, it becomes a Class A misdemeanor with harsher penalties.

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

It is illegal to alter, destroy, hide, or create fake records, documents, or physical evidence when you know an investigation or court proceeding is happening, if you intend to affect the evidence or the outcome of the case. A conviction is a Class C felony punishable by 3-15 years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines.

Penalty: Class C felony; 3-15 years; fine up to $10,000