CHERISH J THREET

Committing child abuse, child neglect, or child endangerment in an aggravated manner (such as using a firearm or weapon, causing serious bodily injury, or causing substantial risk of death) is a Class B felony punishable by 8-30 years in prison and/or up to $25,000 in fines. If the conduct involves extreme cruelty or results in death, it can be elevated to a Class A felony.

Penalty: Class B felony; 8-30 years; fine up to $25,000

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 possess a firearm with the intent to use it armed during the commission or attempted commission of a dangerous felony (any felony involving violence, threat of violence, or serious bodily injury). Violation is a Class D felony (2-12 years imprisonment and/or up to $5,000 fine), and can be enhanced to a Class C felony depending on the circumstances or nature of the underlying felony.

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

It is illegal to knowingly use, possess, deliver, or manufacture drug paraphernalia (equipment used to consume, produce, or test drugs, such as pipes, syringes, or meth labs). This is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a fine up to $2,500, but it can be enhanced to a Class E felony depending on circumstances.

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