Tennessee Laws and Legal Penalties
Comprehensive legal reference for Tennessee. Browse DUI laws, drug possession penalties, theft charges, statutes of limitations, and more. All information is sourced from public state statutes.
Note: This information is for general educational purposes only. Laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed Tennessee attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Tennessee Quick Facts
- State Capital: Nashville
- Region: South
- DUI BAC Limit: 0.08%
- Marijuana Status: Illegal
- Felony Theft Threshold: $1,000+
- Murder SOL: None
Tennessee DUI Laws
| Offense | Penalties |
|---|---|
| First Offense DUI | 48 hours–11 months 29 days jail, $350–$1,500 fine, 1-year revocation |
| Second Offense DUI | 45 days–11 months 29 days, $600–$3,500 fine, 2-year revocation |
| Felony DUI Threshold | 4th offense |
| Legal BAC Limit | 0.08% |
Tennessee uses a 10-year lookback period
Tennessee Marijuana Laws
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Illegal |
| Medical Program | Limited CBD only |
| Recreational Use | No |
| Small Amount Penalty | Class A misdemeanor: up to 1 year, $2,500 fine (0.5 oz or less) |
| Large Amount Penalty | Felony for larger amounts |
Tennessee has very strict marijuana laws
Tennessee Theft Penalties
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanor Threshold | Under $1,000 |
| Felony Threshold | $1,000+ or more |
| Minimum Sentence | Up to 11 months 29 days |
| Maximum Sentence | Up to 12 years (Class B felony) |
Tennessee theft graded by property value
Tennessee Statutes of Limitations
| Crime Type | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Murder | None |
| Rape / Sexual Assault | None |
| Felony (General) | 4 years |
| Misdemeanor | 1 year |
| Fraud | 4 years |
| Theft | 4 years |
| DUI / DWI | 1 year |
| Assault | 4 years |
Tennessee murder and Class A felonies punishable by death have no SOL