Tennessee § 39-13-218 - Aggravated vehicular homicide.

Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-13-218 — Aggravated vehicular homicide., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 39-13-218. Aggravated vehicular homicide.

Aggravated vehicular homicide is vehicular homicide, as defined in § 39-13-213(a)(2), where: The defendant has two (2) or more prior convictions for: Driving under the influence of an intoxicant; Vehicular assault; or Any combination of such offenses; The defendant has one (1) or more prior convictions for the offense of vehicular homicide; or There was, at the time of the offense, twenty-hundredths of one percent (0.20%), or more, by weight of alcohol in the defendant's blood and the defendant has one (1) prior conviction for: Driving under the influence of an intoxicant; or Vehicular assault. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, “prior conviction” means an offense for which the defendant was convicted prior to the commission of the instant vehicular homicide and includes convictions occurring prior to July 1, 1996. “Prior conviction” includes convictions under the laws of any other state, government, or country that, if committed in this state, would have constituted one (1) of the three (3) offenses enumerated in subdivision (a)(1) or (a)(2). In the event that a conviction from a jurisdiction other than Tennessee is not specifically named the same as one (1) of the three (3) offenses enumerated in subdivision (a)(1) or (a)(2), the elements of the offense in the other jurisdiction shall be used by the Tennessee court to determine if the offense constitutes one (1) of the prior convictions required by subsection (a). If the defendant is charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, the indictment, in a separate count, shall specify, charge and give notice of the required prior conviction or convictions. If the defendant is convicted of vehicular homicide under § 39-13-213(a)(2), the jury shall then separately consider whether the defendant has the requisite number and types of prior offenses or level of blood alcohol concentration necessary to constitute the offense of aggravated vehicular homicide. If the jury convicts the defendant of aggravated vehicular homicide, the court shall pronounce judgment and sentence the defendant from within the felony classification set out in subsection (d). Aggravated vehicular homicide is a Class A felony. Acts 1996, ch. 902, § 1. Cross-References. Blood alcohol tests as evidence, § 55-10-406 . Criminal Sentencing Reform Act, title 40, ch. 35. Penalty for Class A felony, § 40-35-111 . Sentence range, § 40-35-112 .

Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 39-13-218

What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-13-218 cover?

Section 39-13-218 ("Aggravated vehicular homicide.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Tennessee § 39-13-218?

A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-13-218" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Tennessee law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.

How does Tennessee § 39-13-218 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.