Tennessee § 39-14-104 - Theft of services.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-14-104 — Theft of services., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 39-14-104. Theft of services.
A person commits theft of services who: Intentionally obtains services by deception, fraud, coercion, forgery, false statement, false pretense or any other means to avoid payment for the services; Having control over the disposition of services to others, knowingly diverts those services to the person's own benefit or to the benefit of another not entitled thereto; or Knowingly absconds from establishments where compensation for services is ordinarily paid immediately upon the rendering of them, including, but not limited to, hotels, motels and restaurants, without payment or a bona fide offer to pay. Any individual directly or indirectly harmed by a violation of subsection (a) shall have legal standing to report such violations to law enforcement and testify in support of corresponding criminal charges. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 2011, ch. 348, § 2. Sentencing Commission Comments. This section punishes theft of services, as defined in § 39-11-106 . Communication theft is punished pursuant to § 39-14-149 . Compiler's Notes. The sentencing commission terminated June 30, 1995. Sentencing Commission Comments have been retained, but do not reflect 1995 or subsequent legislation. Cross-References. Civil liability for fraud, theft or intentional destruction of utility property or services, title 65, ch. 35. Communication theft, § 39-14-149 . Destruction or interference with utility lines, fixtures or appliances, § 39-14-411 . Possession of burglary tools, § 39-14-701 . Unauthorized water connections, § 65-27-107 . Law Reviews. The Proposed Tennessee Criminal Code — General Interpretive Provisions and Culpability, 41 Tenn. L. Rev. 131 (1973).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 39-14-104
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-14-104 cover?
Section 39-14-104 ("Theft of services.") 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 § 39-14-104?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-14-104" (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 § 39-14-104 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.