Tennessee § 39-16-604 - Compounding of offenses.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-16-604 — Compounding of offenses., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 39-16-604. Compounding of offenses.
It is unlawful for any person to solicit, accept or agree to accept any benefit in consideration of refraining from reporting to a law enforcement officer the commission or suspected commission of an offense. It is unlawful for a complaining witness to solicit, accept or agree to accept any benefit in consideration of abstaining from, discontinuing or delaying the prosecution of another for an offense. It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the benefit was solicited or accepted by the victim and did not exceed an amount reasonably believed by the victim to be due as restitution or indemnification for loss caused by the offense. A violation of this section with respect to an offense classified as a misdemeanor is a Class A misdemeanor. A violation of this section with respect to an offense classified as a felony is a Class E felony. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 1990, ch. 980, § 12. Cross-References. Grading attempts, solicitation and conspiracy, § 39-12-107 . Penalty for Class A misdemeanor, § 40-35-111 . Penalty for Class E felony, § 40-35-111 .
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 39-16-604
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-16-604 cover?
Section 39-16-604 ("Compounding of offenses.") 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 § 39-16-604?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-16-604" (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 § 39-16-604 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.