Tennessee § 39-17-1323 - Commission of certain offenses while wearing a body vest.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1323 — Commission of certain offenses while wearing a body vest., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 39-17-1323. Commission of certain offenses while wearing a body vest.
A person commits an offense who knowingly wears a body vest, when acting either alone or with one (1) or more other persons, while committing: Any felony whose statutory elements involve the use or threat of violence to a human being; Any burglary, car-jacking, theft of a motor vehicle, or arson; or Any felony offense involving a controlled substance or controlled substance analogue. For purposes of this section, a “body vest” means a bullet-resistant soft armor providing, as a minimum standard, the level of protection known as threat level I which shall mean at least seven (7) layers of bullet-resistant material providing protection from three (3) shots of one hundred fifty-eight-grain lead ammunition fired from a .38 caliber handgun at a velocity of eight hundred fifty feet (850') per second. The unlawful wearing of a body vest is a Class E felony. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the possession of a body vest for lawful purposes. Any sentence imposed under this section shall run consecutively to any other sentence imposed for the conviction of the underlying offense. Acts 1997, ch. 321, § 1; 2012, ch. 848, § 23. Cross-References. Penalty for Class E felony, § 40-35-111 .
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 39-17-1323
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1323 cover?
Section 39-17-1323 ("Commission of certain offenses while wearing a body vest.") 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 § 39-17-1323?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1323" (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 § 39-17-1323 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.