Tennessee § 40-15-101 - Default of defendant.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-15-101 — Default of defendant., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 40-15-101. Default of defendant.
When a capias has been returned not to be found, and in felony cases when, before or after conviction, the defendant breaks jail or forfeits the bond for appearance, the court may strike the cause from the docket, and give judgment against the state for the costs as the state is bound to pay in case of nolle prosequi or acquittal of the defendant. The cause shall not be discontinued by such judgment. If the defendant is afterwards taken or comes into the state, a capias or other process shall run against the defendant and the case be proceeded with as if it had not been stricken from the docket. Code 1858, §§ 5193, 5194; Shan., §§ 7157, 7158; Code 1932, §§ 11719, 11720; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 40-2103, 40-2104. Compiler's Notes. Acts 2011, ch. 484, § 3 provided that the act, which amended § 40-15-105(a)(1)(B) and § 40-35-313(a)(1)(B)(i) , shall not apply to the eligibility of a person for suspension of prosecution pursuant to title 40, chapter 15, part 1 if the offense for which such person is charged was committed prior to July 1, 2011. The law in effect at the time shall govern such person. Acts 2011, ch. 484, § 4 provided that the act, which amended § 40-15-105(a)(1)(B) and § 40-35-313(a)(1)(B)(i) , shall govern the eligibility of a person for suspension of prosecution pursuant to title 40, chapter 15 for any person charged with an offense that was committed on or after July 1, 2011. Textbooks. Tennessee Criminal Practice and Procedure (Raybin), § 22.36. Law Reviews. 1985 Tennessee Survey: Selected Developments in Tennessee Law, 53 Tenn. L. Rev. 351 (1986). The Tennessee Court System — Criminal Court (Frederic S. Le Clercq), 8 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 319. Attorney General Opinions. Authority of board of probation and parole to supervise individuals on pretrial diversion. OAG 10-07, 2010 Tenn. AG LEXIS 7 (1/22/10).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 40-15-101
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-15-101 cover?
Section 40-15-101 ("Default of defendant.") 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 § 40-15-101?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-15-101" (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 § 40-15-101 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.