Tennessee § 40-2-102 - Misdemeanors.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-2-102 — Misdemeanors., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 40-2-102. Misdemeanors.
Except as provided in § 62-18-120(g) and subsection (b) of this section, all prosecutions for misdemeanors shall be commenced within the twelve (12) months after the offense has been committed, except gaming, which shall be commenced within six (6) months. Prosecutions under § 39-16-301 for criminal impersonation accomplished through the use of a fraudulently obtained driver license shall be commenced within one (1) year of the date the driver license expires or within three (3) years of the date the nonexpired driver license was last used to falsely impersonate the person in whose name the driver license was issued, whichever is longer. Code 1858, § 4983 (deriv. Acts 1831, ch. 82); Shan., § 6942; mod. Code 1932, § 11484; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 40-204; Acts 1985, ch. 146, § 1; 1999, ch. 374, § 1. Cross-References. Penalties for land surveyor violations, § 62-18-120 . Textbooks. Tennessee Criminal Practice and Procedure (Raybin), § 16.82. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 13 Tenn. Juris., Gaming, Gambling and Gambling Contracts, §§ 9, 10; 18 Tenn. Juris., Limitations of Actions, § 18. Attorney General Opinions. “Gambling device” construed to include gambling software, OAG 98-0173 (8/28/98). Gaming includes gambling and activities involving gambling, OAG 99-127 (6/29/99). Statute of limitations for gambling promotion, OAG 99-127 (6/29/99). A prosecution for the sale of beer to minors must commence within 12 months if a Class A misdemeanor and within two years if a Class E felony, OAG 01-062 (4/20/01). Retired misdemeanor cases. OAG 11-4, 2011 Tenn. AG LEXIS 4 (1/7/11).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 40-2-102
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-2-102 cover?
Section 40-2-102 ("Misdemeanors.") 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 § 40-2-102?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-2-102" (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 § 40-2-102 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.