Tennessee § 65-21-110 - Damage to equipment — Impairment of service — Unauthorized connections.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 65-21-110 — Damage to equipment — Impairment of service — Unauthorized connections., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 65-21-110. Damage to equipment — Impairment of service — Unauthorized connections.
It is unlawful for any person to damage or obstruct any telegraph or telephone poles, wires, fixtures, or other apparatus or appliances, or to impede or impair the service of any telegraph or telephone line; or to connect by wire, or other means, with any such line, so as to hear, or be in a position to hear, messages going over such line or lines, or for the purpose of getting any service over the line or lines, without first procuring the consent of the owner or owners of the line, or the duly authorized agent of same. A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor. Acts 1921, ch. 59, §§ 1, 2; Shan. Supp., §§ 1840a4, 1840a5; mod. Code 1932, §§ 3103, 3104; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 65-2117, 65-2118; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113. Cross-References. Destruction or interference with utility lines, fixtures or appliances, § 39-14-411 . Penalty for Class C misdemeanor, § 40-35-111 . Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Act, §§ 39-13-601 -39-13-603; Tit. 40, ch. 6, part 3. Textbooks. Tennessee Law of Evidence (2nd ed., Cohen, Paine and Sheppeard), § 401.12.
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 65-21-110
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 65-21-110 cover?
Section 65-21-110 ("Damage to equipment — Impairment of service — Unauthorized connections.") 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 § 65-21-110?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 65-21-110" (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 § 65-21-110 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.