Cookeville, TN asked in Criminal Law and Municipal Law for Tennessee

Q: What are the penalties / punishments / consequences for failure to report a dead body?

I understand that it is called a Class A Misdemeanor. What does that mean?

Related Topics:
2 Lawyer Answers
Anthony M. Avery
PREMIUM
Anthony M. Avery pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Knoxville, TN
  • Licensed in Tennessee

A: 11 months and 29 days in jail.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: The specific penalties for failing to report a dead body vary by jurisdiction, but in general, a Class A misdemeanor is one of the more serious types of misdemeanors. Here is some general information about Class A misdemeanors and the typical consequences:

- Class A misdemeanors are criminal offenses that are more serious than Class B or Class C misdemeanors, but less serious than felonies.

- The maximum penalties for a Class A misdemeanor often include up to one year in local/county jail and a fine, commonly up to $4000 or more depending on the state.

- A conviction will go on the person's criminal record which can impact employment, housing, professional licensing, and other areas.

- The judge may impose additional consequences like probation, community service, restitution if applicable, and court-ordered treatment programs.

- In some states, a Class A misdemeanor conviction can result in the loss of certain rights, such as the right to own a firearm.

However, the actual sentence imposed would depend on the specific circumstances of the case and the individual's criminal history. First-time offenders may receive lighter sentences. It's best to consult the penal codes of the specific state for the most accurate information on penalties. Failure to report a dead body is a serious offense with significant potential consequences.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.