Sexual Contact with a Minor – Sexual Contact by an Authority Figure

Sexual Contact with a Minor – Sexual Contact by an Authority Figure is unlawful sexual contact with a minor between the ages of thirteen and eighteen, when the defendant is four years older than the victim, and the defendant acts as an authority figure to the victim.

This offense could occur when an adult acts as a babysitter, step-parent, teacher, or in a similar role to the child. With this charge, the sex act can be as small as an intentional touch or kiss to the minor’s lips with the defendant’s lips, if the touching can be reasonably construed as being for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification.

The charge can result in a criminal conviction, Community Supervision for life, and being placed on the Sex Offender Registry for life as a Violent Sex Offender. If you have been charged with Sexual Contact with a Minor – Sexual Contact by an Authority Figure, please contact me immediately to discuss how we can defend your reputation and your freedom.


Tenn. Code Ann. 39-13-509. Sexual contact with a minor — Sexual contact by an authority figure.

(a) It is an offense for a defendant to engage in unlawful sexual contact with a minor when:

(1) The minor is at least thirteen (13) but less than eighteen (18) years of age;

(2) The defendant is at least four (4) years older than the victim; and

(3) The defendant was, at the time of the offense, in a position of trust, or had supervisory or disciplinary power over the minor by virtue of the defendant’s legal, professional, or occupational status and used the position of trust or power to accomplish the sexual contact; or

(4) The defendant had, at the time of the offense, parental or custodial authority over the minor and used the authority to accomplish the sexual contact.

(b) As used in this section, “sexual contact” means the defendant intentionally touches or kisses the minor’s lips with the defendant’s lips if such touching can be reasonably construed as being for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification.

(c) Sexual contact by an authority figure is a Class A misdemeanor with a mandatory minimum fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000).

(d) Each instance of unlawful sexual contact shall be considered a separate offense.