07/28/2026
TAZEWELL POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Tazewell Police Department has been made aware of thefts and vandalism to campaign signs. The Tazewell Police Department reminds all residents and visitors that regardless of individual political views, removing, defacing, or stealing campaign signs is a criminal offense.
Statutory Violations and Consequences
Individuals who enter onto private property to tamper with or remove campaign signs face severe legal penalties under the Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.):
Theft of Property (T.C.A. § 39-14-103): Political signs are personal property. The unauthorized taking of another person's property constitutes theft. Under T.C.A. § 39-14-105, theft of property valued up to $1,000 is charged as a Class A Misdemeanor. A conviction carries penalties of up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and fines of up to $2,500.
Criminal Trespass (T.C.A. § 39-14-405): Entering or remaining on private property without the explicit consent of the owner constitutes criminal trespass. Under Tennessee law, this is charged as a Class C Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and fines.
Vandalism / Aggravated Criminal Trespass (T.C.A. § 39-14-406 & § 39-14-408): Defacing, damaging, or destroying signs or property barriers can result in additional misdemeanor charges carrying further fines and jail time.
