(a) It is an offense for a person to falsely impersonate or represent to another, whether by conduct, dress, verbally or in writing, that such person or a third party is or was a member of the armed forces of the United States with the intent to deceive or cause another to believe the representation when the person knows it to be false.

Attorney's Note

Under the Tennessee Code, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:
ClassPrisonFine
class B misdemeanorup to 6 monthsup to $500
For details, see Tenn. Code § 40-35-111
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Terms Used In Tennessee Code 58-1-119

  • Person: includes a corporation, firm, company or association. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105
  • Statute: A law passed by a legislature.
  • United States: includes the District of Columbia and the several territories of the United States. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105
(b) It is not a defense to prosecution under this section that the person making the false representation received no benefit or monetary thing or value from it.
(c) This section shall not apply to wearing the dress of a member of the armed forces if done for the following purposes:

(1) Instructional;
(2) Law enforcement;
(3) Theatrical, motion picture or entertainment;
(4) Historical, ceremonial or educational; or
(5) As a costume if worn in accordance with or not prohibited by regulations promulgated pursuant to law.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit prosecution under any other applicable statute if the person derives a benefit or thing of value from the impersonation.
(e) Impersonation of a member of the armed forces is a Class B misdemeanor.
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