# Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-109: Transfer of criminal cases from other courts

> Tennessee · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T37_C1_S37-1-109

## Section

- **Citation:** Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-109
- **Heading:** Transfer of criminal cases from other courts
- **Jurisdiction:** Tennessee
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** TN Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 37-1-109

## Text

(a) If it appears to the court in a criminal proceeding that the defendant is a child, the court shall forthwith transfer the case to the juvenile court, together with a copy of the accusatory pleading and other papers, documents and transcripts of testimony relating to the case. (b) It shall order that the defendant be taken forthwith to the juvenile court or to a place of detention designated by the juvenile court, or release the defendant to the custody of the defendant's parent, guardian, custodian or other person legally responsible for the defendant, to be brought before the juvenile court at a time designated by that court. (c) The accusatory pleading may serve in lieu of a petition in the juvenile court unless that court directs the filing of a petition. Acts 1970, ch. 600, § 9; T.C.A., § 37-209.
(a) If it appears to the court in a criminal proceeding that the defendant is a child, the court shall forthwith transfer the case to the juvenile court, together with a copy of the accusatory pleading and other papers, documents and transcripts of testimony relating to the case.
(b) It shall order that the defendant be taken forthwith to the juvenile court or to a place of detention designated by the juvenile court, or release the defendant to the custody of the defendant's parent, guardian, custodian or other person legally responsible for the defendant, to be brought before the juvenile court at a time designated by that court.
(c) The accusatory pleading may serve in lieu of a petition in the juvenile court unless that court directs the filing of a petition.
Acts 1970, ch. 600, § 9; T.C.A., § 37-209.

## Nearby sections

- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-101 Purpose - Jurisdiction - Ensuring compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T37_C1_S37-1-101.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-102 Chapter and part definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T37_C1_S37-1-102.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-103 Exclusive original jurisdiction](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T37_C1_S37-1-103.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-104 Concurrent jurisdiction](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T37_C1_S37-1-104.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-105 Probation officers](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T37_C1_S37-1-105.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-106 Youth services officer](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T37_C1_S37-1-106.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-107 Magistrates](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T37_C1_S37-1-107.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-108 Commencement of proceedings](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T37_C1_S37-1-108.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-109 Transfer of criminal cases from other courts](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T37_C1_S37-1-109.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-110 Informal adjustment without adjudication - Pretrial diversion - No admission required](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T37_C1_S37-1-110.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-111 Venue](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T37_C1_S37-1-111.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-112 Transfer to another court within state - Appeals](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T37_C1_S37-1-112.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-113 Taking into custody - Grounds](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T37_C1_S37-1-113.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-114 Detention or shelter care of child prior to hearing on petition](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T37_C1_S37-1-114.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T37_C1_S37-1-109. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.