Unlawful Tattooing of a Minor in Tennessee
Getting a tattoo has become increasing popular in the United States. According to the article, The Changing Cultural Status of the Tattoo Arts in America, "[t]he culture status of tattooing has steadily evolved from that of an anti-social activity in the 1960s to that of a trendy fashion statement in the 1990s." New York Times op-ed columnist David Brooks echoed this sentiment by stating, "[o]ther people are trying to unveil their wild side. They're taking advantage of the fact that tattoos are associated with felons, bikers and gangstas. They're trying to show that far from being the dull communications majors they appear to be, they are actually free spirits - sensual, independent, a little dangerous."
Getting a tattoo is also popular amongst America’s youth. A quick google search for “minors” and “tattoos” yields several results of minors looking for ways to get around state laws prohibiting the tattooing of a person under the age of 18. According to an investigative report in the Cincinnati Enquirer, children circumvent tattoo laws by either finding the shops that don’t routinely check IDs or creating a fake ID. Children will also get tattoos by doing it themselves or having an unlicensed tattoo artist do it for them.
Given the risks associated with tattoos (e.g., contracting Hepatitis C) and the potential for abuse, most states regulate the tattoo industry. In fact, in Tennessee and in all of its bordering states, the commercial tattooing of a minor is prohibited.
Convictions for unlawful tattooing can result in severe penalties. In Tennessee, for example, tattooing a minor is a high misdemeanor and carries with it the possibility of a year in jail and a $2,500 fine. Penalties can also include loss of your tattoo permit, probation, community service and restitution.
If you have been charged with tattooing a minor or operating a tattoo studio without a permit in Knoxville, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville or surrounding areas of East Tennessee, you could be facing severe penalties that can affect your life and livelihood. Don’t risk the consequences of representing yourself; contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in Tennessee today at Baker Associates.
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