39-16-601. Definitions for obstruction of justice offenses. —







As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:





(1) “Complaining witness” means a person who signs a criminal complaint;





(2) “Custody” means under arrest by a law enforcement officer or under restraint by a public servant pursuant to an order of a court;





(3) “Escape” means unauthorized departure from custody or failure to return to custody following temporary leave for a specific purpose or limited period, but does not include a violation of conditions of probation or parole; and





(4) “Penal institution” includes any institution or facility used to house or detain a person:





(A) Convicted of a crime;





(B) Adjudicated delinquent by a juvenile court; or





(C) Who is in direct or indirect custody after a lawful arrest.





[Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 1996, ch. 1079, § 125.]