>Blount County Arrest Records Online

Blount County, Tennessee Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Blount County, Tennessee?

Arrest records are public in Blount County, Tennessee, pursuant to the Tennessee Public Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-503). This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest documentation, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by state or federal law. The Tennessee Public Records Act serves as the legal foundation ensuring transparency in governmental operations and upholding citizens' right to information. Under this statute, records maintained by public agencies, including the Blount County Sheriff's Office, are subject to public inspection during regular business hours.

The public nature of arrest records serves multiple civic functions. These records provide transparency in law enforcement operations, allow community members to monitor public safety trends, and enable individuals to verify information that may affect their personal or professional interactions. While certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with T.C.A. § 10-7-504, the fundamental principle of public accessibility remains intact throughout Blount County's record-keeping systems.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Blount County?

Arrest records can be accessed online through several official Blount County digital platforms. The Blount County government website provides digital access to various public records, including those related to arrests and criminal proceedings. This online availability represents the county's commitment to modernizing record access in accordance with T.C.A. § 10-7-121, which authorizes government entities to maintain records in electronic formats.

The Blount County Circuit Court Clerk's office maintains an electronic database that includes arrest information connected to court proceedings. Public access terminals are available at the courthouse for conducting searches, and certain records may be accessible through the clerk's online portal. Additionally, the Records Management department coordinates the preservation and accessibility of county records, including those pertaining to arrests and criminal proceedings.

Digital access to these records is subject to the same legal exemptions and redactions that apply to physical records. Members of the public should note that while basic arrest information is typically available online, comprehensive case files may require in-person requests at the appropriate county office.

How to Look Up Blount County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Blount County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information:

Online Search Platforms: The Tennessee Court System's Public Case History tool provides access to case information, including arrest details. Additionally, the Blount County Circuit Criminal Court maintains searchable databases of criminal cases that include arrest information.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Blount County Sheriff's Office or the Circuit Court Clerk's office to request arrest records in person. Proper identification is required, and standard copying fees apply in accordance with T.C.A. § 10-7-503(a)(7)(C)(i).
Written Requests: Public records requests may be submitted in writing to the appropriate custodial agency. Pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-503, agencies must respond to such requests within seven business days.
Background Check Services: For official background verification purposes, individuals may request criminal history information through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's background check program as referenced in Blount County's background check requirements.

When requesting arrest records, individuals should provide as much identifying information as possible, including the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Fees for copies of records are established by county ordinance and state law, with standard charges applying per page copied or record produced.

Blount County Sheriff's Office
940 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway
Maryville, TN 37804
(865) 273-5000
Official Website

Blount County Circuit Court Clerk
930 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway
Maryville, TN 37804
(865) 273-5800
Official Website

Contents of a Blount County Arrest Record

Blount County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Tennessee law enforcement protocols and judicial requirements. These records typically include the following components:

Full legal name and any documented aliases or known pseudonyms
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and place of birth
Physical descriptors such as height, weight, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks
Booking photographs (commonly known as mugshots)
Fingerprint impressions and biometric identifiers
Arrest details including date, time, location, and arresting agency
Enumeration of charges filed, including Tennessee Code Annotated references
Case disposition information when available (pending, dismissed, convicted)
Bail or bond information
Warrant information if applicable
Arresting officer identification
Incident report numbers and cross-references

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the stage of the criminal justice process and the specific circumstances of the arrest. Records maintained by the Blount County Sheriff's Office adhere to Tennessee Bureau of Investigation standards for criminal history documentation. These records serve as official documentation within the criminal justice system and may be referenced in court proceedings, background checks, and other official capacities.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Blount County

Expungement procedures in Blount County allow for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances as provided by Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-32-101. The expungement process effectively seals or destroys records of an arrest, making them unavailable through standard public records searches. Eligibility for expungement in Blount County is determined by several factors:

Cases resulting in dismissal or nolle prosequi
Arrests that did not result in indictment or presentment
Verdicts of not guilty rendered by judge or jury
Successful completion of diversion programs
Certain non-violent offenses after prescribed waiting periods
Juvenile records meeting statutory criteria

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Blount County Circuit Criminal Court where the case was originally adjudicated. Petitioners must complete the appropriate forms and pay filing fees as established by court rule, though fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants. Upon approval by the court, an Order of Expungement is issued directing all relevant agencies to remove the specified records from public access.

It should be noted that certain expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and court officials for specific purposes as outlined in T.C.A. § 40-32-101(g). Additionally, some records may be eligible for partial expungement while others remain public. The determination of eligibility often requires legal analysis of the specific case circumstances and applicable statutes.