>Carter County Arrest Records Online

Carter County, Tennessee Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Carter County, Tennessee?

Arrest records are public documents in Carter County, Tennessee, pursuant to the Tennessee Public Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-503). This legislation establishes that records maintained by governmental agencies, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement authorities, shall be accessible to Tennessee citizens for inspection during regular business hours. The Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring public access to information regarding law enforcement activities within the county. Members of the public may request and review arrest records maintained by the Carter County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies, subject to certain statutory exemptions designed to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive personal information.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Carter County?

Carter County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by county agencies. The Carter County Sheriff's Office provides digital access to certain arrest information through their official website, including an inmate search function that displays current custody status. Additionally, the Carter County Circuit Court Clerk's Office maintains electronic records of court proceedings related to arrests. Pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-512, government entities are authorized to provide reasonable access to public records in electronic format. Users should note that while basic arrest information may be available online, comprehensive records may require in-person requests at the appropriate county office.

How to Look Up Carter County Arrest Records in 2025

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

Visit the Carter County Sheriff's Office in person at 900 East Elk Avenue, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Requestors should be prepared to complete a records request form and provide identification.
Access the Carter County Sheriff's Office online inmate search, which provides information on currently incarcerated individuals, booking dates, charges, and custody status.
Submit a request to the Carter County Circuit Court Clerk located at 801 East Elk Avenue, Elizabethton, TN 37643. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and can be reached at (423) 542-1835.
Utilize the Tennessee Court Records portal to search for court cases associated with arrests in Carter County.

Pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-503(a)(2)(B), records custodians must promptly make requested records available for inspection unless otherwise provided by state law. A reasonable charge may be assessed for copies of public records according to established fee schedules.

Contents of a Carter County Arrest Record

Carter County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information regarding the circumstances and processing of an individual's arrest. In accordance with Rule 4 of the Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure, these records generally include:

Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, date of birth, physical description, and photograph (mugshot)
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Detailed description of the alleged criminal offense(s)
Statutory citation of violated laws
Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s)
Booking information, including fingerprints and processing details
Bail or bond amount, if applicable
Case disposition information, including court dates and preliminary hearing outcomes
Warrant information, if the arrest was executed pursuant to a warrant

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation maintains standardized arrest reporting requirements that ensure consistency in record-keeping across all counties, including Carter County. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and subsequent judicial proceedings.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Carter County

Under Tennessee law, certain individuals may be eligible to have their arrest records expunged from public access. Pursuant to T.C.A. § 40-32-101, expungement may be available in cases where:

Charges were dismissed
A no true bill was returned by a grand jury
A verdict of not guilty was rendered
The case resulted in a nolle prosequi
The individual successfully completed a pretrial or judicial diversion program

The expungement process in Carter County requires filing a petition with the court that handled the original case. The Carter County Circuit Court Clerk processes these petitions at the courthouse located at 801 East Elk Avenue, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the clerk forwards the request to the appropriate judge and notifies the District Attorney's office.

If granted, an Order of Expungement directs all relevant agencies to remove records of the arrest from public access. This includes the Carter County Sheriff's Office, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and any other agencies maintaining such records. The expungement process typically requires payment of a filing fee, though fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners upon proper showing of financial hardship.

Individuals should note that certain offenses are statutorily ineligible for expungement, and the process does not remove records from federal databases or private data aggregators that may have previously collected the information.

Legal Implications of Carter County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Carter County carry significant legal implications for affected individuals. These records, maintained pursuant to T.C.A. § 38-6-120, serve as official documentation of law enforcement interactions and may impact various aspects of a person's life. The presence of an arrest record, even without conviction, may affect:

Employment opportunities, particularly in positions requiring background checks
Professional licensing in regulated industries
Housing applications and rental agreements
Educational opportunities and financial aid eligibility
Firearm purchase and possession rights
Immigration status and proceedings

Tennessee law provides certain protections regarding the use of arrest records. Under T.C.A. § 40-29-107, employers are prohibited from requiring disclosure of expunged arrest records. Additionally, the Tennessee Human Rights Act (T.C.A. § 4-21-101 et seq.) provides protections against discrimination based solely on arrest records that did not result in conviction.

Individuals with concerns about the accuracy of information contained in their Carter County arrest records may submit a correction request to the Carter County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 900 East Elk Avenue, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Such requests must be submitted in writing with supporting documentation demonstrating the alleged inaccuracy.

Search Arrest Records in Carter County

Carter County Sheriff's Office
900 East Elk Avenue
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 542-1845
Official Website

Carter County Circuit Court Clerk
801 East Elk Avenue
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 542-1835
Official Website