>Franklin County Arrest Records Online

Franklin County, Tennessee Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Franklin County, Tennessee?

Arrest records in Franklin County, Tennessee are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Tennessee Public Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-503). This legislation establishes that government records, including those documenting arrests, shall be available for inspection by any Tennessee citizen during regular business hours. The public nature of these records serves multiple governmental functions, including maintaining transparency in law enforcement operations and ensuring accountability within the criminal justice system.

The Tennessee Public Records Act specifically states that all state, county, and municipal records shall be open for personal inspection by any citizen of Tennessee unless otherwise provided by state law. Franklin County adheres to this statute by maintaining arrest records as public documents. Individuals seeking access to these records may obtain them through designated county offices, subject to established procedures and applicable fees for document reproduction.

It should be noted that certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws or ongoing investigations. Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and certain medical information may be withheld from public disclosure pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-504, which outlines specific confidentiality provisions.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Franklin County?

Franklin County arrest records are available through various online platforms in accordance with the county's digital records management system. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database that provides public access to current and historical arrest information. This digital accessibility aligns with Tennessee's commitment to government transparency as outlined in T.C.A. § 10-7-503(a)(2)(A), which encourages the use of electronic means to provide public access to records when feasible.

The online system allows for searches based on name, date of arrest, and case number. However, users should be aware that the completeness of online records may vary, as certain older records may not have been digitized. Additionally, recent arrests may experience a processing delay before appearing in the online system.

Pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-506(a), Franklin County may assess reasonable fees for providing copies of public records, including those accessed through online platforms. These fees are established to cover the actual costs associated with record production and maintenance of the electronic database.

Online access to arrest records is subject to the same legal restrictions that apply to physical records. Information protected by privacy laws or pertaining to ongoing investigations may be redacted or unavailable through the online portal.

How to Look Up Franklin County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Franklin County arrest records in 2025 have multiple methods available for accessing this information. The county has established several official channels through which these records may be obtained:

In-person requests may be submitted at the Franklin County Sheriff's Office located at 130 Dynamics Drive, Winchester, TN 37398. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Requestors should bring valid identification and be prepared to complete a records request form.
The Franklin County Court Records online portal provides 24-hour access to digitized arrest records. Users must create an account and may be subject to nominal search fees in accordance with T.C.A. § 10-7-506.
Written requests may be submitted to the Franklin County Circuit Court Clerk at 1 South Jefferson Street, Winchester, TN 37398. Telephone: (931) 967-2222. Requests should include the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation offers statewide criminal history information through their Criminal History Information Request System, which includes Franklin County arrests. This service requires payment of statutory fees as established in T.C.A. § 38-6-120.

Pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-503(a)(7)(A), the custodian of records shall promptly make available any public record not specifically exempt from disclosure. Requests for arrest records are typically processed within three business days, though complex requests may require additional time.

Contents of a Franklin County Arrest Record

Franklin County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Tennessee law and local record-keeping protocols. These documents serve as official accounts of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:

Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and residential address at time of arrest.
Arrest details, including the date, time, and specific location where the apprehension occurred, as well as the arresting agency and officer identification.
Criminal charges filed, including citation of applicable Tennessee Code sections, classification of offenses (misdemeanor or felony), and preliminary court information.
Booking data, including fingerprints, mugshot photographs, and unique booking identification numbers assigned by the Franklin County Sheriff's Office.
Detention information, including bail amount if applicable, release status, and scheduled court appearances.
Case disposition information, which may be updated as the case progresses through the judicial system.

The content of arrest records is governed by T.C.A. § 40-7-106, which requires law enforcement agencies to maintain complete records of all persons arrested. These records must be preserved in accordance with retention schedules established by the County Public Records Commission pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-404.

It should be noted that juvenile arrest records (for individuals under 18 years of age) are subject to different confidentiality standards under T.C.A. § 37-1-153 and may not be included in public arrest records.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Franklin County

The expungement process in Franklin County provides a legal mechanism through which qualifying individuals may have arrest records removed from public access. This procedure is governed by T.C.A. § 40-32-101, which establishes specific eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.

Individuals may qualify for expungement under the following circumstances:

Cases resulting in dismissal of all charges
Arrests that did not result in indictment or presentment by a grand jury
Verdicts of not guilty rendered by judge or jury
Nolle prosequi dispositions (formal abandonment of prosecution)
Successful completion of diversion programs pursuant to T.C.A. § 40-35-313
Certain non-violent offenses after completion of sentence and waiting periods

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Franklin County Circuit Court, located at 1 South Jefferson Street, Winchester, TN 37398. Telephone: (931) 967-2222. The petition must include certified copies of relevant court documents and payment of the statutory filing fee, currently set at $280 pursuant to T.C.A. § 40-32-101(g)(10).

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing date. The District Attorney's Office must be notified and has the right to contest the expungement. If the court grants the petition, an Order of Expungement will be issued directing all relevant agencies to remove the arrest record from public databases and seal physical records.

Pursuant to T.C.A. § 40-32-101(g)(15), expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and courts for limited purposes, including consideration in subsequent criminal proceedings and employment screening for certain positions.