>Hamilton County Arrest Records Online

Hamilton County, Tennessee Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Hamilton County, Tennessee?

Yes, arrest records are public in Hamilton County, Tennessee. This accessibility is mandated by the Tennessee Public Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-503), which asserts that state, county, and municipal records shall be open for personal inspection by any citizen of Tennessee. The Act specifically states that all governmental records shall be presumed open for inspection unless otherwise provided by state law. This provision aims to maintain transparency and accountability within governmental operations, thereby enhancing public trust in the judicial system.

The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory duties under Tennessee law. Citizens may request access to these records through established procedures that comply with state regulations regarding public information disclosure.

Hamilton County Sheriff's Office
600 Market Street
Chattanooga, TN 37402
Phone: 423-209-7000
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office Website

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Hamilton County?

Yes, arrest records can be found online in Hamilton County through several official digital platforms. The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office provides online access to booking reports and current inmate information through their corrections database. Additionally, the Hamilton County Criminal Court maintains searchable dockets that include information about criminal cases resulting from arrests.

The daily booking reports are updated regularly and provide information about recent arrests. Citizens may also access the open warrants database, which is updated daily at 4:00 PM and contains information provided by the Hamilton County Court system.

These online resources facilitate easier access for individuals seeking arrest records without the need to visit local government offices. However, pursuant to Tennessee Code § 10-7-504, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy rights of individuals involved, particularly in cases involving juveniles or certain sensitive investigations.

How to Look Up Hamilton County Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Hamilton County arrest records, several methods are available to citizens and authorized requesters. The Hamilton County government has established multiple channels for accessing these public records in compliance with the Tennessee Public Records Act:

Online databases: The Hamilton County Case Search system provides digital access to case information, including arrests and subsequent court proceedings. The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office booking application allows citizens to view recent arrest information.
Local law enforcement agencies: The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office maintains comprehensive arrest records and provides access upon submission of a proper request form. Requests may be submitted in person at the Records Division or through their online portal for public records requests.
County courthouse: The Hamilton County Criminal Court Clerk's Office processes requests for certified documentation of criminal records, including arrests. As noted in their information disclaimer, fees apply for searching records and providing certified documentation.

Hamilton County Criminal Court Clerk's Office
600 Market Street, Room 300
Chattanooga, TN 37402
Phone: 423-209-7500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Hamilton County Criminal Court

When requesting arrest records, citizens must provide sufficient identifying information about the subject, including full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Government-issued identification is required when submitting requests in person, and fees may apply in accordance with Tennessee Code § 10-7-503(a)(7)(C)(i).

Contents of a Hamilton County Arrest Record

A Hamilton County arrest record typically contains comprehensive information about the arrested individual and the circumstances of their arrest. These records are maintained in accordance with Tennessee state law and include the following standard elements:

Full legal name and any known aliases or previous names
Date and place of birth
Mugshot photographs taken during booking
Physical descriptors (height, weight, eye and hair color, identifying marks such as tattoos or scars)
Fingerprint impressions collected during processing
Specific charges filed and applicable Tennessee Code Annotated statutes
Arresting agency and officer identification information
Date, time, and precise location of the arrest
Bond or bail determination and amount
Scheduled court appearance dates
Booking number and inmate identification if applicable
Prior criminal history within Hamilton County jurisdiction

These records are maintained by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office and the Hamilton County Court System, which consists of five courts: Chancery Court, Sessions Court (Criminal and Civil), Criminal Court, Circuit Court, and Juvenile Court. Each court maintains records pertaining to cases within their respective jurisdictions.

The level of detail in arrest records may vary depending on the nature of the offense and the arresting agency's protocols. All information is collected and maintained in compliance with Tennessee state regulations regarding criminal justice information systems.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Hamilton County

In Hamilton County, individuals may petition to have their arrest records expunged under specific conditions established by Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-32-101. Expungement is a legal process that removes arrest and related records from public access, effectively restoring the individual's record to its pre-arrest status.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Hamilton County include:

Cases where charges were dismissed or nolle prosequi was entered
Instances where the individual was acquitted of all charges after trial
Situations where the arrest was determined to be unlawful or in violation of constitutional rights
Certain non-violent first offenses after completion of diversion programs
Cases where the governor has granted a pardon

The expungement process requires filing a formal petition with the court that originally heard the case. This petition must include specific information about the case, including the date of arrest, charges filed, case disposition, and grounds for expungement. The petition is subject to review by the District Attorney's Office and requires judicial approval.

Upon approval, the court issues an Order of Expungement directing all relevant agencies, including the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and any other repositories of criminal records, to remove all public records of the arrest. This legal action effectively removes the arrest from public records, thus aiding in the restoration of the individual's reputation and rights.

Hamilton County Criminal Court
600 Market Street
Chattanooga, TN 37402
Phone: 423-209-7500
Hamilton County Criminal Court Records

Pursuant to T.C.A. § 40-32-101(g), certain fees apply to the expungement process. These fees may be waived in cases of indigency upon proper showing to the court.

Search Arrest Records in Hamilton County

Cities

Chattanooga Soddy-Daisy