Yes, arrest records are public in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This accessibility is in accordance with the Tennessee Public Records Act, which mandates that all government records, unless exempted by law, must be open for personal inspection by any citizen of Tennessee. The principle behind this provision is to maintain transparency and accountability in government operations, including law enforcement activities.
To get Chattanooga arrest records, individuals have several options available. These records can be accessed both online and through physical requests. Here are the methods you can use:
A Chattanooga arrest record typically includes the following information:
In Chattanooga, individuals may have their arrest records expunged under certain conditions. Expungement is the process of erasing or removing an arrest record from public view. To qualify for expungement, the individual must meet specific criteria, such as having charges dropped, acquitted, or dismissed, or completing a diversion program successfully. The request for expungement must be filed with the court that handled the case, and a judge will determine whether the record qualifies for expungement based on the circumstances and the individual's criminal history.