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Soddy-Daisy Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee?

Arrest records in Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee are classified as public documents pursuant to the Tennessee Public Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-503). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible for inspection by Tennessee citizens unless specifically exempted by state law. The Tennessee Public Records Act serves as the legal foundation for transparency in governmental operations, enabling residents to monitor law enforcement activities within their jurisdiction. Public access to these records supports community awareness and governmental accountability while providing citizens with information regarding criminal justice proceedings in their locality.

The Soddy-Daisy Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. Records may be subject to certain redactions to protect sensitive information as permitted under T.C.A. § 10-7-504, which outlines specific exemptions for confidential information such as ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and certain personal identifying information.

How to Look Up Soddy-Daisy Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may access arrest records in Soddy-Daisy. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following resources:

  • Submit a records request in person at the Soddy-Daisy Police Department, located at 9835 Dayton Pike, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (423) 332-3577.

  • File a request with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 600 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402. This office operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (423) 209-7000.

  • Access the Hamilton County Criminal Court Clerk's Office at 600 Market Street, Suite G10, Chattanooga, TN 37402. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (423) 209-7500.

  • Utilize the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) Criminal History Information request system. Requests may be submitted online through the TBI website or by mail to Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, 901 R.S. Gass Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37216. Telephone: (615) 744-4000.

Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate record retrieval, including the full name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available. Pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-503(a)(7)(A), agencies must respond to records requests within seven business days. Fees for copies may apply in accordance with the agency's established fee schedule as permitted under T.C.A. § 10-7-503(a)(7)(C)(i).

Contents of a Soddy-Daisy Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by Soddy-Daisy law enforcement agencies contain comprehensive documentation of the arrest event and subsequent processing. These records typically include the following components:

  • Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and residential address
  • Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
  • Statutory citations and descriptions of criminal charges filed
  • Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s)
  • Incident report detailing the circumstances leading to the arrest
  • Booking photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots")
  • Fingerprint records and other biometric identifiers collected during processing
  • Custody status information, including detention facility location
  • Bail or bond determination and conditions
  • Case disposition information, if available
  • Court appearance dates and locations

The comprehensiveness of information may vary based on the stage of the criminal justice process and the specific policies of the maintaining agency. Certain information may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections established under Tennessee law, particularly in cases involving juveniles, sexual assault victims, or ongoing investigations as specified in T.C.A. § 10-7-504.

Legal Uses of Arrest Records in Soddy-Daisy

Arrest records serve multiple legitimate functions within the criminal justice system and broader society. Authorized uses of these records include:

  • Criminal background checks conducted by employers for positions involving security, financial responsibility, or vulnerable populations as permitted under the Tennessee Fair Credit Reporting Act (T.C.A. § 47-18-2101 et seq.)
  • Tenant screening by property managers and landlords, subject to compliance with the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.)
  • Pre-trial risk assessments by judicial officers when determining release conditions
  • Investigative purposes by law enforcement agencies
  • Statistical analysis and research by criminal justice agencies and academic institutions
  • Public safety notifications in accordance with community right-to-know provisions

Users of arrest record information must exercise due diligence to ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws governing the permissible uses of criminal history information. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.) imposes additional requirements on consumer reporting agencies that compile and disseminate arrest record information for employment, housing, or credit purposes.

Limitations on Arrest Record Access in Tennessee

While arrest records are generally accessible to the public, Tennessee law establishes certain restrictions on their disclosure. These limitations include:

  • Records pertaining to juvenile offenders (under 18 years of age) are confidential pursuant to T.C.A. § 37-1-153, with limited exceptions for specific authorized parties
  • Information regarding victims of sexual offenses is subject to redaction under T.C.A. § 10-7-504(q)
  • Records related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld under T.C.A. § 10-7-504(a)(2)(A)
  • Expunged records are removed from public access in accordance with T.C.A. § 40-32-101
  • Records containing protected health information as defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
  • Information that would compromise the safety of law enforcement personnel or confidential informants

Government agencies maintaining arrest records must balance the public's right to access information with privacy protections established by state and federal law. Requestors denied access to records may appeal such decisions through administrative channels or judicial review as provided in T.C.A. § 10-7-505.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Soddy-Daisy

Tennessee law provides a mechanism for the expungement of certain arrest records under specified conditions. Pursuant to T.C.A. § 40-32-101, individuals may petition for expungement when:

  • The arrest did not result in an indictment or presentment by a grand jury
  • Charges were dismissed by the court or prosecutor
  • A no true bill was returned by a grand jury
  • The individual was acquitted of all charges after trial
  • The conviction was reversed on appeal
  • The individual received a gubernatorial pardon
  • The individual completed a pretrial or judicial diversion program
  • The individual meets criteria for expungement of certain non-violent offenses after completion of sentence

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the court of jurisdiction where the arrest or prosecution occurred. For Soddy-Daisy residents, this typically involves the Hamilton County Criminal Court located at 600 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402. The court filing fee for expungement petitions is established by statute, though fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners.

Upon approval of an expungement petition, all public records of the arrest are removed from public access and the individual may legally respond to inquiries as if the arrest never occurred, with limited exceptions for certain licensing boards and law enforcement agencies as specified in T.C.A. § 40-32-101(g).

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