>Jefferson County Arrest Records Online

Jefferson County, Tennessee Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Jefferson County, Tennessee?

Arrest records are public in Jefferson County, Tennessee, pursuant to the Tennessee Public Records Act (TPRA) codified in Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-501, et seq. This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by state law. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Department maintains these records as part of their statutory obligation to document law enforcement activities.

Members of the public may inspect and obtain copies of arrest records during regular business hours at designated county facilities. The Tennessee Public Records Act operates under the presumption that government records shall remain open for public inspection to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability of public officials. This legal framework ensures citizens have access to information regarding arrests made within Jefferson County jurisdiction.

Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted in accordance with Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-504, which protects specific categories of confidential information such as social security numbers, personal health information, and information related to ongoing investigations. Juvenile arrest records are subject to additional confidentiality protections under Tennessee law.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Jefferson County?

Jefferson County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Department provides digital access to certain arrest information through their official website. This online accessibility is part of the county's commitment to public transparency and efficient information dissemination.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation maintains the Tennessee Felony Offender Information database, which includes records of individuals arrested for felony offenses in Jefferson County. This searchable database is updated regularly and provides basic information about arrests, charges, and case status.

Online access to arrest records is governed by Rule 4 of the Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure, which requires the general sessions court clerk to "promptly record in a docket book the issuance of every warrant and summons in the county." Many of these docket records are now digitized and accessible through county information systems.

Users should note that while basic arrest information is available online, obtaining complete arrest records may require submission of a formal records request or in-person visit to the appropriate county office. Online records may not include all details contained in the official arrest record maintained by law enforcement agencies.

How to Look Up Jefferson County Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Jefferson County arrest records in 2025, individuals may utilize several authorized methods established by county authorities:

Jefferson County Sheriff's Department
1001 Straight Street
Dandridge, TN 37725
Phone: (865) 397-9411
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Jefferson County Sheriff's Department

The Sheriff's Department maintains the most comprehensive arrest records and provides in-person access to these documents. Requestors must complete a public records request form and present valid identification. Fees for copies are assessed pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-503(a)(7)(C)(i).

Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
765 Justice Center Drive
Dandridge, TN 37725
Phone: (865) 397-2786
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Circuit Court – Jefferson County Government

The Circuit Court maintains records of arrests that have resulted in criminal proceedings. Requestors may search these records by name or case number using public access terminals at the courthouse.

Online Search Methods:

The Tennessee Court Information System provides case information related to arrests
The Jefferson County Public Records Portal allows submission of electronic records requests
Third-party background check services may compile arrest information from public sources

When requesting arrest records, individuals must provide the full legal name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and any additional identifying information that may assist in locating the correct record. Processing times vary based on the volume of requests and complexity of the search.

Contents of a Jefferson County Arrest Record

Jefferson County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Tennessee law enforcement protocols. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases
Date of birth and demographic information
Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
Date, time, and location of arrest
Statutory charges filed at time of booking
Arresting agency and officer identification
Booking photograph ("mugshot")
Fingerprint classification data
Case or incident number
Bail or bond information
Initial court appearance date
Detention facility information

Arrest records maintained by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department are created pursuant to Rule 4 of the Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure, which establishes requirements for documentation of arrests. These records serve as the official account of law enforcement actions taken during the apprehension and processing of individuals suspected of criminal activity.

The level of detail contained in arrest records may vary depending on the nature of the offense and circumstances of the arrest. Felony arrests typically generate more extensive documentation than misdemeanor arrests. Records related to specialized cases, such as domestic violence or juvenile offenses, may contain additional documentation required by Tennessee statutes.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Jefferson County

Jefferson County residents may petition for expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances outlined in Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-32-101. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are removed from public access and, in some cases, physically destroyed. This process is administered through the Jefferson County Circuit Court and requires strict adherence to statutory procedures.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Jefferson County include:

Arrests that did not result in criminal charges
Charges that were dismissed without conditions
Cases resulting in not guilty verdicts
Certain non-violent convictions after completion of all sentencing requirements and waiting periods
Diversion program completions as specified in Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-313

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk's Office located at 765 Justice Center Drive, Dandridge, TN 37725. Petitioners must submit the appropriate forms, pay filing fees (currently $280, with fee waivers available for indigent applicants), and provide documentation verifying eligibility. The District Attorney's Office reviews all expungement petitions and may contest applications that fail to meet statutory requirements.

Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court issues an Order of Expungement directing all county agencies to remove the specified records from public access. This includes the Sheriff's Department, Circuit Court records, and any other county repositories of arrest information. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation also receives notification to update state criminal history databases.

Expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for limited purposes as permitted under Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-32-101(g). Individuals whose records have been expunged may legally deny the existence of the expunged arrest in most circumstances, including employment applications.