>Knox County Arrest Records Online

Knox County, Tennessee Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Knox County, Tennessee?

Yes, arrest records are public in Knox County, Tennessee. This accessibility is governed by the Tennessee Public Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-503), which establishes that all government records, unless explicitly exempted by law, must be open for personal inspection by any citizen of Tennessee. Arrest records fall within the public records domain, providing essential transparency and maintaining public oversight of law enforcement and judicial administration within the county.

The Knox County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory obligation to document all arrests and related proceedings. Citizens seeking access to these records may obtain them through various official channels established by county authorities. The public nature of these records serves the dual purpose of ensuring governmental accountability and providing citizens with information about criminal activity in their communities.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Knox County?

Yes, arrest records can be found online in Knox County. The digital availability of these records represents the county's commitment to transparency and public service in accordance with Tennessee's open records laws. The Knox County Government has implemented digital systems to facilitate easier access to public records, including arrest information.

The Knox County Sheriff's Office maintains a regularly updated online database of recent arrests. This 24-hour arrest list provides basic information about individuals who have been taken into custody. Additionally, the Tennessee Felony Offender Information Lookup (FOIL) system offers online access to records of individuals arrested for felony offenses throughout the state, including Knox County.

Digital access to these records is designed to streamline the process of obtaining public information while maintaining compliance with state privacy laws that protect certain sensitive information from disclosure. The online systems typically include search functions that allow users to locate specific records using identifiers such as name, date of arrest, or case number.

How to Look Up Knox County Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Knox County arrest records, several official methods are available to the public. Each option provides different levels of detail and convenience:

Online Sheriff's Database: The Knox County Sheriff's Office Inmate Population portal provides current information about individuals in custody. This resource is updated regularly and includes basic arrest information.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Records Unit at the Knox County Sheriff's Office located at 400 Main Street, Suite L165, Knoxville, TN 37902. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. A valid photo identification is required when requesting records in person.
Mail Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to: Knox County Sheriff's Office, Records Division, 400 Main Street, Suite L165, Knoxville, TN 37902. Requests must include the full name of the subject, date of birth if known, approximate date of arrest, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Knoxville Police Department Records: For arrests made by city police, contact the Knoxville Police Department Records Unit at 800 Howard Baker Jr. Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37915. Phone: 865-215-7231. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation: For statewide criminal history information, the TBI provides background checks through their Criminal History Information Unit at 901 R.S. Gass Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37216. Phone: 615-744-4000.
Court Records: The Knox County Criminal Court Clerk's Office maintains records of criminal proceedings at 400 Main Street, Suite 208, Knoxville, TN 37902. Phone: 865-215-2385. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-503(a)(2)(A), agencies must respond to records requests within seven business days. Fees for copies may apply in accordance with the county's established fee schedule.

Contents of a Knox County Arrest Record

A Knox County arrest record typically contains comprehensive information about the arrested individual and the circumstances of their arrest. Standard elements included in these records are:

Full legal name and any known aliases or nicknames
Date and place of birth
Physical description including height, weight, eye and hair color
Demographic information such as race, gender, and ethnicity
Residential address at time of arrest
Mugshot photographs taken during booking
Fingerprint impressions collected during processing
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Detailed description of charges filed, including Tennessee Code citations
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Agency responsible for the arrest (Sheriff's Office, Knoxville Police, etc.)
Bail or bond amount set and conditions of release
Court docket number assigned to the case
Scheduled court appearance dates
Disposition information (if available) including plea, verdict, or dismissal
Sentencing details for convicted individuals

The Public Case History system maintained by the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts may provide additional information about court proceedings related to the arrest. It should be noted that certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with state privacy laws and court rules.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Knox County

In Knox County, eligible individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records under Tennessee's expungement statutes. Expungement effectively removes the record from public access and, in many cases, allows the individual to legally deny the arrest occurred. The Knox County District Attorney's Office provides guidance on this process.

Pursuant to T.C.A. § 40-32-101, expungement eligibility generally depends on several statutory factors:

Cases resulting in dismissal or nolle prosequi
Arrests that did not result in indictment or presentment
Verdicts of not guilty returned by a jury
Successful completion of diversion programs
Certain non-violent offenses after completion of sentence and waiting periods
Juvenile records meeting specific criteria

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Knox County Criminal Court Clerk's Office at 400 Main Street, Suite 208, Knoxville, TN 37902. The current filing fee is $280, though fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners. The court reviews each petition individually to determine if statutory requirements are met.

For certain eligible offenses, Tennessee's "Fresh Start Act" (T.C.A. § 40-32-101(g)) provides pathways to expungement for individuals who have maintained a clean record for the statutorily required period, typically five years for misdemeanors and ten years for eligible felonies.

The University of Tennessee College of Law operates an Expungement Hotline (865-974-6775) to provide guidance to Knox County residents navigating the expungement process. Successful expungement prevents the arrest record from appearing in standard background checks, potentially removing barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities.

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