>Morgan County Arrest Records Online

Morgan County, Tennessee Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Morgan County, Tennessee?

Arrest records are public in Morgan County, Tennessee, pursuant to the Tennessee Public Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-503). This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest records, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by state or federal law. The Tennessee Public Records Act serves as the legal foundation for transparency in government operations, allowing citizens to monitor the activities of law enforcement agencies and the judicial system.

Public access to arrest records in Morgan County is maintained through various repositories, including the Morgan County Sheriff's Office and the Circuit Court Clerk's Office. These records document interactions between law enforcement and individuals who have been taken into custody on suspicion of criminal activity. The maintenance of public arrest records supports governmental accountability and provides citizens with information regarding law enforcement activities within their community.

Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted or restricted in accordance with privacy laws and statutory exemptions. Information that may be withheld includes, but is not limited to, juvenile records (except in specific circumstances outlined in T.C.A. § 37-1-153), ongoing investigation details, and certain personal identifying information. These restrictions are designed to balance the public's right to information with individual privacy concerns and the integrity of the criminal justice process.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Morgan County?

Morgan County arrest records are available online through several official platforms. The Morgan County Sheriff's Office maintains digital records of arrests conducted within their jurisdiction, which may be accessed through their official website. Additionally, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) provides online access to criminal history information, including arrest data, through their Criminal Justice Information Services Division.

Online accessibility of arrest records is subject to the provisions of T.C.A. § 10-7-512, which governs electronic access to public records. While basic arrest information is typically available online, comprehensive records may require additional steps to obtain, such as formal requests or in-person visits to relevant agencies.

Users seeking online arrest records should be aware that information available through public portals may not be comprehensive or current. Records accessed online should be verified through official channels before being relied upon for official purposes. The Morgan County government maintains these online resources as a public service, but they do not replace official record requests for legal or employment purposes.

How to Look Up Morgan County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Morgan County have multiple methods available for accessing this information:

In-person requests may be submitted at the Morgan County Sheriff's Office, located at 1001 South Kingston Street, Wartburg, TN 37887. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name and date of birth.
The Morgan County Circuit Court Clerk's Office maintains records related to criminal proceedings, including arrest information. Their office is located at 415 North Kingston Street, Wartburg, TN 37887, and operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone inquiries may be directed to (423) 346-3753.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation provides background check services that include arrest record information. Requests may be submitted online or by mail to TBI Headquarters, 901 R.S. Gass Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37216.
The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts maintains the Public Case History database, which includes information on criminal cases that may contain arrest details.

Pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-503(a)(2)(A), government agencies must respond to public records requests promptly. If a request cannot be fulfilled immediately, the records custodian must, within seven business days, provide access to the record, deny the request with explanation, or furnish the requestor with an estimated timeframe for record production.

Fees for copies of arrest records are established in accordance with T.C.A. § 10-7-503(a)(7)(C)(i) and may include reasonable charges for labor and materials used in producing requested records. The Morgan County Sheriff's Office charges a standard fee of $5.00 per record search, with additional fees for certified copies.

Contents of a Morgan County Arrest Record

Morgan County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Tennessee law and local protocols. These records typically include:

Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and residential address
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Arresting agency and officer identification
Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest, including Tennessee Code Annotated references
Booking information, including booking number and processing details
Custody status and bail or bond information
Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
Photograph (mugshot) of the arrested individual
Prior criminal history references, if applicable
Case disposition information, if available

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the arrest, the arresting agency's protocols, and the stage of the criminal justice process. Records maintained by the Morgan County Sheriff's Office conform to the standards established by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's Criminal Justice Information Services Division.

Pursuant to T.C.A. § 40-32-101, certain information in arrest records may be subject to redaction or restricted access, particularly in cases resulting in dismissals, no true bills from grand juries, or acquittals. Additionally, records related to diversion programs or expunged offenses may have limited availability in accordance with state law.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Morgan County

Expungement procedures in Morgan County are governed by T.C.A. § 40-32-101, which provides mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. Eligible individuals may petition for expungement when:

Charges were dismissed
A no true bill was returned by a grand jury
A verdict of not guilty was rendered
The case resulted in a nolle prosequi
The individual successfully completed a pretrial or judicial diversion program
The individual was arrested but no charges were filed within the applicable statute of limitations

The expungement process begins with filing a petition in the court where the case was adjudicated. For Morgan County cases, petitions are filed with the Circuit Court Clerk at 415 North Kingston Street, Wartburg, TN 37887. Standard filing fees apply, though fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners as provided in T.C.A. § 40-32-101(g)(10).

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing and notify relevant agencies, including the District Attorney General's Office and the Morgan County Sheriff's Office. If the court grants the expungement, all public records of the arrest, including booking photos, fingerprints, and court records, will be removed from public access and either destroyed or returned to the petitioner as specified by statute.

Expunged records are not accessible through standard public records requests. However, limited access may be granted to law enforcement agencies for specific purposes as outlined in T.C.A. § 40-32-101(c)(3). The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation maintains a confidential database of expunged records that is not available to the public.

Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process can be legally complex. The Morgan County Bar Association can provide referrals to attorneys experienced in expungement proceedings. Legal assistance may also be available through Legal Aid of East Tennessee, 502 South Gay Street, Suite 404, Knoxville, TN 37902, telephone (865) 637-0484.