Rutherford County, Tennessee Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Rutherford County, Tennessee?
Arrest records are public documents in Rutherford 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 operates under the principle that citizens have the right to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement entities within Rutherford County.
The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory obligation to document law enforcement activities. Public access to arrest records serves multiple governmental functions, including:
- Promoting transparency in the criminal justice system
- Enabling community awareness of public safety matters
- Facilitating background checks for employment and housing
- Supporting journalistic and research endeavors
- Ensuring accountability of law enforcement agencies
Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted in accordance with T.C.A. § 10-7-504, which protects specific categories of information such as social security numbers, personal health information, and details pertaining to ongoing investigations.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Rutherford County?
Rutherford County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by county and municipal agencies. The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office provides digital access to current inmate information and recent booking data through their official website. This online accessibility is consistent with the county's commitment to public transparency and efficient record-keeping practices.
Online arrest record repositories in Rutherford County typically include:
- Current inmate rosters with booking information
- Daily arrest logs documenting recent law enforcement activities
- Court docket information related to criminal proceedings
- Historical arrest data searchable by name or case number
Members of the public should note that while basic arrest information is available online, comprehensive records may require formal requests through the appropriate agencies. The online systems are regularly updated but may not reflect real-time information due to processing delays. Additionally, pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-506, reasonable fees may be charged for electronic copies of records that require special processing or extensive staff time.
How to Look Up Rutherford County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for accessing Rutherford County arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following methods:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 940 New Salem Highway, Murfreesboro, TN 37129. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (615) 898-7770.
- Request records at the Rutherford County Circuit Court Clerk's Office located at 116 W. Lytle Street, Room 102, Murfreesboro, TN 37130. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (615) 898-7831.
Online Resources:
- Access the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office inmate search function for current detention information.
- Utilize the Murfreesboro Police Department Records Section for arrests within city limits.
- Search through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's criminal history database for statewide records.
Written Requests:
- Submit a formal public records request to the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office Records Division.
- Provide specific information including the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting records by mail.
Pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-503(a)(7)(A), records custodians must respond to requests within seven business days. Fees for copies are established in accordance with the county fee schedule, currently set at $0.15 per page for standard documents and additional fees for certified copies as authorized by T.C.A. § 8-21-401.
Contents of a Rutherford County Arrest Record
Rutherford County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals taken into custody. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Known aliases or alternative names
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
- Residential address at time of arrest
Arrest Details:
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Statutory charges filed, including Tennessee Code Annotated references
- Narrative description of the alleged criminal activity
- Weapon information, if applicable to the offense
Processing Information:
- Booking number and facility information
- Fingerprint classification data
- Photographic identification (mugshot)
- Property inventory taken at booking
- Bond amount and conditions of release
- Court appearance dates and jurisdictional information
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense and the arresting agency's protocols. Records maintained by the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office adhere to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's standardized reporting requirements as mandated by T.C.A. § 38-10-101, ensuring consistency in documentation across jurisdictions.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Rutherford County
The expungement process in Rutherford County provides a legal mechanism for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-32-101 establishes the statutory framework governing expungement eligibility and procedures within the county.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Cases resulting in dismissal of all charges
- Arrests that did not result in indictment or presentment
- Verdicts of not guilty rendered by judge or jury
- Nolle prosequi dispositions (prosecution declined to proceed)
- Successful completion of diversion programs pursuant to T.C.A. § 40-35-313
- Certain non-violent offenses after prescribed waiting periods
Individuals seeking expungement must file a petition with the Rutherford County Circuit Court located at 116 W. Lytle Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37130. The petition must include certified copies of disposition documents and payment of the statutory filing fee, currently $280.00 as established by T.C.A. § 8-21-401.
The expungement process involves judicial review and, if granted, results in the following actions:
- Removal of all public records related to the arrest from government databases
- Sealing of physical records maintained by law enforcement agencies
- Prohibition against disclosure of expunged information by government entities
- Restoration of civil rights as if the arrest had not occurred
Pursuant to the 2021 amendments to T.C.A. § 40-32-101, Rutherford County has implemented an automated expungement system for eligible cases, streamlining the process for qualifying individuals. The Rutherford County District Attorney's Office, located at 320 W. Main Street, Suite 100, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, reviews all expungement petitions and may contest requests that fail to meet statutory requirements.
Search Arrest Records in Rutherford County
