Arrest records in Sequatchie County, Tennessee are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Tennessee Public Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-503). This legislation establishes that records maintained by state, county, and municipal agencies shall be available for inspection by any Tennessee citizen during regular business hours. Arrest records fall under this category of public information unless specifically exempted by statute or court order.
The Tennessee Public Records Act operates under the presumption of openness, meaning that government records are considered public unless a specific exemption applies. Exemptions may include records pertaining to ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or records sealed by court order. In accordance with T.C.A. § 10-7-504, certain personal identifying information may be redacted from public records to protect individual privacy while still maintaining public access to the substantive information.
Law enforcement agencies in Sequatchie County maintain arrest records as part of their official duties. These records document the circumstances of arrests, the individuals involved, and the charges filed. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation also maintains a centralized database of criminal history information that includes arrest data from counties throughout the state, including Sequatchie County.
Sequatchie County arrest records are available through various online platforms, though the comprehensiveness of these digital resources varies. The county has implemented digital record-keeping systems in accordance with the state's commitment to government transparency and public information accessibility.
The Sequatchie County Sheriff's Office maintains certain arrest information on their official website and social media platforms. This information typically includes recent arrests and booking information. However, users should note that online records may not be as complete as those available through in-person requests, as specified in Rule 4 of the Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure.
Additionally, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation offers the Tennessee Felony Offender Information Search, which provides access to records of individuals convicted of felonies in the state. This database includes information on arrests that resulted in felony convictions for individuals processed through the Sequatchie County criminal justice system.
Private third-party websites also aggregate and publish arrest record information from Sequatchie County. However, members of the public should exercise caution when utilizing these services, as they may contain outdated or inaccurate information. For the most current and accurate arrest records, direct contact with the Sequatchie County Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court is advised.
Multiple official channels exist for obtaining arrest records in Sequatchie County. Individuals seeking these records may utilize the following methods:
Submit a records request in person at the Sequatchie County Sheriff's Office located at 351 Fredonia Road A, Dunlap, TN 37327. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (423) 949-7750.
Request records from the Sequatchie County Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 351 Fredonia Road Suite B, Dunlap, TN 37327. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Telephone: (423) 949-2618.
Access the Tennessee Public Case History online portal, which provides information on cases processed through the Tennessee court system, including those from Sequatchie County.
Utilize the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's online resources for criminal history information, which includes arrest data from Sequatchie County.
Pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-503(a)(2)(A), requests for public records must be responded to within seven business days. Agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of records as permitted by T.C.A. § 10-7-503(a)(7)(C)(i). These fees are established to recover the actual costs associated with producing copies and do not include charges for staff time spent fulfilling requests.
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate the search, including the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information that may assist in locating the correct records.
Arrest records maintained by Sequatchie County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. These records are created pursuant to Rule 4 of the Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure, which governs the issuance of arrest warrants and the documentation of arrests.
Standard information included in Sequatchie County arrest records consists of:
In accordance with T.C.A. § 40-32-101, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and other personal identifying information that could facilitate identity theft or compromise personal security.
The Sequatchie County Courts and Law Enforcement offices maintain these records in both physical and electronic formats. Electronic records are subject to the same public access provisions as physical records under Tennessee law.
The expungement process in Sequatchie County provides a legal mechanism for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. This process is governed by T.C.A. § 40-32-101, which outlines eligibility criteria and procedures for expungement.
Individuals may qualify for expungement of arrest records in Sequatchie County under the following circumstances:
The expungement process begins with filing a petition in the Sequatchie County Circuit Court. Standardized petition forms are available through the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts. Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing to determine eligibility.
If the court grants an expungement order, all public records of the arrest maintained by Sequatchie County agencies must be removed from public access or destroyed. This includes records held by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Court Clerk, and other county agencies. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation will also receive notification to update their records accordingly.
It is important to note that expunged records may still be accessible to law enforcement agencies for legitimate law enforcement purposes, despite being removed from public access. Additionally, certain types of charges, particularly those involving violent offenses, sexual offenses, or driving under the influence, may have limited eligibility for expungement under Tennessee law.
Sequatchie County Sheriff's Office
351 Fredonia Road A
Dunlap, TN 37327
(423) 949-7750
Official Website
Sequatchie County Circuit Court Clerk
351 Fredonia Road Suite B
Dunlap, TN 37327
(423) 949-2618
Official Website