Sullivan County, Tennessee Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Sullivan County, Tennessee?
Arrest records in Sullivan 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 government records, including arrest records, shall be open for personal inspection by any citizen of Tennessee during regular business hours. The Act serves as a fundamental mechanism for ensuring transparency in governmental operations and accountability of law enforcement agencies within Sullivan County.
The Sullivan County Sheriff's Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. Members of the public seeking access to arrest records may submit requests to the Records Division of the Sheriff's Department. Requestors should note that while arrest records are public, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal identifying information as specified under T.C.A. § 10-7-504.
Sullivan County Sheriff's Department
P.O. Box 589
Blountville, TN 37617
Phone: (423) 279-7500
Sullivan County Sheriff's Department
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Sullivan County?
Sullivan County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by county agencies. The Sullivan County Sheriff's Department provides a digital database of recent arrests and inmate information through their official website. This online accessibility is part of the county's commitment to public transparency and efficient information dissemination as mandated by Tennessee state law.
The Sullivan County Online Court Records System allows public users to search for case information related to arrests processed through the county judicial system. This platform provides basic case information including defendant names, charges filed, court dates, and disposition of cases. Access to this system is available 24 hours per day, though system maintenance may occasionally limit availability.
Additionally, the Kingsport Police Department, which operates within Sullivan County, maintains a separate online database of arrests occurring within city limits. These records can be accessed through the department's public portal.
Sullivan County Circuit Court Clerk
3425 Highway 126, Suite 102
Blountville, TN 37617
Phone: (423) 279-2752
Sullivan County Circuit Court
How to Look Up Sullivan County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Sullivan County as of 2025. Individuals seeking such information may utilize any of the following official channels:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Sullivan County Sheriff's Department Records Division during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM) to submit a records request. Proper identification is required, and fees may apply for copies of documents.
Online Access: The Sullivan County Sheriff's Department maintains a searchable database of current inmates and recent arrests on their official website. This resource is updated daily and provides basic arrest information.
Court Records: The Sullivan County Circuit Court Clerk's Office maintains records of all criminal cases processed through the county court system. These records can be accessed through the public terminals at the courthouse or via the online court records portal.
Municipal Police Departments: Local police departments within Sullivan County, including the Kingsport Police Department and Bristol Police Department, maintain their own arrest records for incidents occurring within their jurisdictions.
Third-Party Aggregators: Several commercial services compile arrest record information from public sources. While these services may offer convenience, the Sullivan County government does not endorse or verify the accuracy of information provided by third-party vendors.
Requestors should note that fees may apply for copies of records in accordance with T.C.A. § 10-7-503(a)(7)(C)(i), which permits reasonable charges for copies of public records.
Contents of a Sullivan County Arrest Record
Sullivan County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Tennessee state law and local regulations. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and residential address.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); agency responsible for the arrest.
Criminal Charges: All charges filed against the individual, including the Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) citation for each offense.
Booking Information: Booking number, date and time of booking, fingerprint identification number, and photographic identification (mugshot).
Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, release conditions, or continued detention.
Court Information: Initial appearance date, assigned court, and case number if applicable.
Prior Criminal History: May include references to previous arrests or convictions within Sullivan County jurisdiction.
All arrest records maintained by Sullivan County agencies comply with the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) standards established by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's reporting requirements.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Sullivan County
Under Tennessee law, certain individuals may be eligible to have their arrest records expunged from public access. The expungement process in Sullivan County is governed by T.C.A. § 40-32-101, which outlines specific criteria for eligibility. Individuals may qualify for expungement under the following circumstances:
- Charges were dismissed
- A "no true bill" was returned by a grand jury
- A verdict of not guilty was rendered
- The case was retired or dismissed
- The individual successfully completed a pretrial diversion program
- The individual was arrested but no charges were filed within the applicable statute of limitations
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Sullivan County Circuit Court. Petitioners must complete the standardized expungement petition form available through the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts. A filing fee of $280 applies to most expungement petitions in Sullivan County, though fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners.
Upon approval of an expungement petition, all public records of the arrest maintained by Sullivan County agencies will be removed from public access or destroyed in accordance with state law. However, certain law enforcement and judicial agencies may retain limited information for administrative purposes as permitted under T.C.A. § 40-32-101(a)(3).
Sullivan County Criminal Court Clerk
200 Shelby Street
Kingsport, TN 37660
Phone: (423) 279-3561
Sullivan County Courts
Search Arrest Records in Sullivan County
