Arrest records are public in White County, Tennessee, pursuant to the Tennessee Public Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-503). This statute establishes that all government records, including arrest records, are presumed open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by state law. The Tennessee Public Records Act serves to promote government transparency and accountability by allowing citizens to access information about law enforcement activities within the county.
Members of the public may inspect these records during regular business hours at designated government facilities. The White County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their official duties in accordance with T.C.A. § 10-7-504, which outlines specific exemptions that may apply to certain portions of arrest records, such as ongoing investigations or juvenile records.
The White County Sheriff's Office processes requests for arrest records in compliance with state regulations. Requestors should note that while the records are public, certain administrative fees may apply for copies or certified documents as permitted under T.C.A. § 10-7-503(a)(7)(C)(i).
White County Sheriff's Office
111 Depot Street, Suite 4
Sparta, TN 38583
Phone: 931-836-2700
White County Sheriff's Office
Arrest records can be accessed online in White County through several official digital platforms. The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts maintains electronic databases that include arrest information from White County pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-123, which authorizes government agencies to provide records in electronic format.
The White County Circuit Court Clerk's Office maintains digital records of court proceedings related to arrests. These records are accessible through their online portal, which provides a searchable database of case information. The system operates in accordance with Rule 4 of the Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure, which governs the issuance and recording of arrest warrants.
For felony offenses, the Tennessee Department of Correction maintains the Tennessee Felony Offender Information database, which includes records of individuals who have been arrested and subsequently convicted of felonies in White County and throughout the state.
Users of these online systems should be aware that pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-504(f), certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available records, including Social Security numbers, personal health information, and information that could compromise ongoing investigations.
White County Circuit Court Clerk
1 East Bockman Way, Room 1
Sparta, TN 38583
Phone: 931-836-3203
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
To obtain White County arrest records, several official methods are available to members of the public. Each method is governed by the Tennessee Public Records Act and related statutes that ensure public access to government records while protecting sensitive information.
Visit the White County Sheriff's Office in person at 111 Depot Street, Suite 4, Sparta, TN 38583. Records requests may be submitted during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM). Pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-503(a)(2)(A), the custodian of records must promptly make requested records available for inspection.
Access the White County Court System records through public terminals located at the White County Courthouse. These terminals provide access to the court's case management system, which includes information about arrests and subsequent court proceedings.
Submit a written request to the White County Circuit Court Clerk at 1 East Bockman Way, Room 1, Sparta, TN 38583. In accordance with T.C.A. § 10-7-503(a)(7)(A), the clerk must respond to records requests within seven business days.
Utilize the Tennessee Public Case History portal to search for cases that originated from arrests in White County. This system provides information about court proceedings in the General Sessions, Circuit, and Criminal Courts.
Requestors should note that pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-503(a)(7)(C)(i), reasonable fees may be charged for copies of records. Additionally, certain records may be subject to redaction or withholding under exemptions specified in T.C.A. § 10-7-504.
White County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Tennessee law and local regulations. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following components:
These records are maintained in accordance with Rule 4 of the Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure, which requires the general sessions court clerk to "promptly record in a docket book the issuance of every warrant and summons in the county."
The White County Sheriff's Office and the White County Circuit Court Clerk maintain these records in both physical and electronic formats. Pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-121, electronic records are considered official records when maintained in accordance with established standards.
Expungement of arrest records in White County is governed by T.C.A. § 40-32-101, which provides a legal mechanism for removing eligible arrest records from public access. The expungement process effectively seals the record from public view, though certain government agencies may retain limited access for specific purposes as authorized by law.
Individuals may qualify for expungement under several circumstances:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the White County Court System where the case was adjudicated. Pursuant to T.C.A. § 40-32-101(g), the court clerk must provide the necessary forms for expungement requests. The petition is reviewed by the court and, if approved, an order of expungement is issued to all relevant agencies.
Upon receipt of an expungement order, the White County Sheriff's Office, Circuit Court Clerk, and other agencies must remove the specified records from public access. T.C.A. § 40-32-101(b)(1) mandates that "all public records of the expunged arrest, charge or conviction shall be destroyed or removed from the appropriate records."
Individuals seeking expungement should consult with legal counsel regarding eligibility requirements and procedural steps. The General Sessions Court in White County processes these petitions in accordance with state law.