Davidson County Warrant Search

A warrant is a court order directing or permitting law enforcement officers to take a suspect into physical custody, bring a person before a court, or search for evidence of criminal activity.

Warrant searches can be performed by contacting the executing law enforcement agency and the issuing court to determine if a warrant has been issued for a particular individual. Requestors may also find warrant information in Davidson County arrest records. These records detail the documentation surrounding an individual's apprehension, including affidavits, warrants, etc.

In Davidson County, Tennessee, a warrant search is essential for helping individuals proactively resolve outstanding legal issues and employers determine potential employees' criminal backgrounds.

Are Davidson County Warrants Public Records?

Yes. Warrants are public records in Davidson County according to Tennessee law. According to Rule 34 of the Supreme Court Rules, the public has the right to inspect public records, including records of warrants maintained by the courts of Tennessee. The public should, however, note that there are some limitations on access to:

• Warrants included in documents restricted by a court order
• Warrants included in documents whose disclosure would interfere with the judicial functions of the court
• Warrants included in investigative records.

Types of Warrants in Davidson County

The most common types of warrants issued in Davidson County include:

• Bench Warrant: This is a court order issued by a judge instructing law enforcement agencies to bring a person before his or her court.
• Arrest Warrant: According to Tennessee Code § 40-6-201, an arrest warrant is an order, in writing, stating the substance of the complaint, directed to a proper officer, signed by a magistrate, and commanding the apprehension and detention of the defendant.
• Search Warrant: According to Tennessee Code § 40-6-101 (2023), A search warrant is an order in writing in the name of the state, signed by a magistrate, directed to the sheriff, any constable, or any peace officer of the county, commanding the sheriff, constable or peace officer to search for personal property, and bring it before the magistrate.

Do I Have a Warrant in Davidson County?

To find out if one has a warrant in Davidson County, use the following options:

• Local Police Department, e.g., Metropolitan Nashville Police Department
• Davidson County Sheriff's Office
• Davidson County Circuit Clerk's Office
• Davidson County Criminal Court Clerk's Office
• Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
• Third-party websites.

Active Warrant Search in Davidson County

Interested persons may conduct an active warrant search in Davidson County by requesting a public record from law enforcement agencies or the court clerk. The law enforcement agencies, being the executioners of warrants, may have records of warrants issued to them for execution that interested persons may access upon request. Also, the court clerk, being the custodian of court records, may have in their custody records of warrants issued by the court to which requesters may be given access.

Arrest Warrant Search

An arrest warrant search in Davidson County is typically conducted through law enforcement agency databases. One can initiate a search by contacting the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, the Davidson County Sheriff's Office, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

To access arrest warrants from the Nashville Metropolitan Police Department, visit the Criminal Warrant Division in person at:

Criminal Warrants Office
440 3rd Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37201.

Interested persons may also access arrest warrants by doing a criminal background check with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation using the online portal or by submitting Tennessee Criminal History Request Form via mail-in to:

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
901 R.S. Gass Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37216.

Bench Warrant Lookup

A bench warrant lookup in Davidson County, Tennessee, is typically processed through the county's court system. These warrants are issued following a failure to appear in court. Interested persons may initiate a bench warrant lookup by contacting the clerk of the court where the underlying case was heard.

The Circuit Court Clerk provides CaseLink, an online database for searching court records (including warrants). Interested persons may also access warrant records at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in person or by sending a written request to the office via mail through their contact below.

Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Davidson County Historic Courthouse
P.O. Box 196303
1 Public Square, Suite 302
Nashville, TN 37201.

Free Warrant Search

The Police Criminal Warrants Division of the Nashville Metropolitan Police Department provides access to free warrant information in their Weekly Most Wanted Program, which features lists of individuals with active warrants.

Can You Check Davidson County Warrants Online?

Yes, warrants may be checked online through third-party websites that aggregate public records, including arrest warrants, from state and local databases. These sites typically require a name and location to search, and some may charge a fee for access to detailed reports.

Do Davidson County Warrants Expire?

The expiration of warrants depends on their type and location of issuance. Some warrants are time-sensitive, while others stay active indefinitely. A search warrant, for example, has a validity of 5 days before it becomes void (Tenn. Code Ann. §40-6-206).

Other warrants remain active for a much longer time. In Davidson County, a misdemeanor arrest warrant gets removed after five years if it hasn't been enforced. The court then clears it from records. However, felony warrants and bench warrants do not expire. They remain in effect until executed or canceled.

How to Clear a Davidson County Warrant Without Going to Jail

Depending on the charges and type of warrant, there are some opportunities for people with active warrants to avoid jail time and clear the warrant. These chances are dependent on the type of warrant and charges. The process of clearing the warrant involves the following:

• Contacting the Issuing Court: If the warrant is for a minor offense, such as a traffic violation or failure to appear, it might be possible to contact the court clerk's office directly. They can explain the options available, which include paying fines, rescheduling a court date, or providing proof of compliance.
• File a Motion to Recall the Warrant: An attorney can file motions to recall the warrant with the court. This might be based on arguments like mistaken identity, new evidence, or procedural errors. Success depends on the specifics of the case.