Jefferson County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Jefferson County, Tennessee, are official documents that detail the circumstances of an individual's arrest, including the charges filed and the identity of the person arrested. Arrests under Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) § 40-7-103 typically become necessary when law enforcement officers have probable cause to believe a crime has been committed or when an individual fails to comply with legal orders such as a court summons.

Once arrested, individuals are booked and processed, which means their details are documented alongside the arrest details. Then, they are held at Jefferson County, generally held at the Jefferson County Detention Center, until they are just bailed or brought before a court.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is the primary agency responsible for generating arrest records, but other law enforcement agencies, such as the Tennessee Highway Patrol, may also contribute to these records. Arrest records in Jefferson County are closely linked to Jefferson County Court Records, which document the subsequent legal proceedings.

These records are often cross-referenced with Criminal history files managed by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). Arrest information may be accessible in Jefferson County Court Records, criminal history files managed by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), and district attorney's office records.

Are Arrest Records Public in Jefferson County?

Under Tennessee’s Public Records Act, arrest records in Jefferson county are generally considered public. This means that most information about an individual’s arrest may be accessed by the Public, including the person's name, nature of the charges, and the location and time of the arrest.

However, there are some exceptions. Arrest records that involve minors, ongoing investigations, OR contain sensitive information about the victims may be exempt from public disclosure. Additionally, individuals seeking access to certain restricted records must meet specific eligibility requirements, such as being directly involved in the case or having a legal right to the information.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Public arrest records in Jefferson County include the following:

• Details about the arresting officer or agency.
• Mugshots and fingerprints, if available
• Bail and bond information
• Upcoming court dates related to the arrest.
• The full name and aliases of the arrested person
• Date and location of the arrest
• The charges filed against the individual

Jefferson County Arrest Statistics

Data available shows that in Jefferson county, Tennessee, 17,970 arrests were made by the Sheriff's Department while the Police department executed 5,266 bringing the total arrests by law enforcement between 2013 to 2021 to 23,236.

Find Jefferson County Arrest Records

Several state and federal resources are available to find arrest records in Jefferson County.

• The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) provides criminal background checks that include arrest information.
• The Jefferson County Detention Center may also be used by individuals to check inmates online.
• The Federal Bureau of Prisons provides information about people seeking information on individuals detained in federal facilities.

These resources are available for anyone seeking information about an inmate's arrest and detention status.

Free Arrest Record Search in Jefferson County

There are free resources available for conducting arrest records searches in Jefferson County.

• The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office offers online access to recent arrests and inmate information through its website. This online database allows individuals to search for arrest records by name, booking date, or charge.
• Free third party websites also offer arrest records searches though their data may be less comprehensive or up-to-date compared to government sites.

Jefferson County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

It is important to explain the differences between arrest records and criminal records in Jefferson County. Arrest records simply indicate that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement but did not confirm that the person was convicted of a crime. Criminal records, on the other hand, provide a full history of a person's interaction with the justice system, including convictions, sentencing, and other legal outcomes. Arrest records are usually included as part of a criminal record, but the two types of records serve different purposes.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Tennessee, arrest records typically remain on an individual's record indefinitely unless they are expunged. Arrests that do not result in a conviction may still appear on the person's record, potentially affecting future employment or housing opportunities. However, individuals may petition the court for expungement in certain cases, particularly if the case was dropped or dismissed.

Expunge Jefferson County Arrest Records

Individuals in Jefferson County May seek to expunge their arrest record if they meet the eligibility criteria set by Tennessee law. Expungement removes an arrest record from public access, effectively sealing it so that it no longer appears in background checks. To be considered eligible for an expungement, the individual must not have been convicted, or their charges must have been missed. The process involves filing a petition with the Jefferson County Circuit code and providing documentation that demonstrates eligibility. Tennessee's Expungement law (T.C.A, § 40-32-101) outlines the following requirements and processes for expunging records.

• Individuals with charges that were dismissed, nolle prosequi (dropped), or where they were acquitted are eligible for expungement without any waiting period. This also includes cases where no true bill was issued by the grand jury or a case that was retired or not prosecuted.

• Tennessee permits expungement for certain Misdemeanors and low-low felony convictions if the individual has completed all sentencing requirements and fulfilled a five-year waiting period from the end of their sentence. Common offenses eligible for expungement include

  • Certain drug offenses
  • Theft under $1000 dollars (Class A Misdemeanor)
  • Worthless checks (Class D felony)

• Certain crimes are not eligible for expungement under Tennessee law, including;

  • Violent crimes and any offenses involving bodily harm
  • Sexual offenses such as sexual battery and child exploitation
  • DUI offenses which are specifically extended from expungement by Tennessee law
  • Offenses relating to public corruption or abuse of office.

• An individual with multiple convictions may face restrictions on eligibility for expungement.

Expungement Processes

The Tennessee expungement process involves several steps, each governed by the Tennessee code annotated and Local county court records rules as follows:

• A petition must be filed with the court where the original case was heard, and the petition must include information about the offense, the final case outcome, and a statement of eligibility.
• Tennessee generally charges a fee for expungement application, typically around $100. However, non conviction records such as dismissed charges may be eligible for fee waiver which the court must review based on financial eligibility.
• The Jefferson County circuit or general sessions court reviews the petition. In some cases, a hearing may be scheduled to allow both the petitioner and the prosecutor to present arguments regarding the expungement.
• The court then examines eligibility based on the nature of the crime, the completion of the sentence, and the conduct since conviction.
• If granted, the court issues an expungement order that directs all state agencies and law enforcement to remove or seal a record from public databases and online records.

Jefferson County Arrest Warrants

Per Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) §40-6-25 to § 40-6-215, an arrest warrant in Jefferson County is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate authorizing law enforcement to take an individual into custody. Arrest warrants are issued when there is probable cause that a person has committed a crime or failed to comply with a court order. A warrant typically contains the individual's name, the charges against them, the date of issuance, and the signature of the issuing judge. In some cases, an arrest warrant provides information on how the arrest should be executed and or any bail condition.

Do Jefferson County Arrest Warrants Expire?

Arrest warrants in Jefferson county generally do not expire. Once issued, the warrant remains active until the individual is apprehended or the court recalls the warrant of arrest. However, changes to the underlying offense or charges may alter the enforceability of the arrest warrant.