Monroe County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Monroe County, Tennessee, are created when law enforcement officers take a criminal suspect into custody. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for making arrests and creating and maintaining arrest records. This information includes details such as the nature of the alleged crime, the arrest date and time, and the arrestee's identity. Municipalities have other local police departments that make arrests.

Individuals arrested in Monroe County are held in the Monroe County Jail, which is supervised by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

In certain circumstances, arrest may lead to criminal prosecution, and such arrest records will form part of Monroe County Court Records. Court records provide a complete picture of the legal process following arrest, including convictions, acquittals, or dismissals.

Are Arrest Records Public in Monroe County?

According to the Tennessee Open Records Act, Monroe County arrest records are publicly available. This means that interested parties may request copies of arrest documents.

However, restrictions may apply when accessing certain arrest records or information. For example, records regarding juveniles, adoptions, mental health matters, or sealed or expunged records are unavailable to the public. Special authorization or court orders are required to access these records. Also, sensitive information such as social security numbers, financial details, or medical records are generally redacted to protect individuals’ privacy.

Monroe County Arrest Statistics

The Tennessee Incident-Based Reporting System (TIBRS) reports crime and arrest statistics for all counties in Tennessee. In 2022, Monroe County reported 110 arrests, including 39 violent crime arrests and 71 property crime arrests. The violent crime arrests included two for murder, one for rape, three for robbery, and 33 for aggravated assault. Regarding property crimes, there were 34 burglary arrests, 22 larceny arrests, and 14 motor vehicle theft arrests. There was one arson-related arrest.

Find Monroe County Arrest Records

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office provides online access to inmate information through the Monroe County Inmate Search. To obtain inmate information, call (615) 789-4109 and provide the relevant information.

At the state level, information on all inmates at any jail or correctional facility in the state is maintained by the Tennessee Department of Corrections. This information may be searched by using the Felony Offender Information. This inmate roster may be searched with the inmate’s first name or last name.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) operates an Inmate Locator tool to provide users with access to information on federal inmates. The tool may be searched by name, age, race, and BOP register number. You will find the inmate’s location, release date, and facility details.

Monroe County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Arrest records are official documents created when law enforcement apprehends a person. These records include information such as the personal information of the arrested individual, information regarding the arrest, and booking information, such as fingerprints and mugshots. The main purpose of arrest records is to document this preliminary interaction with law enforcement. Arrest records do not indicate a person’s guilt or innocence. They only state that the person was arrested on suspicion of a crime.

On the other hand, criminal records provide a comprehensive overview of a person’s criminal background. This information includes all arrests, detention, criminal proceedings, and sentences served. A criminal record contains information about charges, trials, and outcomes against a person, such as convictions, acquittals, or dismissals. They also contain information about sentencing, including prison terms, probation, and parole. Thus, criminal records show an individual’s interactions with the criminal justice system from initial arrest to final legal outcomes. They show whether the person was found guilty or not.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Tennessee, arrests usually stay on a person’s record indefinitely. If arrest records are not expunged, they do not automatically disappear and may be accessed as part of a person’s criminal history. Expungement is a legal process to remove those records, and eligibility for expungement depends on the nature of the crime and the individual’s criminal history.

In Monroe County, expungement involves a court process in which legal records of criminal cases are expunged or removed from public access. In Tennessee, only certain criminal records may be expunged.

The circumstances below qualify a person for expungement of records in Monroe County:

• The charges were dismissed.
• A “no true bill” was returned by a grand jury.
• Arrested and released without being charged.
• The case went to trial, but the court gave a not-guilty verdict.
• The case resulted in a nolle prosequi (prosecution was not pursued).
• A protective order was successfully defended and dismissed by the court following a hearing.

If a person meets any of the above requirements, they may file for expungement in the court where the matter originated. Below are the steps for obtaining an order of expungement:

• Use this form to file a request for an order of expungement with the court where your case originated. Also, reach out to the court clerk to ascertain if there are separate forms for multiple charges.
• Complete the form by listing the charge(s) that qualify for expungement and file the information at the courthouse. The applicant does not have to appear in court.
• If the applicant wants a copy of the expungement order, they should include a self-addressed stamped envelope for each charge.
• Request a certified copy of the order(s) expunging your record and a certified copy of the charging document.
• The application will be forwarded to the judge and to the proper agencies for expungement.

Monroe County Arrest Warrants

In Monore County, arrest warrants are documents issued by a judge providing law enforcement officers with authority to arrest and detain an individual for committing an offense. They are issued when evidence of probable cause reveals that the named person has committed an offense. This evidence is presented by the law enforcement agency or prosecutor to show reasons the arrest of the individual should be procured.

Arrest warrants are issued when:

• Evidence shows probable cause that an individual took part in criminal activity.
• An individual fails to appear in court as required.
• An individual who violates the terms of their probation or parole.
• Criminal investigations are ongoing, and there is reason to apprehend suspects.

An arrest warrant includes the following information:

• The individual's personal information, including name, address, and physical description.
• The offense(s) the individual is alleged to have committed.
• The date and time of issuing the warrant.
• A brief statement outlining the probable cause for the arrest.
• The signature and title of the issuing judge or magistrate.

Do Monroe County Arrest Warrants Expire?

Arrest warrants generally do not expire in Monroe County. Once a judge or magistrate issues an arrest warrant, it remains in effect until it is enforced or formally recalled or quashed by the court. This means that the person named in the warrant may be arrested at any time, regardless of how long it has been since the warrant was issued.