Are Criminal Records in Sullivan County Publicly Accessible?

Yes, Sullivan County, Tennessee criminal records are generally publicly accessible under the Tennessee Public Record Act. The public can request and view certain criminal records unless they are sealed, expunged, or otherwise protected by privacy laws. Criminal records typically include arrests, charges, convictions, and sentencing. However, some records, such as those related to juveniles, ongoing investigations, or certain confidential court orders, may be restricted. Tennessee law allows for releasing these records to the public, but some records may be sealed by a court order or expunged from public view.

Who is Eligible to Access Sullivan County Criminal Records in Tennessee?

Various individuals and entities are authorized to access criminal records in Sullivan County, including:

• Law enforcement Agencies: They can access criminal records without consent for investigative or law enforcement purposes.
• Employers can also request criminal background checks for potential employees, usually with applicants' consent.
• Attorneys can request criminal records for legal representation or litigation purposes, usually with consent from the individual.
• The general public can also access criminal records unless restricted, but they must provide the individual's consent or meet specific criteria in some cases.

Limitations: Some records, such as sealed or expunged, may be restricted and require a court order to access.

How to Request Criminal Records in Sullivan County

To request criminal records in Sullivan County, follow these steps.

• Choose your Request method.
  • You can also request records online. by mail or in person. Here, you submit your request to the local law enforcement agency or the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI)
• Provide the required information, including:
  • Full name and date of birth of the individual whose record is requested.
  • Details such as the case number or date of arrest, if available.
• Verify your identity.
  • You may need proof of identity, such as a government-issued ID.
• Fees payment.
  • Expect to pay a processing fee. This can vary depending on the type of record and request method. Fees may be paid by check, money order, or online through credit card.
• Submit your request at:
  Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI)
  901 RS Gass Boulevard
  Nashville, TN 37216
  Phone: (615) 744-4000
  For third-party requests, use
• Wait for Processing: processing times can vary. Online requests take 1-2 days, while mail may take several weeks.

In addition, non-confidential criminal records may also be accessible through Tennesseecourtrecords.us and other third-party online databases. However, the accuracy of records obtained on such platforms cannot be guaranteed.

What Information is Contained in Sullivan County Criminal Records?

Sullivan County criminal records typically include the following details:

• Identifying information about the individual, such as full name and date of birth.
• Specific criminal charges filed against the individual.
• Dates and circumstances of arrests made.
• Outcomes of trials and convictions, if any.
• Information on sentences, such as prison time or probation.
• Information regarding parole or probation periods, if applicable.

Certain information, such as Juvenile records, sealed cases, or expunged convictions, may be excluded or redacted. Additionally, records related to ongoing investigations or pending charges are not usually fully accessible.

Are There Restrictions on Accessing Criminal Records in Sullivan County?

Yes, some criminal records in Sullivan County are subject to restrictions. These include:

• Records that a court order has sealed due to privacy concerns or special circumstances.
• Criminal records that have been expunged, meaning they are legally removed from public view following a successful application process.
• Criminal records involving minors are typically restricted to protect the Individual's privacy.
• Records related to current investigations or cases under litigation are usually withheld from public access.

Access to these restricted records may still be granted to law enforcement agencies or under certain court-ordered conditions.

What Happens if My Request for Criminal Records is Denied in Sullivan County?

If your request is denied:

• Reach out to the agency that denied your request for clarification on why it was rejected.
• You may then appeal the denial to the relevant court or agency.
• If the denial seems unjust, you may file a formal complaint under Tennessee's Public Records Act.
• If you desire, you can take legal action to change the denial of access to the records.

For further assistance, you may wish to contact the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation or the Local Sullivan County Clerk's Office.

How to Expunge or Seal Sullivan County Criminal Records

Expunging or sealing criminal records in Sullivan County typically involves the following steps.

• You can generally apply for expungement after you have been convicted of a misdemeanor or certain Felonies or if you were acquitted of charges.
• In most cases, a person must wait several years(depending on the type of conviction and nature of the case) after completing their sentence or probation before applying for expungement.
• File a petition to the court detailing the case and explaining why expungement or sealing is necessary.
• A judge will review the petition and may order the expungement or sealing of records.
• Once granted, the criminal record is removed from public databases, and then individuals can legally state that they do not have a criminal record.