Union County Arrest Records

In Union County, Tennessee, just like any other jurisdiction, when law enforcement officers have reasons to believe a crime has been committed, it becomes necessary to make arrests. Arrests may be deemed necessary when a crime is witnessed by an officer who may then make an immediate arrest, or if a judge issues an arrest warrant, instantly giving a law enforcement officer the authority to arrest a person. An individual may also be arrested if a police investigation leads an officer to believe he has a suspect who may be guilty of committing a crime.

When such an arrest is made, inmates in Union County are typically held at the Union County Jail. Union County Arrest Records may contain arrest details such as the individual's information, the charges, the date and time of the arrest, and the arresting officer involved. They may also be accessed through Union County court records. The county's criminal court cases, especially arraignment records, may contain arrest details.

Are Arrest Records Public in Union County?

In Tennessee, Union County, precisely, arrest records are public according to the Tennessee Public Records Act. These records are primarily maintained by the Union County Sheriff's Office, which may be accessed at:

Union County Sheriff's Office
130 Veterans Street
Maynardville, Tennessee 37807
Phone: (865) 992-5212
(865) 992-4062 - Non-Emergency Dispatch
(865) 992-6262 - Jail

However, some records may be sealed or redacted if they contain protected information. Some examples of such restrictions may include:

• Juvenile records
• Sealed records by court orders
• Records that may expose confidential sources
• Records from an ongoing law enforcement investigation or a pending court case
• Personally identifiable records such as full address or Social Security Number

Union County Arrest Statistics

Union County arrest statistics feature the details of crimes recorded for incarcerations and detentions. The FBI UCR website provides details of the county's arrests between 2023 and 2024. Per the data, the county recorded 255 arrests for all other offenses, 35 arrests for simple assaults, and eight arrests for aggravated assault and larceny, respectively. The county recorded four motor vehicle theft arrests, three burglary arrests, and one arrest for arson. There were no arrests for robbery, murder, or rape.

Find Union County Arrest Records

Union County arrest records are public records primarily maintained by the Sheriff's Office. These records may be obtained from law enforcement agencies and the courts through criminal case records. The public may access arrest records using public requests submitted in person or via mail. These requests must contain some details about the inmate or the arrest circumstances.

The public may also use online resources like the state Department of Corrections' Offender Search website. This website allows name searches for individuals incarcerated across the state. You may also use the Search - Tennessee Felony Offender Information website for a more specialized search of inmates charged with felonies. The county's criminal court documents containing arrest records may be accessed online through the state's Public Case History website.

Union County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

In Union County and all other counties in Tennessee, there is a clear difference between arrest and criminal records. Arrest records consider the event of an individual being taken into custody by law enforcement. It indicates that a person was detained because they were suspected of committing a crime. The arrest record consists of information such as the alleged criminal's name and identifying information, the date and location of the arrest, and the alleged charges or offences.

On the other hand, a criminal record documents an individual's history with the criminal justice system. It includes arrest records and additional details about what happened after an arrest. These additional details include charges filed by the prosecutor, court appearances and proceedings, convictions, and, if the court imposed any sentences, information about probation, parole, or incarceration.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Union County arrest records may remain publicly accessible on your criminal records until they are removed. The ability to remove arrests from your records in Union County depends on the nature of the offense and the arrest. Removing arrests from your public records requires certain conditions to be satisfied.

Such conditions include a no conviction or dismissal verdict where nolle prosequi or the arrest led to no charge. Completing a Diversion Program may also make you eligible for expungement of arrests. If there was a conviction, expungement may be allowed essentially for non-violent and first-time offenders after a waiting period is satisfied. There are also some specific conditions, such as no new convictions or arrests during the waiting period. Individuals who satisfy the eligibility requirements may file a Petition for Expungement with the Clerk of the Court where the case was handled.

Union County Arrest Warrants

Arrest warrants are legal documents issued by a judge that give the right to law enforcement officers to arrest a criminal suspect. In Union County, the process of obtaining an arrest warrant involves:

• An application by a law enforcement officer that is submitted to a court, either a local town or village court, or the Union County Court.
• Probable cause is provided by an officer who gives the court a sworn statement or evidence that proves a crime has been committed.
• Judicial Review of the application submitted by an officer of the law to determine if probable cause exists.
• The judge issues the warrant that authorizes law enforcement to arrest a person if probable cause exists.

An arrest warrant contains specific information such as the suspect's name, the charges against the person, the law enforcement agency authorized to execute the warrant, the court that issued the warrant, the date the warrant was approved, and the name of the judge who issued it. However, it is essential to note that arrest warrants are issued when a crime has been committed.

Do Union County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No, Union County arrest warrants are not issued with a time limit or expiration date. These documents are issued perpetually until certain factors make them obsolete or redundant. Arrest warrants do not expire but may be canceled or recalled by a judge. These documents also become ineffective after execution or when the person named in the document dies. The statutes of limitations do not make arrest warrants inactive, as these laws apply only to the prospect of prosecution. Thus, the arrest may still be effected, but the charges may not be pursued in court.

Expunge Union County Arrest Records

Union County arrest records may be expunged, as this is allowed by Tennessee laws. The process of expungement requires some conditions to be fulfilled for eligibility. These conditions include a no-conviction or dismissal of charges resulting from the arrest, satisfying the waiting period where there is a conviction, or successful completion of a Diversion Program. If the conditions for being eligible are satisfied, the following steps may be followed for expungement:

• Obtain the required documents, such as your case files and the verdict.
• Obtain and file a Petition for Expungement with the Clerk of Court where the case was heard.
• Contact the District Attorney's Office to notify them of the expungement request.
• The court may review the request and schedule a hearing if needed.
• After the court review, the request may be granted as a court order.
• The court order may be sent to the sheriff's office, the county jail, and other relevant law enforcement agencies to remove the arrest.