Jefferson County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Jefferson County in 2026
JeffersonTNRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Jefferson County, Tennessee. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case data, and related criminal history details. Record categories available through official and third-party sources include:
- Arrest and booking records
- Mugshots and booking photographs
- Criminal charge information
- Court case filings
- Inmate custody status
- Bond and bail records
Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following sections outline all available methods for locating arrest records in Jefferson County.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed through the county detention facility. Members of the public may access current inmate information, including charges, booking dates, and custody status. The jail roster is updated on a regular basis and reflects current detainee information. Searches may be conducted by name or booking number through the Sheriff's Office online portal.
2. Local Police Departments
The Jefferson City Police Department serves the incorporated city of Jefferson City and maintains arrest logs and press releases related to criminal activity within city limits. The Criminal Investigation Division handles follow-up on arrests made by patrol officers. Members of the public seeking arrest information from city-level law enforcement may contact the department directly or submit a public records request.
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Jefferson County Circuit Court and General Sessions Court maintains criminal case files linked to arrests processed through the county. Members of the public may search court case records by defendant name to locate associated criminal proceedings. Court records reflect charges filed, hearing dates, dispositions, and sentencing information. The Circuit Court serves as the primary repository for felony case files, while General Sessions Court handles misdemeanor and preliminary hearing matters.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) maintains the Tennessee Criminal History Records database, which includes arrest and conviction information from law enforcement agencies statewide. Members of the public may request a criminal history record check through the TBI Criminal History Records Unit. A standard fee applies to public record requests. The database includes arrests from all jurisdictions within Tennessee and is updated as agencies submit new records.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
175 Courthouse Drive
Dandridge, TN 37725
Phone: (865) 397-3838
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
- Records division is located at the main facility
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Valid government-issued photo identification is required
- Requestors should provide the full name of the subject, date of arrest if known, and booking number if available
- Copy fees apply per page; cash and check are accepted
Police Departments:
Jefferson City Police Department
P.O. Box 190, 317 W. Old Andrew Johnson Hwy
Jefferson City, TN 37760
Phone: (865) 475-9071
Jefferson City Police Department
- Records requests may be submitted in person during business hours
- Officers and administrative staff process requests for arrest logs and incident reports
- Fees for copies are assessed per page
Clerk of Court:
Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk
202 W. Main Street
Dandridge, TN 37725
Phone: (865) 397-3800
Circuit Court and General Sessions Court
- Criminal records division handles case file inspection and copy requests
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Case files may be inspected at the public access terminal in the clerk's office
- Copy fees are assessed per page; certification fees apply for certified copies
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office at 175 Courthouse Drive, Dandridge, TN 37725. Each written request should include:
- Full legal name of the subject
- Date of arrest, if known
- Booking number, if known
- Requestor's full name and return mailing address
- Payment for applicable copy fees
Processing time for mailed requests varies and may take several business days to several weeks depending on volume and record availability.
By Phone:
- Jefferson County Sheriff's Office: (865) 397-3838
- Jefferson City Police Department: (865) 475-9071
- Phone inquiries provide limited information; staff may direct callers to the online system or an in-person visit for detailed records
- Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records in the context of civil or criminal litigation. Discovery procedures in active criminal proceedings provide defense counsel access to arrest reports, evidence logs, and related documentation through the District Attorney's office.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number, if known
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Jefferson City Police, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Jefferson County
Arrest records in Jefferson County are public records under Tennessee law. Pursuant to the Tennessee Public Records Act, codified at Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-501 et seq., all records maintained by government agencies are presumed open to public inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Jefferson County's public records policy reflects this presumption of openness, and arrest records are among the categories of records routinely made available to members of the public.
As stated in the Tennessee Public Records Act, "All state, county and municipal records shall, at all times during business hours, be open for personal inspection by any citizen of Tennessee." This principle underlies the public availability of arrest records maintained by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, local police departments, and the Circuit Court Clerk.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Custody status
- Basic demographic information (age, physical description)
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under Tennessee law)
- Expunged arrest records (removed from public access by court order)
- Sealed records (subject to court-ordered confidentiality)
- Active investigation information that could compromise ongoing law enforcement activity
- Undercover officer identities
- Confidential informant information
- Victim identifying information in certain cases
- Witness protection participants
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Tennessee Constitution, Article I, Section 19, protects freedom of the press and supports public access to government records. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through statutory exemptions within the Tennessee Public Records Act. First Amendment protections extend to media organizations seeking arrest information for reporting purposes. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the status of charges, including dismissals and acquittals.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Tennessee does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain local ordinances may apply. An important distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.
What's in Jefferson County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth
- Age at time of arrest
- Sex/gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public release)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest (street address or general area)
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, or other)
- Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions
- Classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
- Gang-related designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints (collected but not typically included in public records)
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
- Bail bondsman information, if applicable
- Release date and time, if released
- Release conditions, if public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction (Circuit Court or General Sessions Court)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, if available
Prior Arrest History (may be included):
- Previous arrests processed through Jefferson County
- Previous booking numbers
- Historical charge information
- Not always included in a current arrest record
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
- Witness statements
- Victim information
- Evidence collected
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Substance abuse information
- Social Security number (redacted)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate request procedures
- Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
- Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Jefferson County?
The Tennessee Public Records Act permits government agencies to charge reasonable fees for producing copies of public records. Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-506, agencies may charge for the actual cost of producing copies, and inspection of records in person is available at no charge.
Standard Fee Structure:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (standard) | $0.15 per page (standard rate) |
| Certified copies | Additional certification fee applies |
| Electronic copies | Actual cost of production |
| In-person inspection | No charge |
| Search fee | No charge for standard requests |
- Inspection of records at the clerk's office or Sheriff's Office records division is available at no cost during regular business hours
- Copy fees are assessed per page for paper reproductions
- Certification fees apply when a certified copy bearing the clerk's seal is required
- Electronic format fees reflect the actual cost of producing the record in digital form
- Accepted payment methods include cash, check, and money order; some offices accept credit cards
Fee Waivers:
Tennessee law does not mandate a blanket fee waiver for indigent requestors, but agencies retain discretion to waive fees in certain circumstances. Requests submitted by news media organizations for records related to matters of public interest may qualify for reduced or waived fees at the agency's discretion.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- In-person inspection of public arrest records
- Online jail roster access through the Sheriff's Office website
- Court case information available through the clerk's public access terminal
How To Delete Arrest Records in Jefferson County
Tennessee law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement refers to the legal erasure of a record, resulting in its destruction or removal from public databases. Sealing restricts public access to a record without physically destroying it, meaning law enforcement agencies may retain access while the record is removed from public view. The distinction is significant because sealed records remain accessible to certain government agencies, while expunged records are treated as though the arrest did not occur for most purposes.
Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-32-101, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in the following circumstances:
- Charges were dismissed or retired to the docket
- The individual was acquitted at trial
- The prosecution declined to file charges (no-information)
- The individual successfully completed a diversion program
- Certain low-level misdemeanor convictions after the required waiting period
- Certain felony convictions designated as eligible under Tennessee's expungement statute
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case file from the Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk at 202 W. Main Street, Dandridge, TN 37725
- Confirm eligibility based on the charge classification and case disposition
- Complete the petition for expungement form, available from the Circuit Court Clerk's office
- File the petition with the Circuit Court Clerk and pay the applicable filing fee (currently $350 for eligible convictions; no fee for dismissals and acquittals under Tennessee law)
- Serve a copy of the petition on the District Attorney General's office
- Attend any scheduled hearing if the District Attorney objects
- Upon entry of the expungement order, the court notifies the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and local law enforcement agencies to update or destroy records
Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk
202 W. Main Street
Dandridge, TN 37725
Phone: (865) 397-3800
Circuit Court and General Sessions Court
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation – Criminal History Records Unit
901 R.S. Gass Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37216
Phone: (615) 744-4000
TBI Criminal History Records
Individuals seeking expungement are advised to retain legal counsel, as the process involves court filings and potential hearings. The Tennessee Supreme Court's Access to Justice Initiative provides resources for low-income individuals seeking legal assistance with expungement matters.
What Happens After Arrest in Jefferson County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Jefferson County Detention Center, located at 175 Courthouse Drive, Dandridge, TN 37725. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion prior to transport.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the detention facility, the booking process begins. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
- Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
- Criminal history check conducted
- Outstanding warrants check performed
- Personal property inventoried and stored
- Clothing exchanged for jail-issued uniform
- Medical screening completed
- Brief mental health screening conducted
- Housing classification assigned
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Tennessee law requires that an arrested individual be brought before a magistrate or judge without unnecessary delay, and within 72 hours of arrest for most offenses. At the first appearance:
- The individual is formally notified of the charges
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
- Bond or bail is determined
- Rights are explained
First appearances may be conducted via video conference from the detention facility.
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees. The bond amount is set by the presiding judge or magistrate, or according to a bond schedule for certain offenses.
Surety Bond: The individual or a family member engages a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the total bond. The bondsman assumes responsibility for the individual's appearance at all court dates.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear without monetary payment. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and an assessment of flight risk.
No Bond: The individual is held without the possibility of bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.
Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes one to eight hours. The individual receives personal property, a written court date, and conditions of release. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant.
If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to facility rules, commissary procedures, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender's Office:
Jefferson County Public Defender
202 W. Main Street, Suite 201
Dandridge, TN 37725
Phone: (865) 397-2916
Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Defendants complete an application at the first appearance or through the clerk's office.
Private Attorney: Defendants retain the right to hire private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Tennessee Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private representation. Attorney-client consultations at the detention facility are confidential.
Charging Decision:
The District Attorney General's office for the 4th Judicial District reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. The prosecutor may file formal charges by information or indictment, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges based on the evidence.
For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed. Grand jury proceedings are conducted without defense counsel present and result in an indictment if the grand jury finds sufficient cause.
Arraignment follows the filing of formal charges. The defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are scheduled.
Court Process Overview:
During the pretrial phase, both parties engage in discovery, exchanging police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may address suppression of evidence, dismissal of charges, or other legal issues. Plea negotiations may result in a resolution prior to trial.
Case Resolution Options:
- Dismissal: Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness problems, or legal defects
- Diversion Programs: Pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal of charges
- Plea Agreement: Defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed charges with a recommended sentence
- Trial: Jury trial or bench trial; verdict of guilty or not guilty; sentencing hearing follows a guilty verdict
Sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: Within 72 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Months, varying widely by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
- Felonies: May take six months to over one year
- Right to speedy trial: Protected under the Tennessee Constitution, Article I, Section 9
Rights Throughout the Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to an attorney
- Right to a speedy trial
- Right to confront witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
Important Contacts:
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
175 Courthouse Drive
Dandridge, TN 37725
Phone: (865) 397-3838
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk
202 W. Main Street
Dandridge, TN 37725
Phone: (865) 397-3800
Circuit Court and General Sessions Court
District Attorney General – 4th Judicial District
P.O. Box 218
Dandridge, TN 37725
Phone: (865) 397-0717
Jefferson County Public Defender
202 W. Main Street, Suite 201
Dandridge, TN 37725
Phone: (865) 397-2916
What to Do If Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
- Request an attorney immediately and do not discuss the case until counsel is present
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than an attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Jefferson County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Jefferson County is governed by Tennessee state law and the policies of the Tennessee State Library and Archives, which establishes records retention schedules for county government agencies. Under Tennessee's records management framework, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records for specified minimum periods based on the type of record and the disposition of the associated case.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Court Clerk, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
- Maintained in the FBI's Interstate Identification Index (III) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) indefinitely
- Part of the individual's permanent criminal history
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Circuit Court Clerk for court case files
- Local law enforcement records retained according to the applicable retention schedule, typically a minimum of ten years
- State repository retains records permanently
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum period before becoming eligible for destruction
- Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged by court order
- State repository retains records unless updated following expungement
Acquittals:
- Court records often retained permanently
- Local law enforcement records subject to applicable retention schedule
- May be sealed or expunged upon petition
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records subject to shorter retention periods
- May be eligible for expungement under Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-32-101
- Requestors may petition for removal following a no-information determination
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards retained according to the state retention schedule
- Photographs retained for the duration of the applicable retention period
- Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and charge classification
Digital Records:
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records retained for a minimum period per the state schedule
- Records management system entries often retained permanently
- Court electronic records retained permanently in most cases
Third-Party Databases:
- Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
- Third-party databases are not controlled by law enforcement and may not reflect expungements or dismissals
- The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accurate records and update information when notified of changes
Retention by Agency:
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
175 Courthouse Drive
Dandridge, TN 37725
Phone: (865) 397-3838
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
- Booking records and arrest reports retained per the Tennessee County Records Retention Schedule
- Investigative files retained based on charge classification and case outcome
Jefferson City Police Department
317 W. Old Andrew Johnson Hwy
Jefferson City, TN 37760
Phone: (865) 475-9071
Jefferson City Police Department
- Arrest records and incident reports retained per applicable state schedule
- Retention periods may vary by record type
Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk
202 W. Main Street
Dandridge, TN 37725
Phone: (865) 397-3800
Circuit Court and General Sessions Court
- Felony case files retained permanently
- Misdemeanor case files retained for a minimum of ten years
- Electronic records retained permanently
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation – State Repository:
- Maintains criminal history records for all arrests reported by Tennessee law enforcement agencies
- Retention policy reflects permanent maintenance of conviction records and retention of arrest records unless expunged
- TBI Criminal History Records Unit processes expungement notifications and updates the state database accordingly
FBI Database:
- The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records
- Federal retention is permanent for most arrest and conviction records
- Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background checks related to employment, firearms, and other purposes
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Permanent retention in all major databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
- Dismissal: May remain in databases unless expunged; not reported on standard employment background checks in many cases
- Expungement: Physical destruction or sealing of local records; state repository updated; FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement; removal from public databases typically occurs within 60 to 90 days of the court order
- No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period; eligible for expungement petition in most cases
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
- Recent arrests are available online through the Sheriff's Office jail roster and the court clerk's case search system
- Older arrests may require an in-person request and retrieval from archives, with possible additional fees and longer processing times
- Very old records may not be digitized and may exist only in paper form; some records may have been destroyed pursuant to the applicable retention schedule
Impact on Background Checks:
Standard employment background checks conducted through consumer reporting agencies are subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which limits reporting of most adverse information to seven years for positions paying below a certain salary threshold. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Tennessee does not currently impose a statewide limit on reporting convictions. Arrests without convictions are subject to accuracy requirements under the FCRA, and consumer reporting agencies must update records to reflect expungements.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (865) 397-3838 or submit a written public records request pursuant to the Tennessee Public Records Act. A fee may apply for copies of responsive records.