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Knox County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Knox County

Yes, arrest records in Knox County are public information under Tennessee's Public Records Act. This means that anyone can access these records, which include details about arrests made by the Knox County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies within the county.

The Knox County Sheriff's Office maintains these records and makes them available to the public through various means, including their online inmate search tool and in-person requests at their records division.

Knox County Sheriff's Office: 400 Main Street, Suite L165, Knoxville, TN 37902

What's in Knox County Arrest Records

Knox County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been arrested, including:

  • Full name of the arrested person
  • Date of birth and age
  • Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
  • Mugshot or booking photograph
  • Date and time of arrest
  • Location of arrest
  • Charges filed
  • Booking number
  • Bond information
  • Court dates
  • Arresting agency
  • Current custody status

These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement and entry into the criminal justice system in Knox County.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Knox County in 2025

To look up arrest records in Knox County in 2025, you have several options:

  1. Online Inmate Search: The Knox County Sheriff's Office provides an online inmate search tool on their website where you can search for current inmates and recent arrests.

  2. Visit in Person: You can visit the Knox County Sheriff's Office Records Division to request arrest records. Knox County Sheriff's Office Records Division: 400 Main Street, Suite L165, Knoxville, TN 37902

  3. Mail Request: Send a written request to the Sheriff's Office Records Division with the specific information you're seeking.

  4. Knox County Criminal Court Clerk: For case information related to arrests, you can contact the Criminal Court Clerk's office. Knox County Criminal Court Clerk: 400 Main Street, Suite 208, Knoxville, TN 37902

  5. Third-Party Websites: Various online services aggregate public records, including arrest information from Knox County.

When searching, it's helpful to have the individual's full name and, if possible, their date of birth to ensure accurate results.

How To Find Knox County Arrest Records Online

Finding Knox County arrest records online is straightforward through these methods:

  1. Knox County Sheriff's Office Website: Visit the official website and use their inmate search function to find current inmates and recent arrests. Website: https://www.knoxsheriff.org

  2. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation: The TBI maintains a criminal history database that includes Knox County arrests. TBI Headquarters: 901 R.S. Gass Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37216

  3. Knox County Criminal Court Clerk's Website: Search court cases related to arrests. Website: https://www.knoxcounty.org/criminalcourt/

  4. Public Records Databases: Websites like Vinelink, Mugshots.com, and JailBase aggregate arrest information from multiple sources, including Knox County.

  5. Local News Websites: Local Knoxville news outlets often report on significant arrests and maintain searchable archives.

When using these online resources, remember that the most up-to-date and accurate information comes directly from official county sources.

Can You Search Knox County Arrest Records for Free?

Yes, you can search Knox County arrest records for free through several channels:

  1. Knox County Sheriff's Office Website: Their online inmate search tool is free to use.

  2. In-Person Requests: Basic searches at the Sheriff's Office Records Division are free, though there may be fees for printed copies. Knox County Sheriff's Office Records Division: 400 Main Street, Suite L165, Knoxville, TN 37902

  3. Public Library Resources: The Knox County Public Library offers free access to some public records databases. Knox County Public Library (Main Location): 500 W. Church Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902

  4. Court Records: Basic searches through the Criminal Court Clerk's online system are free.

While basic searches are typically free, be aware that:

  • Certified copies of records usually involve a fee
  • Comprehensive background checks may require payment
  • Third-party websites often charge for detailed information or removal of records

For the most comprehensive free access, using the official county resources is your best option.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Knox County

Deleting arrest records in Knox County is possible through the expungement process, though not all records qualify. Here's how to proceed:

  1. Determine Eligibility: Tennessee law allows expungement for:

    • Arrests that didn't result in conviction
    • Certain non-violent misdemeanor and felony convictions after waiting periods
    • Diversion program completions
    • Some juvenile records

  2. File a Petition: Submit an expungement petition with the Knox County Criminal Court. Knox County Criminal Court: 400 Main Street, Suite 208, Knoxville, TN 37902

  3. Pay Filing Fee: The standard fee is approximately $280, though fee waivers may be available for those who qualify.

  4. Attend Hearing: If required, attend any scheduled court hearings regarding your petition.

  5. Legal Assistance: Consider consulting with an attorney specializing in expungements. The Knox County Public Defender's Office may provide assistance for qualifying individuals. Knox County Public Defender's Office: 1209 Euclid Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37921

If approved, an expungement order will be sent to all relevant agencies to remove the record from public access. However, some government agencies may retain internal records even after expungement.

What Happens After Arrest in Knox County?

After an arrest in Knox County, the process typically follows these steps:

  1. Booking: The arrested person is taken to the Knox County Detention Facility where they are photographed, fingerprinted, and their personal information is recorded. Knox County Detention Facility: 5001 Maloneyville Road, Knoxville, TN 37918

  2. Initial Appearance: Within 48 hours, the arrested person appears before a judicial commissioner or judge who:

    • Reviews probable cause for the arrest
    • Sets bail if applicable
    • Informs the person of their charges
    • Appoints an attorney if needed

  3. Bail Determination: The judge sets bail based on:

    • Severity of the alleged crime
    • Criminal history
    • Flight risk
    • Community ties
    • Public safety considerations

  4. Arraignment: The formal reading of charges occurs at the Knox County Criminal Court, where the defendant enters a plea. Knox County Criminal Court: 400 Main Street, Suite 208, Knoxville, TN 37902

  5. Case Progression: Depending on the plea and type of case, the matter proceeds to:

    • Preliminary hearings
    • Plea negotiations
    • Trial preparations
    • Trial

Throughout this process, the arrest record is created and updated with new information as the case progresses through the system.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Knox County?

Arrest records in Knox County are typically kept indefinitely unless they are expunged through legal processes. Here's what you should know about record retention:

  1. Standard Retention: Without expungement, arrest records remain in the system permanently and continue to appear in background checks.

  2. Digital Records: Modern arrest records are stored digitally in the Knox County Sheriff's Office database and may be accessible indefinitely. Knox County Sheriff's Office: 400 Main Street, Suite L165, Knoxville, TN 37902

  3. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Records: Arrest fingerprints and information are also maintained in the TBI's database system. TBI Headquarters: 901 R.S. Gass Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37216

  4. Court Records: Related court records are maintained by the Knox County Criminal Court Clerk and follow their retention schedules. Knox County Criminal Court Clerk: 400 Main Street, Suite 208, Knoxville, TN 37902

  5. Expunged Records: If a record is successfully expunged, it should be removed from public access, though some internal law enforcement records may be retained with restricted access.

The permanent nature of these records underscores the importance of the expungement process for those who qualify, as it's the only way to remove arrest records from public view.

How to Find Mugshots in Knox County

Finding mugshots in Knox County can be accomplished through several methods:

  1. Knox County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search: The online inmate search tool often includes booking photos of current inmates. Website: https://www.knoxsheriff.org

  2. Records Request: Submit a formal request to the Knox County Sheriff's Office Records Division. Knox County Sheriff's Office Records Division: 400 Main Street, Suite L165, Knoxville, TN 37902

  3. Local News Websites: Knoxville news outlets sometimes publish mugshots for notable arrests.

  4. Third-Party Websites: Several websites aggregate mugshots from public records, including those from Knox County. These include:

    • Mugshots.com
    • JailBase
    • Busted Newspaper

  5. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request: Submit a formal FOIA request to the Sheriff's Office for specific mugshots.

When seeking mugshots, be aware that:

  • Recent arrests are more likely to have accessible mugshots
  • Some mugshots may be withheld for ongoing investigations
  • Expunged records should no longer have publicly available mugshots
  • Using third-party websites may involve fees or privacy concerns

For the most reliable and current information, going directly through official Knox County channels is recommended.

Lookup Arrest Records in Knox County

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