Knox County Criminal Records
What Is Knox County Criminal Records
Knox County criminal records are official documents maintained by the Knox County Criminal Court Clerk's Office that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Knox County, Tennessee. These records document the complete history of criminal cases from initial arrest through final disposition, including charges, court appearances, and sentencing information. Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503, these records are considered public documents and are maintained in accordance with state record retention schedules.
The Knox County Criminal Court Clerk is the designated custodian of these records and is responsible for:
- Filing and preserving all criminal case documents
- Maintaining accurate docket information
- Processing case-related payments
- Providing certified copies of court records
- Facilitating public access to non-confidential records
Knox County Criminal Court Clerk
400 Main Street, Suite 416
Knoxville, TN 37902
(865) 215-2385
Knox County Criminal Court Clerk
Criminal records in Knox County encompass documentation from multiple jurisdictions, including Knox County Criminal Court, General Sessions Court - Criminal Division, and Fourth Circuit Court. These records serve as the official legal history of criminal proceedings and are utilized by law enforcement agencies, the judicial system, employers, and members of the public for various legitimate purposes.
Are Criminal Records Public In Knox County
Criminal records in Knox County are generally public documents in accordance with the Tennessee Public Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-503) and the Knox County Public Records Policy. Members of the public have the legal right to inspect and obtain copies of most criminal records maintained by Knox County government offices during regular business hours.
The following criminal records are typically available for public inspection:
- Arrest records and booking information
- Criminal court dockets and case files
- Indictments and charging documents
- Court judgments and sentencing information
- Probation and parole records
- Criminal background check results
However, certain exceptions to public access exist. Records that may be restricted include:
- Juvenile records (unless ordered opened by a judge)
- Records sealed by court order
- Ongoing investigation materials
- Records containing confidential personal information
- Expunged records
The Knox County Public Records Policy, adopted in accordance with T.C.A. § 10-7-503(g), establishes the procedures for requesting and accessing public records. Individuals seeking access to criminal records must submit requests to the appropriate records custodian, who will respond within seven business days as required by state law.
Knox County Records Management
311 Morgan Street
Knoxville, TN 37917
(865) 215-2321
Knox County Government
Requestors may be required to present identification and may be charged reasonable fees for copies of records as permitted under T.C.A. § 10-7-503(a)(7)(C)(i).
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Knox County in 2025
In 2025, Knox County offers multiple methods for accessing criminal records, providing flexibility to meet various research needs. Individuals seeking criminal record information may utilize the following official channels:
The primary method for obtaining comprehensive criminal records is through the Knox County Criminal Court Clerk's Office. Requestors may:
- Visit the office in person during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Submit a written request form with required identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees ($15.00 for a standard background search)
- Receive certified copies if needed for official purposes
Knox County Criminal Court Clerk
400 Main Street, Suite 416
Knoxville, TN 37902
(865) 215-2385
Knox County Criminal Court Clerk
For recent arrest information, the Knox County Sheriff's Office maintains a 24-hour arrest log that is updated daily. This resource provides basic booking information for individuals recently taken into custody at the Knox County Detention Facility. The information is accessible through the Sheriff's Office arrest database.
Knox County Sheriff's Office
400 Main Street, Suite L165
Knoxville, TN 37902
(865) 215-2444
Knox County Sheriff
For juvenile records, which are generally confidential under T.C.A. § 37-1-153, limited access may be granted through the Knox County Juvenile Court with proper authorization or court order.
Knox County Juvenile Court
3323 Division Street
Knoxville, TN 37919
(865) 215-6400
Knox County Juvenile Court
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information about the subject of the search, including full name, date of birth, and case numbers if available. This information helps ensure accurate results and efficient processing of record requests.
How To Find Criminal Records in Knox County Online?
Knox County provides several digital platforms for accessing criminal records information online, offering convenient alternatives to in-person requests. These electronic resources allow for efficient searches of various criminal justice records maintained by county agencies.
The Knox County Criminal Court Clerk's Office maintains a comprehensive online docket search system that allows users to access:
- Criminal case information
- Traffic violation records
- County ordinance violations
- Court dates and hearing schedules
- Case status updates
This system is accessible through the Criminal Court Clerk's docket search portal. Users may search by name, case number, or citation number to locate relevant records.
For background check purposes, the Criminal Court Clerk offers an online criminal history search service for a fee of $15.00. This service provides a detailed report of an individual's criminal history within Knox County jurisdiction. Requests can be initiated through the background search service on the clerk's website.
The Knox County Sheriff's Office maintains a regularly updated database of recent arrests. This resource, known as the 24-Hour Arrest List, provides information about individuals booked into the Knox County Detention Facility within the previous 24 hours. The list is accessible through the Sheriff's Office website and includes basic booking information.
When utilizing online search tools, users should note that:
- Some records may require additional verification
- Certain sensitive information may be redacted
- Complete case files may not be available electronically
- Official certified copies still require in-person requests
Online access to these records is provided in accordance with the Tennessee Public Records Act and Knox County's commitment to transparency in government operations.
Can You Search Knox County Criminal Records for Free?
Knox County provides limited options for free access to criminal records information, though comprehensive searches may incur fees. Members of the public should be aware of both free and fee-based options when seeking criminal records information.
Free access options include:
- In-person inspection of public criminal court records at the Knox County Criminal Court Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Basic online docket searches through the Criminal Court Clerk's website
- Access to the 24-hour arrest list maintained by the Knox County Sheriff's Office
- Review of public court calendars and hearing schedules
Knox County Criminal Court Clerk
400 Main Street, Suite 416
Knoxville, TN 37902
(865) 215-2385
Knox County Criminal Court Clerk
Fee-based services include:
- Comprehensive criminal background checks ($15.00)
- Certified copies of court documents ($5.00 per certification plus copy fees)
- Extensive record searches requiring staff assistance
- Copies of court records ($0.50 per page for standard copies)
Pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-503(a)(7)(C)(i), Knox County is authorized to charge reasonable fees to recover costs associated with providing copies of public records. The county's fee schedule is established in accordance with the Knox County Public Records Policy and is subject to periodic review by the Knox County Commission.
Individuals with limited financial resources who require criminal records for legal proceedings may qualify for fee waivers under certain circumstances. Such requests must be submitted in writing to the appropriate records custodian with documentation of financial hardship.
What's Included in a Knox County Criminal Record?
Knox County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within county jurisdiction. These records are maintained in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-501 et seq. and include detailed information about criminal proceedings from initiation through resolution.
A standard Knox County criminal record typically contains:
- Demographic information (name, date of birth, address)
- Arrest information and booking photographs
- Fingerprint records and identification data
- Charging documents (warrants, indictments, information)
- Court docket entries documenting all proceedings
- Plea information and hearing transcripts
- Judgment and sentencing documents
- Probation and parole information
- Fine and court cost assessments
- Case disposition information
For felony cases, additional documentation may include:
- Grand jury proceedings (indictment information)
- Pre-sentence investigation reports
- Victim impact statements
- Evidence inventories
- Appeal documentation
Knox County General Sessions Court
400 Main Street
Knoxville, TN 37902
(865) 215-2501
Knox County General Sessions Court
Criminal records maintained by Knox County are organized by case number and may be cross-referenced by the defendant's name and date of birth. The level of detail contained in these records varies based on the nature and complexity of the case, with felony proceedings typically generating more extensive documentation than misdemeanor cases.
Certain information within criminal records may be redacted or restricted, including social security numbers, financial account information, and other sensitive personal identifiers protected under T.C.A. § 10-7-504.
What Are the Penalties for a Knox County Criminal Trespass Charge?
Criminal trespass in Knox County is prosecuted under Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-14-405 and carries specific penalties based on the nature of the offense and the defendant's criminal history. The Knox County District Attorney General's Office is responsible for prosecuting these cases in accordance with state law.
Criminal trespass is generally classified as a Class C misdemeanor in Tennessee, which carries the following potential penalties:
- Maximum jail sentence of 30 days in the Knox County Detention Facility
- Fine of up to $50.00 plus applicable court costs
- Probation period of up to 11 months and 29 days
- Possible restitution to property owners
- Community service requirements
Aggravating factors that may enhance penalties include:
- Trespass on school property (Class B misdemeanor)
- Trespass accompanied by vandalism
- Trespass with a deadly weapon
- Repeat offenses
- Violation of previously issued no-trespass orders
Knox County District Attorney General
400 Main Street, Suite 168
Knoxville, TN 37902
(865) 215-2515
Knox County District Attorney
Defendants charged with criminal trespass in Knox County will typically have their cases heard in Knox County General Sessions Court. First-time offenders may be eligible for diversion programs that allow for the eventual dismissal of charges upon successful completion of court-ordered requirements.
The Knox County Criminal Court Clerk maintains records of all criminal trespass cases, including charging documents, court proceedings, and case dispositions. These records become part of an individual's criminal history and may be accessed through standard criminal record search procedures.
How Long Does Knox County Keep Criminal Records?
Knox County maintains criminal records in accordance with retention schedules established by the Tennessee Public Records Commission and codified in Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-501 et seq. These schedules determine the minimum period for which various types of criminal records must be preserved.
The retention periods for common criminal records in Knox County are as follows:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: 10 years after case closure
- Traffic violations: 10 years after case closure
- Arrest records: Permanent retention
- Court dockets and indexes: Permanent retention
- Probation records: 10 years after completion of probation
- Juvenile records: Sealed at age 18 unless otherwise ordered by the court
- Expunged records: Physically destroyed pursuant to court order
Knox County Records Management
311 Morgan Street
Knoxville, TN 37917
(865) 215-2321
Knox County Government
It is important to note that while records may be maintained indefinitely, access to certain records may be restricted based on statutory provisions or court orders. Additionally, individuals may petition the court for expungement of eligible criminal records under T.C.A. § 40-32-101, which provides for the removal of records from public access under specific circumstances.
Digital records management systems implemented by Knox County have expanded the county's capacity to maintain criminal records beyond the minimum retention periods. Consequently, many records are preserved indefinitely even when no longer required by law. This practice ensures the availability of historical criminal justice information for legitimate research and public safety purposes.
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