Warrant records in DeKalb County, Tennessee are classified as public records pursuant to the Tennessee Public Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-503). This legislation establishes that government documents, including arrest warrants, bench warrants, and search warrants, shall be accessible to citizens unless specifically exempted by state or federal law. The Tennessee Public Records Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability.
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office maintains warrant records in accordance with state regulations. These documents become public record once they have been executed and returned to the court. Certain warrant information may be temporarily sealed by judicial order during active investigations to preserve the integrity of law enforcement operations. Upon conclusion of such investigations, these records typically become available for public inspection.
Members of the public seeking warrant information may submit requests to the appropriate county agencies during regular business hours. Requestors should note that while warrant records are generally public, certain personal identifying information may be redacted in compliance with privacy provisions under T.C.A. § 10-7-504.
Warrant records maintained by DeKalb County authorities contain specific information as required by Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 4. Standard elements included in these official documents are:
• Full legal name of the subject and any known aliases • Physical description including height, weight, race, gender, and distinguishing features • Last known address of the subject • Nature and classification of the alleged offense(s) • Statutory citation of violated law(s) • Date of issuance and the issuing judicial authority • Case docket number and court of jurisdiction • Bond amount, if applicable • Signature of the issuing judge or magistrate
Additional information may include vehicle descriptions, known associates, and cautionary notes for law enforcement personnel regarding potential hazards when approaching the subject.
DeKalb County residents may verify warrant status through several no-cost methods established by county authorities. The following official channels provide warrant information without requiring payment:
• In-person inquiries at the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office located at 798 South Congress Boulevard, Smithville, TN 37166 • Direct telephone inquiries to the Sheriff's Office Records Division at (615) 597-4935 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM) • Public access terminals available at the DeKalb County Courthouse at 1 Public Square, Smithville, TN 37166 • Attendance at regularly scheduled court sessions, where warrant lists may be reviewed
Individuals seeking warrant information should be prepared to provide proper identification and may be required to complete a formal records request form in accordance with county procedures. Self-inquiries about personal warrant status will not result in immediate arrest when conducted through proper channels.
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office is the primary agency responsible for the execution of warrants within county jurisdiction. Sheriff warrants in DeKalb County fall into several categories as defined by Tennessee law:
• Arrest warrants: Judicial orders authorizing the apprehension of individuals charged with criminal offenses • Bench warrants: Court-issued directives for the arrest of persons who have failed to appear for scheduled court proceedings • Civil warrants: Legal documents ordering individuals to appear in court regarding non-criminal matters • Search warrants: Judicial authorization for law enforcement to search specified locations for evidence
The Sheriff's Warrant Division maintains active files on all outstanding warrants and coordinates with other law enforcement agencies for execution. Pursuant to T.C.A. § 40-6-210, warrants remain active until executed or recalled by judicial order. The Sheriff's Office prioritizes warrant service based on severity of the alleged offense and public safety considerations.
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office 798 South Congress Boulevard Smithville, TN 37166 (615) 597-4935 Official business hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Individuals seeking to determine their warrant status in DeKalb County in 2025 may utilize several official verification methods established by county authorities. The DeKalb County Criminal Court Clerk's Office maintains current warrant records and provides public access through multiple channels:
• Direct inquiry at the Criminal Court Clerk's Office located in the DeKalb County Courthouse at 1 Public Square, Smithville, TN 37166 • Telephone verification through the Court Clerk's warrant division at (615) 597-5711 • Online verification through the county's public records portal (when available) • Written request submitted to the Records Division with appropriate identifying information
Persons with active warrants are advised that appearing in person at law enforcement facilities may result in immediate arrest. Legal counsel may conduct warrant checks on behalf of clients without triggering enforcement action. The DeKalb County Clerk's Office cannot provide legal advice regarding warrant resolution but can direct individuals to appropriate resources.
DeKalb County Criminal Court Clerk 1 Public Square, Room 203 Smithville, TN 37166 (615) 597-5711 Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
DeKalb County maintains systematic procedures for verifying outstanding warrant status. Members of the public seeking information about active warrants may utilize the following official channels:
• The DeKalb County General Sessions Court provides warrant verification services during regular business hours at 1 Public Square, Smithville, TN 37166 • The Circuit Court Clerk's Office maintains warrant records related to felony cases and can be contacted at (615) 597-4322 • The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office Warrant Division responds to inquiries regarding active warrants at (615) 597-4935 • Third-party verification may be conducted by licensed attorneys or bail bond agencies on behalf of clients
Pursuant to Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure, certain warrant information may be temporarily restricted during active investigations. Individuals with reason to believe they may have outstanding warrants are advised to resolve these matters promptly to avoid potential arrest during routine interactions with law enforcement.
DeKalb County General Sessions Court 1 Public Square Smithville, TN 37166 (615) 597-5711 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Tennessee Bureau of Investigation • DeKalb County Sheriff's Office • Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts • Tennessee Department of Correction Offender Search • Tennessee Department of Human Services