Yes, warrant records are public in Jefferson County, Tennessee. According to the Tennessee Public Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-503), most governmental records, including warrants, are accessible to the public. This transparency ensures that citizens have the right to obtain information about legal proceedings and law enforcement actions within the county. The Act promotes accountability and openness in government by allowing public access to documents and records unless specifically exempted by law.
In Jefferson County, warrant records are maintained by various governmental agencies, including the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and local courts. These records are considered public to enhance transparency and provide individuals with the opportunity to verify information regarding legal actions that may affect them or their community.
Pursuant to Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 4, arrest warrants become public records after they have been executed and returned. The rule specifies that "the magistrate shall endorse on the warrant the amount of bail required" and that these documents become part of the court record accessible to the public.
Warrant records in Jefferson County typically include the following information:
The information contained in warrant records is governed by T.C.A. § 40-6-205, which outlines the required elements of an arrest warrant. According to this statute, warrants must "state the offense charged, the name of the person against whom the accusation was made, and may designate such person by a name or description by which the person can be identified with reasonable certainty."
Free searches for warrant records in Jefferson County are available through various methods:
Members of the public may access these resources during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays. Pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-503(a)(2)(A), government agencies must make records available for inspection during regular business hours.
Sheriff Warrants in Jefferson County are legal documents issued by the court authorizing the sheriff to perform specific actions, such as arresting an individual. These warrants contain essential information, including the individual's name, the alleged offense, and instructions for the sheriff. They serve as a critical tool for law enforcement to maintain public safety and ensure compliance with the law.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office maintains records of all active warrants issued within the county jurisdiction. These warrants are executed by deputies and other law enforcement personnel in accordance with Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 4(c)(3), which states that "the warrant shall be executed by the arrest of the defendant."
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
1001 Esther Benson Memorial Drive
Dandridge, TN 37725
(865) 397-9411
Jefferson County Sheriff's Department
The Sheriff's Office maintains a public-facing "Most Wanted" list that includes individuals with active warrants for serious offenses. This list is regularly updated as warrants are served or new warrants are issued.
To get information on whether you have a warrant in Jefferson County in 2025, you can utilize several methods. If warrant records are available online, you can search through official government websites that provide access to public records. Other options include:
Pursuant to T.C.A. § 40-6-215, individuals may request information about warrants issued against them. The statute provides that "any person shall be entitled to inspect public records maintained by a law enforcement agency to determine if a warrant has been issued against such person."
Searches for outstanding warrants in Jefferson County are available through different methods. These include:
The Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 4(g)(3), provides that "if a defendant is arrested in a county other than the county in which the warrant was issued, the arresting officer shall take the defendant before a magistrate as provided in Rule 5(a)." This provision ensures that individuals with outstanding warrants are properly processed regardless of where in the state they are apprehended.